Fourteen LGBTQIA+ Voices
Happy Pride Month! In unity and celebration of humanity, it is a must that we start listening to one another. Diversity is a given, but inclusion is a choice we make every day. Today we want to highlight and share with you the different voices of the LGBTQIA+ community where you can get educated, get connected, and inspired through these influential resources. Here’s a list highlighting some of the best voices in the LGBTQIA+ community through podcasts, books, music and influencers who’ve shared their stories online.
"Queery" with Cameron Esposito
PODCASTS
"Queery" with Cameron Esposito | Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
In this podcast Cameron, a stand up comedian, has conversations with members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Each hour long episode, they explore stories of identity, personality and civil rights.
"Gay Therapy LA" with Ken Howard, LCSW, CST | Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
Ken provides services for gay men, both as individuals and couples, to achieve their optimum quality of life in both their personal lives and careers with over 29 years of experience.
“To L and Back” with Riese Bernard and Carly Usdin | Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify
"To L and Back", is a podcast for lesbians filled with trivia, jokes, special guests and more.
"Pumpkin" by Julie Murphy
BOOKS
"Pumpkin" by Julie Murphy | Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Indigo
This #1 New York bestselling book and Netflix feature film, is a novel about drag, prom and sends a message to embrace your inner Queen.
"Out East: Memoir of a Montauk Summer" by John Glynn | Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Indigo
Out East is a memoir of first love, identity and self-discovery amongst a group of friends who become family. The book has been named Best LGBTQ Book of 2019 by Oprah Magazine.
"Jonny Appleseed" by Joshua Whitehead | Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Indigo
The story is about a young Two-Spirit/Indigiqueer who has left the reserve and is trying to find ways to live and love the big city. It is full of grit, dreams and glitter. Jonny Appleseed has won multiple awards, one being A Globe and Mail Best Book of the Year.
Hayley Kiyoko
SONGS
"Curious" by Hayley Kiyoko | Available on Apple Music and Spotify
“Curious” is about a woman struggling with unresolved feelings for an ex-girlfriend, who's now in a new relationship with a man. The artist, Hayley, has be named "Lesbian Jesus" after her previous hit track "Girls Like Girls".
"Girls / Girls / Boys" by Panic! at the Disco | Available on Apple Music and Spotify
The track celebrates bisexuality and polyamory. The singer, Brendon Urie, came out as pansexual in 2018 and has vocally been a supporter of the LGBTQ community for many years.
"Honey" by Kehlani | Available on Apple Music and Spotify
“Honey” is a soft, sultry song in which she mentions "I like my girls just like I like my honey / Sweet, a little selfish,". Kehlani previously identified as queer and bisexual but as of this year has come out as a lesbian.
"Be Yourself" by Taylor Bennett | Available on Apple Music and Spotify
This song shares an important message to the LBGTQIA+ community, particularly an ode to people of colour. Taylor is known to be Chance the Rappers brother and in 2017 came out as bisexual.
Ingrid Nilsen
INFLUENCERS
Ingrid Nilsen | Youtube and Instagram
In 2015, Ingrid shared her story coming out as gay on Youtube and how when she previously had been in a heterosexual relationship it never felt “right”. Ingrid mentions how she suppressed everything she was truly feeling while in these relationships but how in the end, she is proud of who she is. In the description it notes “we all deserve our best chance”.
Kat Blaque | Youtube and Instagram
Kat is a Black transgender, polyamorous Youtuber who produces thoughtful videos that encourage others to learn and continue to grow. On Kat's channel, she discusses topics centred around race, gender and social justice issues.
Chella Man | Youtube and Instagram
Chella Man is a deaf, transgender and genderqueer influencer whom is of Jewish and Chinese descent. Since he did not have any role models to look up to, he chose to become his own and uses his motto "be your own representation" as a pillar of his teachings. In 2017, he released a video titled “How did I know I was trans?” where he explains his own personal experience.