Why you should listen to LGBTQ+ podcasts

Whether you identify within the LGBTQ+ community or are an ally, you may enjoy listening to some engaging LGBTQ+ podcasts, which tend to offer a diversity of voices and perspectives. LGBTQ+ podcasts often cover topics like gay relationships, transgender mental health, and what it means to be queer, in addition to challenging assumptions about differences between various groups of humans.

Mental health in the LGBTQ+ community

Benefits of using LGBTQ+ media

For individuals exploring their identity or sexuality, a podcast may be a safe space to receive support and hear from people across the diverse LGBTQ+ community as they tell their personal stories. These podcasts may help listeners navigate their own experiences in the LGBTQ+ community.

A podcast, particularly one with hosts from the LGBTQ+ community, allows you to immerse yourself in the LGBTQ+ community without having to actively participate in discussions if you’re not ready yet. For those who may not identify as part of this community, an LGBTQ+ podcast might give you the language to fully support your loved ones or coworkers and provide you with a background on their experiences.

LGBTQ+ podcasts to try

LGBTQ+ podcasts tend to be as diverse as the individuals in the broad LGBTQ+ communities. From exploring your sexuality and discovering inspiring queer icons to learning about mental health and supporting a loved one within the LGBTQ+ community, there may be a podcast that resonates with you and your experiences. Below are some of the most highly-rated LGBTQ+ podcasts:

Food 4 Thot

Hosted by a multiracial mix of LGBTQ+ writers, Food 4 Thot is an inclusive podcast that explores various topics relevant to the LGBTQ+ community. From relationships and sex to sexuality and race, Food 4 Thot may be able to help you navigate your experience as a part of the LGBTQ+ community or understand how to support loved ones in this community.

Making Gay History

Hosted by Eric Marcus, author of more than 12 books, Making Gay History celebrates the successes within the LGBTQ+ community. Some episodes feature intimate portraits of LGBTQ+ individuals, while others explore queer history and the LGBTQ movement., Making Gay History uses audio from Marcus’s audio archive, which features rare interviews of champions for gay rights.

Queery

Hosted by comedian and actor Cameron Esposito, Queery is a highly-rated podcast featuring inspiring leaders and visionaries, including queer writers and the latest LGBTQ+ music artists. Each episode explores personal stories and intimate experiences through a queer lens, as well as discussions about the cultural shift around sexuality, gender, and civil rights in today’s world.

Queerology

Hosted by Matthias Roberts, Queerology invites theologians, thought leaders, writers, psychologists, and change-makers to discuss what it means to be queer as a person of faith. This podcast explores the intersection of faith and sexuality and provides a fresh perspective and actionable tips for lifestyle changes to improve the overall well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals of faith.

LGBTQ&A

This podcast features interviews with some of the most interesting and inspiring individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Hosted by Jeffrey Masters and produced by The Advocate magazine, the LGBTQ&A podcast was nominated for Outstanding Podcast at the 2023 GLAAD Awards. 

A Gay And A NonGay

In A Gay And A NonGay, co-hosts James Barr and Dan Hudson explore the relationship between LGBTQ+ and heterosexual individuals, challenges their differences, and discusses why we should avoid viewing things from the perspective of one gay stereotype. This podcast inspires listeners to better understand each individual’s unique personal experiences and effectively relate to each other with kindness and compassion. New episodes are typically released each week.

Homo Sapiens

Hosted by Christopher Sweeney, Homo Sapiens is a podcast that explores today’s world from an authentic queer perspective. Sweeney interviews leaders, icons, thinkers, and allies of the LGBTQ+ community to talk about life, culture, and issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community.

Bottoming

Led by co-hosts Brendan Geoghegan and Matthew Riley, Bottoming is a podcast created for individuals within the LGBTQ+ community experiencing mental health concerns. Each episode navigates mental health challenges, from “rock bottoming and beyond.”

How To Be A Girl

Hosted by a single mother and initially recorded in 2014, How To Be A Girl navigates life with a 6-year-old transgender daughter and the journey of uncovering what it means to be a girl in today’s world. This podcast explores many of the challenges trans people may face in today’s world and offers supportive advice for both transgender individuals and their loved ones.

Outward

Created by Slate magazine, Outward is a monthly podcast exploring culture, politics, and challenges from a queer perspective. This podcast offers real-life advice and information on scientific discoveries on sexuality, current events and changes, and other topics from various perspectives and voices on the LGBTQ+ spectrum.

Even more to explore

This is by no means a comprehensive list of all the LGBTQ+ podcasts out there. There are many other media resources you can explore beyond the ones listed here, such as Being LGBTQ, a podcast hosted by LGBTQ+ advocate Sam Wise, or selected works from queer advocate Roxane Gay. There is also a new podcast called Nancy that covers LGBTQ+ themes that’s produced by WNYC in New York and hosted by best friends Kathy Tu and Tobin Low.

If you’re interested in pop culture, you can find a podcast that looks at reality TV through a queer lens. Also, To L and Back: An L Word Podcast takes a deep dive into the popular Showtime series (of the same name) about a lesbian community, taking you through each episode one by one. 

It can sometimes help to listen to a recent episode to see if a particular podcast covers topics you’re interested in. If you’re active on social media, you can be a part of the conversation by using a viral hashtag related to the show or even directly interacting with the hosts online.

When to see a therapist

While an LGBTQ+ podcast may be a valuable resource to turn to when you need support, it may also be helpful to talk to a licensed therapist who has experience helping people in the LGBTQ+ community. If you don’t feel comfortable with traditional in-office therapy, you might consider online therapy, which allows you to connect with a qualified therapist from the comfort of home or anywhere you have an internet connection. With online therapy, you can speak with a licensed counselor via phone, live chat, or videoconferencing at a time that works for you.

Research has shown that online therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for a number of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety. Many individuals who use online therapy have also found it to be more cost-effective than traditional in-person therapy.