Pride Month is a time for celebration, education, reflection, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Whether you identify as queer or as an ally, there are many ways to get involved. We’re highlighting a few Canadian LGBTQ+ podcasts you may want to check out during the month of June or anytime you feel like it. We hope this is just a starting point and you’ll be inspired to seek out more. Some of these podcasts have significant discussions about various issues facing LGBTQ+ folks, some include an important historical perspective, some have fun and humorous conversations, some feature creative storytelling, and some are a combination of two or more of the above. Whatever you are in the mood for, there is something to enjoy on the list. Happy listening, and happy Pride!
Queer Legends: An Oral History Podcast features an in-depth exploration of the shocking true story of Canada’s LGBT purge. The second season of this podcast premiered just in time for Pride Month, and this time host Shawn Dearn is telling an important story about some of the most challenging times in Canadian history for LGBTQ+ people. Dearn has read declassified documents to reveal more details about the government of Canada’s anti-homosexual campaign that lasted almost 50 years. He has interviews with experts including former MPs and cabinet ministers, academics, researchers, and survivors of these unjust actions. All Canadians should know about this significant part of our history.
The Queer Collective Podcast describes itself as “your go-to destination for all things queer and fabulous.” Hosts Emily and Karbon cover a large assortment of LGBTQ+ topics. They have discussions with a diverse group of guests, talking about everything from politics and social issues to pop culture and entertainment. The hosts can have tough conversations while creating a safe and inclusive environment where listeners can learn and have fun too.
Trans Canada Stories hosts Cynthia Sweeney and Emma Stanley tell the stories of Canadians in the trans community and their allies. Their goal is to overcome all the misinformation that exists and share real life accounts. They acknowledge the transphobia the community faces and aim to combat that with positivity and interviews that show how trans folks are simply trying to live their best lives like every other person.
If you’re feeling like something light-hearted and fun, drag queens can always be relied on to put on a fantastic show. We have a couple of podcasts to recommend that are hosted by some of Canada’s most talented and hilarious drag queens.
Semi-Qualified Queens is hosted by Canada’s Drag Race stars Juice Boxx and Synthia Kiss. They recap Drag Race episodes while sharing gossip, laughs, and their insider perspective.
On Squirrel Talk, you’ll be entertained by Toronto drag queens and comics Selena Vyle and Hillary Yaas. You can enjoy their comical banter about drag related and pop culture news and general discussions about life in drag. They also feature interviews with local drag stars.
Trevor Campbell will double your podcast pleasure with You Made Me Queer! and Queerial. You Made Me Queer! explores how guests of the show realized a key part of their identity. The conversations can range from silly to serious but are consistently entertaining as Trevor talks to interesting members of the LGBTQ+ community including Scott Thompson, Elvira Kurt, and Mark Tewksbury. YMMQ! finished a successful run earlier this year, but these coming out stories remain relevant.
Trevor is now working on his new podcast Queerial, which is an original satire blurring the lines between fact and fiction that sets out to solve the mystery of what is making everyone queer. It is a unique spin on the true crime genre that will include scripted material, improv, and listener participation. The premiere date will be announced soon, so check The Sonar Network for more information!
written & compiled by Mark Dixon
