Find out who is on episode twelve of Virgin Radio Pridecast

Virgin Radio

28 Jan 2022, 14:44

This week on the Virgin Radio Pridecast, with the BRIT Awards rapidly approaching, Alex and Shivani are delving into the world of music - asking why so many of our favourite music icons are from the LGBTQ+ community, as well looking at the struggles which many queer artists face when getting started in the industry. 

You’ll hear from the legendary Skin from Skunk Anansie on her experiences of being black, gay and female in the industry:

‘I think that as a woman, you know, a cute girl - male press (and there were more male press at the time than female press) - they could write about you if they thought you were hot… I remember one journalist saying that that’s how he judged female music…’

You’ll also hear from YouTuber, choreographer, and singer Todrick Hall on his struggles to make a name for himself, particularly compared to other, more privileged artists.

Alex and Shivani will also be talking about the pressure which many LGBTQ+ people put upon themselves to succeed, hearing a heartbreaking story from singer-songwriter Justin Vivian Bond about a friend for whom this pressure got too much:

‘He did what a lot of people do, I think, which is if you feel marginalised or you are abused… You tell yourself “I’m going to get out of here someday, and I’m going to prove to everybody that I have value…” And you somehow tell yourself that you’re special - which a lot of us do…’ 

But, despite all of this, many of the most loved artists that we listen to today are from the LGBTQ+ community - and so you’ll hear from Drag Race UK Royalty Bimini Bon Boulash on one of their musical heroes - the iconic Pete Burns.

Finally - you’ll also hear from country singer Brooke Eden, who was told she had to hide her sexuality and relationship if she wanted to succeed - and instead wrote a song about it! 

You can press play on this week’s episode here: https://embed.acast.com/09aacdbb-9951-4380-a70a-035d3012cfd1/61f060ed0184db001336a91f

The Virgin Radio Pridecast is a weekly look back through the archives of Virgin Radio Pride, our fabulous three-month pop-up radio station which ran last summer. Each week, Alex Milsom and Shivani Dave re-live some of the best moments, as well as attempting to continue the great conversations that Virgin Radio Pride started last summer. There are entertaining guests, jaw-dropping stories, and of course loads of the laugh out loud moments and insightful, important discussions which made Virgin Radio Pride so special (and award-winning!)...