Remember when Ellen Degeneres first opened up that she’s gay? She did it on her TV sitcom, and it created a lot of reactions – both negative and positive. This was 30 years ago when the topic of LGBT was taken so seriously and often received a bashing attitude.
Fast forward to where we are now, there are still bashing moments and negative side comments about one’s sexuality, however, the platform for revealing one’s true identity has expanded. Today we have the social media on the internet, podcasts, and even the good old radio broadcasting system to deliver this lifetime revelation to the whole world. Far more than that, the LGBTQ community possesses a very strong sense of support system that they easily reach out to someone who is ready to come out of the closet and start a new life.
Here are the top 3 LGBT radios that have created a mark in encouraging individuals who are still struggling with their sexuality and serves as a beacon of hope to everyone.
Pride World Radio. Initially based in the UK and is heard in 1,195 countries, Pride World Radio carries this mission in their website: “committed to nurture and encourage new and emerging talent, giving a platform for a proud, strong and diverse LGBT+ voice.” Because internet technology drives it, the shows are hosted in different countries in the UK such as Wales, England, Scotland and Ireland. Pride World Radio carries several talks shows that deal with LGBT issues such parents and teens relationship, dealing with coming out problems, relationship issues with family and workplace, and how to deal with everyday issues such as sexual, physical, and psychological health, bullying concerns, and stigmatization about LGBT in general.
Gaydio. India is one of the countries where being gay is considered a taboo. It is not accepted and entirely not allowed by their culture. But this was changed by Harish Iyer, a very active Indian gay rights activist. He started the first ever gay radio in India in July 2017 and aptly named it Gaydio. He believes that fighting for this specific right does not only ends in the streets and demonstrations. He’s been hosting the radio talk show and has received many calls describing personal experiences about LGBT issues. Some of his callers are not only the LGBT individuals but also parents of LGBT children who need advice on how to handle the situation. Some topics are very complicated because of the cultural and moral implication that India has towards LGBT issues. At present, the radio show is going strong and broadcasting to major cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Pride Radio. Their slogan proudly declares “The Pulse of LGBTQ America.” Aside from carrying the flagship of LGBTQ problems, Pride Radio also tackles daily news and events in politics and government, local news, showbiz, sports, and business news. It’s like your typical internet radio show with a flare of LGBTQ on the side. Broadcasting in major cities and via the internet, Pride Radio is also available as a mobile application where it can be downloaded and installed on your phone. As long as you have an internet connection, you are always connected.
LGBTQ community has so many to be thankful these days, compared to those who experienced backlash and encountered negative implications of being different. Although there are still some cases of discriminations, the environment, behavior, and attitude of the majority are already pointing towards acceptance and acknowledging LGBTQ population.