Top 10 LGBTQ+ Podcasts for College Students
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- Podcasts are increasingly popular and widely available to the public.
- LGBTQ+ podcasts explore queer perspectives directly from the mouths of queer people.
- Explore podcasts related to pop culture, identity, and sexuality this Pride Month.
Top 10 LGBTQ+ Podcasts for College Students
Increasingly known for their capacity to entertain and educate, podcasts have become wildly popular over the last few years. Around 41% of U.S. teens and adults have listened to a podcast in the last month, and Apple hosts about 2.5 million of them in total. These trends indicate that podcasts are a hot commodity.
As we approach Pride Month 2022, one of the easiest ways for students to get familiar with queer experiences is through LGBTQ+ podcasts. Here are 10 of the best shows to start with.
History Is Gay
History books and historians have sometimesfailed to celebrate the contributions of people of color and women. Additionally, they often fail to acknowledge queerness. “History Is Gay” is a podcast dedicated to exposing hidden LGBTQ+ figures, with each episode covering different eras, countries, and ideologies that have remarkably queer pasts.
The hosts and guests explore topics like the queer history of EDM, homosexuality in Imperial China, and transgender cowboys in the Old West. “History Is Gay,” full of intellect and humor, is interesting for casual listeners and history enthusiasts alike. This podcast is a must-listen.
Bad Queers
Though social labels are liberating for some, they can be restricting for others. “Bad Queers” is a podcast full of transgressions against queer stereotypes in which the hosts aim to disrupt the boxes they were forced into after taking on a queer label.
The show covers topics related to modern LGBTQ+ culture through an intersectional lens. In each episode, the hosts reflect on their experiences, give their hot takes, and unravel toxic expectations. From top surgery to the WNBA, “Bad Queers” investigates queer norms and reflects on their origins. Join the hosts as they find out how overrated labels can be.
Queerology: A Podcast on Belief and Being
Many people might consider the terms “LGBTQ+” and “religion” irreconcilable because of their complicated history of association. However, the “Queerology” podcast says otherwise. Dedicated to merging the queer and the spiritual; the show examines faith from an LGBTQ+ viewpoint.
The host — along with experts in fields like theology, psychology, and the occult — dives deep into connecting to a higher power as a queer person. “Queerology: A Podcast on Belief and Being” helps listeners reclaim their spirituality by dispelling the myth that religion and sexuality can’t mix. As entertaining as it is revolutionary, this show is a sleeper hit.
Food 4 Thot
They didn’t choose the thot life; the thot life chose them. “Food 4 Thot” is a podcast that feels more like a conversation with close friends. The hosts hold no punches as they examine culture from an intersectional perspective that’s heavy on queer dialogue.
Listeners will get new perspectives on trending news and recommendations for everything from books to sex toys. Joined by occasional guests like Alok Vaid-Menon, the hosts joke their way through the modern cultural landscape. Get a weekly fix of fun with “Food 4 Thot.”
LGBTQ&A
Created in partnership with the media powerhouse The Advocate, “LGBTQ&A” is a series of interviews with LGBTQ+ figures and icons. The cast of famous guests, including author Roxane Gay, senator Tammy Baldwin, and media star TS Madison, divulge the moments that made their careers.
Filled to the brim with honesty and storytelling, “LGBTQ&A” provides what’s largely missing in media representation. Each episode is a peek into how differently the world turns for queer people. With never-ending revelations for listeners, this podcast is one of the best (and most educational) binges out there.
Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness
“Getting Curious With Jonathan Van Ness” gives listeners a peek at the world through JVN’s eyes as a nonbinary person. Each podcast episode covers a quirky question, featuring queer-specific and non-queer-specific topics. JVN goes deep with the expert guests to unlock small but impactful curiosities.
From the history of “female husbands” to intersex inclusion (and even the power of sunscreen), there is no shortage of curious factoids in each episode. This podcast is jam-packed with chronicles of life delivered through a queer prism and is for listeners who are ready to learn.
Queer Movie Podcast
Entirely dedicated to LGBTQ+ representation in media, “Queer Movie Podcast” covers just what its title suggests: queer movies. The hosts’ near-encyclopedic knowledge of popular film and culture keeps each episode full of new takes on old classics. You can also get recommendations for your next LGBTQ+ movie night.
The podcast focuses on dissecting cinema, airing out the good, the bad, and the ugly of queer media. With nuance infused into every second of commentary, listeners follow hosts on their quest for understanding via the silver screen. Join every other week to learn about movies and get some food for thought.
TransLash Podcast With Imara Jones
Aptly named for the backlash trans folks face daily, the “TransLash Podcast With Imara Jones” is a ledger of trans experiences. Overflowing with political discourse, the host leads transformative conversations with new guests each episode. One of the most recent visitors was Janelle Monae, who gives insight into what it’s like to explore gender in the limelight.
“TransLash” covers many topics driving social and legislative changes, such as the bills dismantling trans participation in sports and what motherhood looks like for trans women. A modern media masterpiece, this podcast details exactly how equity should look.
Bisexual Diaries
Bisexuality exists, and the hosts of “Bisexual Diaries” are here to make it known. Full of amusement and dry humor, this podcast describes the bisexual experience with sincerity. With a catalog of subjects ranging from friendship with exes to queer awakenings, the hosts are up to talk about anything and everything.
“Bisexual Diaries” is a chaotic jumble of pop culture, social theories, and relationship drama that leaves listeners with aching sides at the end of each episode. Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughs every week.
Gay Men Going Deeper
The LGBTQ+ community is one of the most vulnerable populations. Experiencing disproportionately high rates of sexual assault, HIV, and suicide, queer people need support. Focused on tackling these topics alongside endorsing queer camaraderie, “Gay Men Going Deeper” is a podcast that calls for change.
The show talks about identity, sexuality, and mental health as these issues relate to gay men, and the multiracial cast of hosts always sprinkles in intersectional viewpoints. From lessons on forgiveness to dating with disabilities, “Gay Men Going Deeper” incites critical and empathic conversations about gay manhood.
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