Tune In to Celebrate Pride: These LGBTQIA+ Podcasts Are Worth A Listen

This Pride Month, let’s celebrate the vibrant tapestry of the Indian LGBTQIA+ community not just with parades and rainbows, but also by tuning into their powerful voices on podcasts. These podcasts offer a platform for stories, experiences, and perspectives that have long been silenced or marginalized.

LGBTQIA+ podcasts in India are breaking new ground. They provide a safe space for open conversations about everything from navigating sexuality to facing societal challenges. They educate, entertain, and empower listeners, fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Keeping it Queer:

Remember that awkward first crush you harbored but never dared to confess because, well, things were different back then? Comedian Navin Noronha brings that relatable feeling, along with a healthy dose of humor, to his podcast “Keeping it Queer.” This isn’t your average interview show. Navin welcomes members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are out and proud, and together they delve into everything from the quirks of their sexuality to how their lives have evolved as queer individuals. From asexuality to body positivity, to the “discreet charm” of adolescent crushes, “Keeping it Queer” has tackled a wide range of topics in its glorious two-year run. Add Navin’s irreverent wit to the mix and you have a podcast that makes even the most serious subjects feel ten times more intimate and, dare we say, hilarious.

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2018 marked a pivotal year for the Indian LGBTQIA+ community with the decriminalization of Section 377. To celebrate this newfound freedom, RJ Mandee and RJ Kabir decided to launch India’s only LGBTQIA+ radio show, “Rainbow Diaries.” Think of it as a virtual coming-out party where everyone is welcome to share their stories, experiences, and perspectives. It’s a space for open dialogue, laughter, and of course, a celebration of the vibrant LGBTQIA+ community in India.

Meet Yogi and Kabeer, a couple who are breaking stereotypes in the gay world and beyond. They come from regular, middle-class Indian families and are in a committed, monogamous relationship. Their podcast, “Shuddh Desi Gay” (translation: Pure Desi Gay), offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to be gay in India. They delve into their personal journeys, their experiences as a couple, and the challenges and triumphs of being homosexual in a society that’s still evolving.

Looking for a dose of cultural exploration with your podcast? Then “Queering Desi with Priya Arora” is the perfect listen. Writer-activist Priya Arora curates a space where diverse voices from the South Asian queer community come together to discuss their art, lifestyles, and experiences. From the fluidity of gender with Durga Gawde to a myriad of other topics, “Queering Desi” offers a platform for stories and perspectives that are often underrepresented in mainstream media.

Pride Month is about celebrating diversity, and that includes acknowledging the intersection of LGBTQIA+ identities with other social movements. “Intersectional Feminism—Desi Style!” hosted by Nishtha and Pragya, tackles the crucial concept of intersectionality. They explore how it plays out in different areas of life and why feminism can’t truly exist without it. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to be a better ally and advocate for equality for all.

Looking for a dose of real talk? Dive into “Queer Conversations with KayDee.” Two ordinary LGBTQIA+ individuals take center stage, sharing their experiences and sparking relatable conversations about life in the rainbow community.

Curious about what it means to be queer in today’s India? Join Farhad Karkaria and Sunetro Lahiri on “GayBCD.” This podcast is a journey of exploration and discovery, unraveling the complexities and realities of LGBTQIA+ identity in modern India.

This thought-provoking podcast by Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, the “First Gay Prince of India,” tackles a wide range of LGBTQIA+ issues. From legal matters to emotional well-being, “LGBTQ Kyun?” aims to educate and raise awareness through insightful interviews with prominent community figures and everyday individuals.

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“MasculiniTea” offers a unique perspective on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. This podcast features conversations with transmasculine individuals, exploring their journeys, relationships with masculinity, and the challenges it presents in their lives. It’s a powerful exploration of identity and societal expectations.

For a deep dive into the heart of the LGBTQIA+ community, tune into “Azaad Awaaz” on Audible Suno. This 10-episode series hosted by filmmaker Mozez Singh features powerful interviews celebrating the freedom to be oneself. Listen to the dreams, struggles, triumphs, and joys of India’s LGBTQIA+ community and allies.

This is just a starting point! There are many other fantastic LGBTQIA+ podcasts in India waiting to be discovered. So, put on your headphones, celebrate Pride Month with a dose of audio inspiration, and join the conversation! Remember, listening is a powerful way to learn, connect, and amplify the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s raise our virtual volume and celebrate Pride Month in all its vibrant glory!