Podcasts are popular due to their accessibility. Anyone with a smartphone can access them, wherever and whenever, for free! It could be my 90s’ baby perspective, but who has time to tune in to television at a fixed time anymore? We have come to expect media to be available where and when we want it. 

The trend towards on-demand streaming is visible across all media: television, music and talk radio to name a few. A few years ago, it became indisputable there was a massive market for on-demand audio. The growing listenership of podcasts enticed the likes of BBC and NBC to the party, leading to a technological and cultural gentrification of sorts. The LGBTQ+ community has witnessed how RuPaul’s Drag Race has co-opted, commercialised and redefined what great drag means to an entire generation.

Traditionally, if you’re lucky during a promotional round, you might get five minutes on a chat show, perhaps even a 60-seconds news bulletin. Podcasts changed this. A long-form interview allows interviewees to tell their full story regardless of how niche, making podcasts the go-to destination for marginalised groups to tell their reality without the risk of corporate interests diluting the story… for the time being at least.

Celebs like Jessie Ware and Fearne Cotton have revitalised their careers from their own homes with their now legendary podcasts – respectively Table Manners and Happy Place. Podcasts gave the stars a chance to talk about things they are genuinely passionate about. LGBTQ+ fave Jessie Ware went from pop star to professional podcaster by building a podcasting empire in just a few years, resulting in a sold-out live tour, over 35 million regular listeners, and a bestselling cookbook with her mum and co-host, Lennie. The podcast’s success led to Lennie herself inadvertently becoming a gay icon amongst their strong LGBTQ+ listenership, with It’s a Sin star Olly Alexander amongst her fan club.

Whilst the benefits of podcasts and accessible digital media are not limited to the queer community, it’s clear that LGBTQ+ people are particularly attracted to the space. The communities built by podcasts open doors for LGBTQ+ people who live rural or discreet existences. Whether it’s relationships, self-help, or LGBTQ+ culture, podcasts unite people with a common interest, normalising shared experiences and promoting inclusivity to listeners worldwide.

Podcasters are facing new challenges with the technological gentrification now in full force. Despite the origins of the podcast world, it is becoming increasingly difficult for independent podcasters to penetrate through in such a competitive space. There are so many podcasts on the market that sometimes it can be hard to find the one for you. Not to worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. Enjoy Pride Life HQ’s list of our favourite independent podcasts, ideal for the LGBTQ+ audience.