Virgin Radio Pridecast

This Summer was 50 years since the first London Pride event, these events are a chance to hit the streets, celebrate freedom and be a visible part of the LGBTQ+ community. But what’s it like when you want to be a part of Pride, but you can’t go outside, you’re far from free and often forgotten about by society? In a special programme on Virgin Radio Pride, Emma Goswell hears about the experiences of people who have lived and worked in prisons to explore how the principles of the first event are honoured in prisons in England and Wales in 2022. They’ll share what it’s like to hold and take part in Pride events, and how you can still celebrate being part of the LGBTQ+ community whilst doing time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Poet’s Dean Atta and Nikita Gill sit down for a Quite A Queer Conversation. They chat about secret first kisses in school cupboards, the importance of queer literature, Whitney Houston and coming out stories. Dean is a British poet of Greek Cypriot and Caribbean descent. He has been listed by The Independent newspaper as one of the 100 most influential LGBT people in the United Kingdom. Nikita is a British-Indian poet, playwright, writer and illustrator based in the south England. She has written and curated seven volumes of poetry. Her new book ‘These Are the Words’ was released on the 18th August. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The sun is shining, brightly coloured bunting flutters from London’s streets, traffic has been stopped - it’s the 50th Anniversary of Pride. Thousands of the LGTBQ+ community and their allies will march through the streets in celebration. Joining the party is a group representing the Armed Forces. But there is a dark legacy of criminalising and ostracizing the LGBTQ people who served the British Armed Forces. Until the year 2000 being LGBTQ+ in the armed forces was an offence which could lead to dishonourable discharge, harassment or even a jail sentence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Rosie Wilby alongside her guests Jane Chance Czyzselska - psychotherapist and former editor of Diva magazine,  Professor Jacqui Gabb - Professor of Sociology and Intimacy, and Psychotherapist - Pretish Raja-Helm for an in depth discussion into all things queer love and dating. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Benjy and Rod are joined by singer songwriter and former X Factor star, Lucy Spraggan as she picks her top LGBTQ+ telly moments. Lucy discusses life on the X Factor and where her musical career has taken her since the show. She also discusses lesbian representation in TV and the struggles facing the trans community today.   Lucy talks about the impact of Coronation Street’s groundbreaking trans storyline with Hayley Cropper and explains why the animated series Arthur made it onto her list of LGBTQ+ telly picks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Eurovision Song Contest has always held a special place in the hearts of many LGBTQ+ fans. From the music, to the performers, to the spectacle, it's always been a place where people can be themselves.  For Virgin Radio Pride, Steve Holden takes a look at why it's felt like such a safe space for the queer community. He's also the host of the Official Eurovision Song Contest podcast and has been speaking to LBGTQ+ contestants, employees and fans about why it's so well loved. He also explores some of the artists who've been out and proud on the world's biggest live music stage.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Steve Denyer as he hosts this Madonna special celebrating her new album - Madonna Finally Enough Love to commemorate Madonna’s 50 number ones on the American Billboard Dance Chart. Over the course of the documentary the likes of Chris Evans, Darren Hayes, and Graham Norton all share their top Madonna stories, from meeting her backstage at the Brits, starring in her music videos to even sharing a stage with her at London’s O2! And of course this is all soundtracked by Madonna’s excellent musical catalogue. Expect to hear hits such as Vogue, Like A Prayer and Holiday as we chart the career of this once in a generation artist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Radio and TV presenter Stephanie Hirst takes a candid look into the unspoken issues surrounding transgender people.  Featuring: Paris Munro, Cleo Madeleine and several figures from the trans and non-binary community, we bust some of the myths and misconceptions about trans people and ask the difficult questions that need to be heard.  Plus, we join Lee Lester from the Mermaids, as he holds a discussion with members of the public. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Julia Hardy is a non-binary gaming presenter (recently came out as non-binary). They are best known for presenting ‘The Gaming Show’ and ‘The Top Gear Gaming Show’. They are everywhere in the world of gaming. Aoife Wilson (she/her) is the head of video at EuroGamer. She is best known for hosting BAFTA Gaming and streaming on Twitch. They chat about soundtracks to their lives, the importance of gaming within the community, and if there is still a large prejudice towards non-binary people. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Denyer is joined by the fabulous LAYTON WILLIAMS as he picks his Pride Playlist.  Layton talks through his time starring in lead roles in the West End smash hits Billy Elliot and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie as well as venturing into TV with roles in Bad Education and ITV’s brand new drag competition Queens For The Night.  Layton’s picks range from TATU to Beyonce to Spice Girls.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.