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It’s estimated that there are over 850,000 podcasts on the internet. There are podcasts for about anything – from politics to sports to niche comic books. There is also a healthy variety of LGBTQ podcasts.
With so many podcasts and options out there, it can be hard to decide which are the ones worth listening to. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Continue reading and I’ll walk you through the top LGBTQ podcasts of 2021.
Top LGBTQ Podcasts of 2023
Below are eight of my favorite LGBTQ podcasts on the air right now. Enjoy and let me know your favorites in the comments below!
1. The Read
The Read is hosted by the hilarious Crissle and Kid Fury. These pop culture experts give us a glimpse into their take on celebrity gossip, Black queer friendship, hip-hop, and life in New York City.
They’ve become one of the most popular podcasts on iTunes after starting almost four years ago. They’ve been joined by special guests including Chescaleigh, Shaun Ross, and Kelly Rowland. When guests are on, they partake in “reading.”
For those of you who aren’t familiar with reading, it’s a term derived from the Black and queer communities, where the reader delivers some harsh truths to their target. The guests and hosts usually do reads for a special topic or celebrity. For those who are looking for a long-form discussion about topics ranging from politics, life advice, comedy, and pop culture, The Read is for you.
2. Pod Save the People
This podcast is hosted by DeRay McKesson. You may recognize him his work with the Black Lives Matter movement. He’s also prominent on Twitter where he often speaks out on class, social inequality, race, and sexuality.
McKesson gained fame after being a powerful voice in Ferguson following the death of Michael Brown by the police. In his current podcast, McKesson talks with activists, politicians, and celebrities about topics including social justice and change. Former guests include Katy Perry, Edward Snowden, Carolyn DeWitt, and Keith Ellison.
Not too long ago, the podcast peaked at the number two spot on iTunes’ podcast charts.
3. Nancy
If you’re looking for a short but thought-provoking podcast, then you’re sure to love Nancy. The show is hosted by best friends Tobin Low and Kathy Tu and deals with issues that concern the LGBTQ community. The hosts specifically address topics relating to people who are both Asian and queer.
In their first episode, the two friends shared their coming out stories and interview their parents to get their perspectives. The conversations on this podcast can definitely get raw and real at times which can often feel like a breath of fresh air. Some recent guests include Asia Kate Dillon, Rufus Wainright, and Lena Waithe.
4. Never Before
Author, trans activist and pop culture icon Janet Mock hosts the wildly popular Never Before podcast. One of her most fascinating guests was Ms.Tina Knowles-Lawson, the mother to Beyoncé. She’s also conversed with Representative Maxine Waters and queer activist Rowan Blanchard.
In the first episode of Never Before, Janet explains that she wants to expose her favorite role models to new audiences and have in-depth conversations with them.
5. LGBTQ&A
LGBTQ&A is hosted by Jeffrey Masters, a writer for the Huffington Post. The show focuses on the importance of preserving the histories of individuals, both famous and unknown, who’ve made an impact. The show helps to highlight how diverse the LGBTQ community actually is and also dive deep into the individual lives of some of its most significant voices.
Each episode involves Masters speaking with a member of the LGBTQ community and discussing that person’s personal story. Some of Masters’s most well-known guests include non-binary advocate Jacob Tobia, drag queen Trixie Mattel, and trans activist Bamby Salcedo.
You can also listen to LGBTQ&A as an audio podcast or watch the filmed interviews on its YouTube channel.
6. The BiCast
The BiCast is produced by BiNet USA, which is an organization that advocates for fluid, bisexual, unlabeled, pansexual, queer-identified, and intersex people. This podcast provides its listeners with information, news, and a community for bi and queer people.
BiCast is hosted by Mick Collins, Becca Tsarna, and the president of BiNet USA- Lynnette McFadzen. In each episode, these hosts meet with well-respected activists, artists, and authors. They talk about everything from creativity to inclusion, representation, and health issues.
7. Come Thru Queen
This sassy and lighthearted show is hosted by two gay rights activists. The two friends sit and give their opinions on the most exciting reality shows currently on TV. Their favorites are RuPaul’s Drag Race, Real Housewive (of Beverly Hills, New Jersey, New York, Atlanta, and Orange Counties to be exact), and everything on Bravo.
The two hosts are also extremely active on Twitter and Tumblr so you can enjoy their banter even while you’re waiting for the newest episode.
8. Food 4 Thot
This is definitely the most explicit podcast on my list. The show is made up of a variety of queer multiracial artists who love to talk about culture, identity, and sex. The show’s hosts are Joe Osmundson, Fran Tirado, Tommy “Teebs” Pico, and Dennis Norris II.
This is a no-holds-barred kind of show that will have you literally rolling on the floor with laughter.
Importance of Knowing the Top LGBTQ Podcasts
Every person is unique. We in “the community” know this especially well. Not every LGBTQ podcast on this list may be right for you.
But these are some of the best LGBTQ podcasts around and you’ll likely enjoy some, if not all of them. However you identify, it’s enjoyable to listen to and support the rise of queer voices.
Interested to learn more about what you should’ve been taught in school, but your parents and teachers didn’t know themselves? Explore the blog or contact us today.
What are your favorite LGBTQ podcasts? Let me know below and I’ll check them out.
Nick Ota-Wang says
I strongly encourage all interested in LGBT topics to check out “Making Gay History” A podcast about LGBT History with host Eric Marcus. Eric does a remarkable job of incorporating the interviews he did in the 1980s and 1990s with the founders of the modern LGBT movement.