Exploring LGBTQ+ Podcasts On Mental Health, Relationships, Identity, And More
Whether you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or as an ally, you may enjoy listening to some engaging LGBTQ+ podcasts, which tend to offer diverse voices and thought-provoking perspectives. There are LGBTQ+ podcasts on all kinds of topics related to queer experiences, from coming-out stories to transgender mental health resources to queer culture and media, among many others. Here, we’ll talk about some potential benefits of listening to queer podcasts and interviews and will provide some suggestions for shows to consider exploring.
Mental health in the queer community
BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) individuals.
These disparities are a result of the lived experiences of discrimination of queer people rather than anything inherent to those with a queer identity. These experiences of discrimination tend to particularly impact those with intersectional identities, or multiple marginalized identities that a single individual may hold. For example, an individual who is both queer and disabled may face additional discrimination, prejudice, and barriers as a result of both of these identities. Queer people and those with intersectional identities also tend to face more barriers to receiving adequate, affordable healthcare.
Potential benefits of listening to LGBTQ+ podcasts and interviews
Learning about the queer community through inclusive LGBTQ+ podcasts
Also consider that for individuals who are exploring their gender identity or sexuality, a podcast may serve as a safe space to hear from people across the LGBTQ+ spectrum as they tell their personal stories. For a person who may not identify as part of this community, an LGBTQ+ podcast might help them learn language and concepts that could equip them to better support and advocate for queer loved ones and community members.
A list of top, inclusive queer podcasts and their hosts
The LGBTQ+ community is incredibly diverse, which means that the queer stories and podcasts out there today tend to be as well. As a result, you’re likely to be able to find a show or interview that relates to your interest or experiences, from exploring your sexuality and discovering inspiring queer icons to learning about mental health or supporting a loved one within the LGBTQ+ community. Below are some popular LGBTQ+ and queer-related podcasts available today.
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.
Neurotakes
Neurotakes is a podcast “about two reconnected friends navigating a world not made for them.” The hosts discuss themes related to their Asian American/Pacific Islander (AAPI) heritage, their queer identities, their neurodivergence, and more. Episodes cover a range of topics, from masking and sensory issues to sex, labels, and gender.
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.
TrashLash
The TransLash podcast is hosted by Imara Jones, a journalist and transgender activist, and it aims to amplify trans voices. Jones uses this podcast to discuss various topics that affect the well-being of the trans community today, from sharing inspiring stories about trans parenthood to detailing challenges and joys through interviews with Autistic trans individuals to breaking down the current state of legislative threats to the queer and trans community.
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 queer people today.
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 includes an interview with a different queer individual and touches on a topic that relates to mental health in some way, from the impacts of loneliness to traveling as a Black queer person to coping with online harassment and abuse related to one’s identity.
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. This podcast explores many of the challenges trans people often 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.
Mind If We Talk?
Produced by BetterHelp in partnership with Acast Creative Studios, Mind If We Talk? is an eight-episode podcast hosted by licensed therapist Haesue Jo that explores emotional challenges like grief, loneliness, imposter syndrome, and setting boundaries—all through a therapeutic and inclusive lens. While not exclusively LGBTQ+-focused, the show’s honest conversations and emphasis on identity, self-worth, and emotional safety offer valuable insight for queer listeners navigating mental health in a complex world. It’s a thoughtful resource for anyone seeking validation, resilience, and connection through candid storytelling.
Finding other queer podcasts to explore
The queer podcasts listed here are just a small fraction of those that are available today. If you’re looking for more LGBTQ+ shows to listen to, there are a few different ways to find them. First, word of mouth can be a powerful recommendation tool. Asking your friends for recommendations of any queer podcasts they may listen to could be a good place to start.
You might also look to queer public figures you already follow to see if they host, appear on, or promote certain podcasts. If you’re looking for content on a specific topic—such as podcasts about asexuality, podcasts about Black trans experiences, or podcasts about stories from queer, disabled individuals, for example—you might do a quick internet search for those specific keywords. You could also use hashtags to find inclusive influencers and thought leaders in those particular spaces on social media.
Additional resources beyond these podcast episodes
There are many other forms of queer media and resources out there if you’re not interested in podcasts or are simply looking for more content. For example, there are many queer YouTubers today who share their stories, interviews, or information deep-dives on topics related to the queer community. You could also look for reputable documentaries about queer experiences, by queer people. Finally, looking up top queer booklists, such as those that have received a Stonewall Book Award or other prizes, or joining a queer book club could help you find written material about queer experiences to enjoy and learn from.
Seeking mental health support through therapy
While an LGBTQ+ podcast may be a valuable resource, it’s not considered an adequate supplement for care from a licensed therapist. If you’re experiencing mental health symptoms but don’t feel comfortable with traditional in-office therapy, you might consider online therapy instead, 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 remotely via phone, live chat, or video call at times that work for you. Research suggests that online therapy can often be just as effective as in-person therapy for treating a number of mental health challenges, including depression and anxiety.
Plus, with a platform like BetterHelp, you can also share your preferences in a therapist in your
onboarding questionnaire and get matched with a provider accordingly—whether you’d like someone who shares your cultural background or someone experienced in providing compassionate support to LGBTQ+ individuals.
Takeaway
What gender listens to podcasts the most?
A poll by Statista found that 53% of podcast listeners in 2022 were men. However, many women listen to podcasts, and the number of women who do is growing annually. The reason men may be more likely to listen to podcasts is the availability of genres they’re interested in and the consumer habits of their social circle. If men suggest podcasts to each other, other men may be more likely to try them out. However, podcasts aren’t gendered, and anyone from any background can listen to them. There are podcasts on thousands of topics.
What is the new LGBTQ+?
You can use LGBTQ+ to refer to the LGBTQ+ community. This acronym stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more. However, some people use the term “queer” to refer to the community in total. Others may use other acronyms, such as LGBT, LGBTQIA, or MOGAI. The full acronym is considered LGBTQQIP2SAA, but many people do not use this one because of its length. If you know someone in the LGBTQ+ community, ask them how they’d like to be referred to. If you’re part of the community, you get to decide how you refer to yourself.
How many podcasts are made by men?
Many podcasts are made by men. A few that you might consider a “must listen” include Joseph Osmundson, Denne Michele Norris, Bowen Yang, Tommy Pico, Jonathan van Ness, Fran Tirado, and Matt Rogers. You can check out a single episode of each podcast to find out if you enjoy them.
Many podcasts offer deep dives and conversations on various topics and answer listener questions. Others may offer more intimate conversations, such as talking about taboo things, sex lives, sex toys, and other more intimate conversations. If you’re looking for an LGBTQ+ podcast in queer media, you might try one that explores queer life, gay pop culture, or weekly interviews with queer people. Media representation of queer people has been limited, but many podcasts feature interview guests who live their lives openly and share what it is like to live as a queer person in various settings.
An example of a queer podcast is Queer as Fact. In every single episode, the hosts explore the history of queer figures, trans women, and other LGBTQ+ people in history and what it was like to be LGBTQ+ at certain points in history. Recent guests include Lazau, Irene, and Alice. You can learn about the history of hip hop from a queer lens or explore the potential queerness of historical figures like Jane Austen. There’s absolutely nothing these people don’t cover in their curious and interesting podcast. They also take a hilarious twist on some, using humor to explore the past. You can also check out their pride month specials to learn more about the history of pride.
Who has the #1 podcast?
The “number one” podcast is subjective. Many people have different tastes, and some people don’t like podcasts at all. However, the most popular podcasts in 2024 include the following:
- The Daily (a news show)
- Crime Junkie
- Dateline NBC
- Morbid
- SmartLess
- Huberman Lab
- LGBTQ&A
- Food 4 Thot
- Dyking Out - A Lesbian Podcast
Who is the target audience for podcasts?
The target audience of podcasts is anyone who wants to learn more about the subject discussed in the podcast. In queer podcasts, a person may want to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community or hear about topics that they relate to.
Which gender listens to music more?
There is no evidence that any one gender listens to music more than the other. Men, women, and people of other genders all listen to music. Music is not limited to gender.
What type of personality listens to podcasts?
According to Forbes and other sources, podcast listeners are generally young adults. Men are more likely to listen to podcasts, and many listeners are higher in scores of openness and curiosity. These people may also identify as intellectuals or people who enjoy digesting a lot of information. Some people might listen to podcasts instead of reading because they process information better in an audio format.
What do you call a person who listens to podcasts?
A person who listens to podcasts is called a “person who listens to podcasts.” You could also call them a “podcast listener” or “podcast fan.” There is no other term.
Is Spotify podcast free?
You can listen to podcasts for free on Spotify. However, you may have to pay for Premium to not have ads. To create podcasts on Spotify, you just have to create an account and start. Spotify for Podcasters is free to use.
Who has the biggest podcast audience?
The number one podcast in the world is Joe Rogan’s The Joe Rogan Experience, which has over three billion listeners. However, many podcasts have millions of listeners, and whether a podcast is big or not does not necessarily align with quality of content.
- Previous Article
- Next Article