Of course I wouldn’t be an intellectual urban elite if I didn’t listen to a ton of podcasts and NPR. If you’re looking to beat the diva doldrums, switch pop hits for queer podcasts. Ideas can be bops, too. Here are a few of my favorite podcasts of the homosexual persuasion.
Making Gay History
This podcast takes a different approach to history. You’ll hear quick summaries and highlights about important figures in gay history but these mostly bite-sized episodes are from journalist Eric Marcus’ vault of interviews with both the well-known and the long forgotten. He usually recounts the story of what the interview was like but from there, episodes are first person conversations.
Nancy
Okay, I apologize for the educational suggestions. School’s out. Get a good dose of entertainment and LGBTQ topics with Nancy. Hosts Kathy and Tobin are totally playful while discussing some at times rather serious issues. Check out the episode “Does Your Boss Know You’re Gay?” about being out in the workplace and the potential problems it can cause.
Food 4 Thot
I just discovered this podcast on Instagram and I’m loving it. The four hosts are really entertaining and discuss a mix of topics ranging form hook ups to race and identity in the queer community to in depth reflections on relationships. It’s a perfect mix of thoughts and thots.
UnErased: The History of Conversion Therapy in America
In the US, over 700,000 people have been subjected to conversion therapy, a dangerous “treatment” to cure homosexuality. The podcast also features interviews with Garrard Conley, author of Boy Erased: A Memoir, and clips from the film adaptation of his novel, Boy Erased. Interviews with a group of mothers who organize as Mama Bears are extremely touching.
Latinos Who Lunch
As a latino who lunches myself, this has quickly become one of my favorite podcasts. Hosts Babelito and Favy Fav offer plenty of hot takes on pop culture, art, and all the snacks in between. Representation matters now more than ever, and it’s refreshing to hear a queer podcast discussing the glory of Juanga and the Mexican penchant for Ajax.
The Queer History Podcast
Being the nerd that I am, I love learning about history. Particularly moments that aren’t taught in school. The Queer History Podcast has been a total delight. And if history lessons are normally a turnoff for you, the hosts Dakota and Dylan keep it casual and conversational. Their commentary is totally relatable. Nerds are just like us. While not the most uplifting topic, their episode on the Upstairs Lounge Fire really stood out to me. This was a tragic attack on a gay bar in New Orleans in 1973. Plus, they did an outstanding job covering Frida Kahlo, one of my favorite artists.
More Perfect
More Perfect is a spin-off show from RadioLab about Supreme Court cases. It’s not a queer podcast but I stumbled upon it by chance this week playing on NPR. It so happened to be the story of Lawrence v. Texas, the landmark case that struck down sodomy laws. Aside from the fact that it involves gay rights and Texas, I found the backstory extremely unexpected. Now that I’ve discovered it, I can’t wait to dive into more episodes. But you at the very least should check out the Lawrence v. Texas episode.
I’m always on the hunt for hot talk, which queer podcasts are you listening to right now?
