LGBTQ+ History Month is the perfect time to educate yourself by listening to the stories that shaped the community we know today. Whether you’re LGBTQ+, straight, questioning, or just curious, queer history belongs in all of our conversations. From forgotten legal battles and hidden queer spaces to intimate coming-out stories and first-hand accounts from our LGBTQ+ elders. Whether you’re new to LGBTQ+ history or looking to deepen your understanding, these podcasts educate, entertain, and spotlight voices that deserve to be heard.
1. Making Gay History
A masterclass in queer storytelling. This beautifully produced show brings archival audio and first-hand testimonies together so you can hear history straight from the people who lived it. Expect stories from activists, artists, and everyday queers shaping the movement.
2. Queery
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Hosted by the brilliant Cameron Esposito, Queery is like sitting down with some of the most fascinating queers on the planet. Past episodes feature deep dives into identity, career, and legacy with voices across the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
3. But We Loved
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From iHeartMedia, But We Loved is a powerful reminder that queer history isn’t just something to read about – it’s something to listen to. Through intimate, first-hand interviews with LGBTQ+ elders, the podcast captures the love, resistance, heartbreak and joy that shaped generations before us. It’s tender, honest, and quietly uplifting, passing down hard-won wisdom to a new generation that deserves to know exactly who came before them.
4. Nancy
A queer staple that’s as warm and sharp as your coolest friend. Hosts Tobin and Kathy take on everything from love to politics to queer identity with humour and honesty. Not exclusively historical, but full of conversations you wish you’d heard earlier in life.
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5. Coming Out Pod
Hosted by comedian Lauren Flans, Coming Out Pod was a weekly celebration of the messy, hilarious, heartfelt reality of coming out. Each episode invites queer guests from all walks of life to share their stories – the awkward moments, the unexpected reactions, the emotional breakthroughs, and everything in between. It’s warm, funny, and deeply relatable, proving there’s no one way to come out… but there’s always a story worth hearing.
6. Criminally Queer: The Bolton 7 – The LGBTQ+ History Podcast You Need to Hear
This gripping BBC Sounds series revisits one of the most shocking and under-told miscarriages of justice in modern British LGBTQ+ history. Criminally Queer: The Bolton Seven follows the lives of seven men from Bolton whose futures were changed forever, unpacking how a scarcely-known legal case became a turning point in the fight for gay rights. Powerful, heartbreaking, and essential listening for anyone wanting to understand the very real cost of progress.
7. The Lesbian Historic Motif
The Lesbian Historic Motif Podcast is a smart, niche gem for anyone curious about queer women in history and historic literature. Blending academic insight with genuine enthusiasm, the show explores sapphic lives, texts, and themes from the past, alongside thoughtful coverage of lesbian historical fiction. It’s informative without being stuffy – perfect for listeners who like their queer history a little nerdy and deeply affirming.
8. Bad Gays
If you’re tired of queer history being told only through saints and saviours, Bad Gays is the podcast you need. Hosted by Huw Lemmey and Ben Miller, it dives into the lives of history’s most evil, messy, and deeply complicated queers – the ones who don’t fit neatly into the “icon” narrative. It’s smart, darkly funny, and genuinely fascinating, asking the uncomfortable question: why do we celebrate our heroes, but forget our villains?
9. Closeted History
Closeted History is here to shine a light on the queer and trans stories that were hidden, erased, or quietly pushed aside. Each episode uncovers LGBTQ+ lives from the past that history books skipped over, making them accessible, engaging, and genuinely eye-opening. It’s educational without feeling like homework – perfect for anyone who wants to understand where we came from and why those stories still matter today.
10. One From the Vaults
Hosted by trans historian Morgan M. Page, One From the Vaults serves up trans history with plenty of dirt, gossip, and glamour. Each episode uncovers fascinating stories from the past that rarely make it into the mainstream, celebrating trans lives with humour, care, and a sharp eye for detail. It’s educational, addictive, and proof that trans history has always been rich, messy, and absolutely worth knowing.
11. Lost Spaces: Memories from Gay Bars, Lesbian Clubs, and LGBTQ+ Parties
Lost Spaces is a love letter to the queer venues that shaped us – and the ones we’ve lost along the way. Hosted by K Anderson, the podcast explores why LGBTQ+ spaces matter through intimate conversations with guests reflecting on the bars, clubs, community centres and dancefloors that helped make them who they are. Expect stories about coming out, going out, getting down, and yes – snogging strangers on sweaty dancefloors. Nostalgic, heartfelt, and quietly political without trying to be.
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12. History is Gay
History is Gay is your reminder that queer people have always been here – even if the history books tried to pretend otherwise. This brilliantly fun podcast digs into the overlooked lives of queer ladies, gents, and gentle-enbies tucked away in history’s unexplored corners. It’s smart, entertaining, and full of the kind of stories that make you realise the past was never as straight as people want you to believe.
Happy listening,
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
