Are you looking for a new best friend, cultural commentator or agony aunt?
BY ALISA PASHA, IMAGE BY UNAIHUIZI
As the days get colder, there’s nothing better than a hot drink, a cosy blanket and a good podcast. From chaotic dating stories to thought-provoking conversations about identity and culture, here are eight LGBTQIA+ shows to add to your queue this season.
Strictly PG
Hosted by Paige Fletcher and Georgia
Think of it as catching up with your two funniest friends. Paige and Georgia swap stories about disastrous holidays, awkward encounters, dating dilemmas alongside cheeky discussions about sex and relationships. Their listener-submitted “Strictly Situations” bring even more chaos, as the pair weigh in on everything from whether to leave a marriage to navigating tricky friendships – expect plenty of dark humour and unfiltered opinions.
A Bit Fruity
Hosted by Matt Bernstein
Definitely a personal favourite, the podcast to turn to when you want to make sense of the cultural conversations happening around you. Online creator Matt Bernstein unpacks everything from celebrity culture to political movements and the debates surrounding queer identity. Combining sharp commentary with thoughtful research, Matt has a knack for making complicated topics accessible without losing their nuance.
AfroQueer
Hosted by Selly Thiam
Taking us beyond the usual UK and US queer narratives, AfroQueer shares the stories of LGBTQIA+ people across the African continent and its diaspora. From family and relationships to migration, activism, censorship and sexuality, the podcast explores what it means to be queer in different African communities. It’s an important reminder that there’s no single queer experience.
Some Families
Hosted by Lotte Jeffs and Stu Oakley
Offering an honest and often hilarious look at what it means to build a queer family through heartfelt conversations and personal stories. The pair tackle the realities of LGBTQIA+ parenthood while challenging common misconceptions. Whether you’re considering having children, already navigating parenthood or simply curious about the many ways families can look, this podcast is well worth a listen.
The Queer Athlete Podcast
Hosted by Emma Gee
The first openly queer student-athlete to come out publicly at Brigham Young University, the podcast explores LGBTQIA+ people’s place in sport. Through in-depth conversations with queer athletes, Emma discusses everything from identity and coming out to competition, belonging and visibility. It’s an insightful listen that shines a light on the challenges and triumphs of queer women in sporting spaces.
Homo Sapiens
Hosted by Christopher Sweeney
Homo Sapiens celebrates the people and stories shaping LGBTQIA+ culture. As they welcome guests from diverse backgrounds to discuss identity, activism, politics and everything in-between. They’ve explored it all from queer representation in schools to the experiences of LGBTQ+ sex workers. Expect fascinating interviews and plenty of queer perspectives.
Alphabet Club
Hosted by Shannon Beveridge
For anyone who loves a little queer relationship gossip, Alphabet Club is essential listening. Shannon explores queer dating, intimacy, breakups and everything in between, with a stacked guest line-up, it’s candid, funny and feels like an honest conversation between friends. Two episodes even feature her ex-girlfriend, offering a fascinating insight into love and heartbreak.
Made It Out
Hosted by Mal Glowenke
Made It Out is the kind of podcast that can have you laughing one minute and reaching for the tissues the next. The show explores what it means to find yourself and build a life beyond the closet. Conversations touch on everything from sexuality, religion to race, spirituality and belonging. Honest, emotional and full of warmth, it offers the kind of representation that can make you feel a little less alone.
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