Alexa, blast me some queer sh*t on the radio.
Okay, you may need to be a bit more specific, we’re told a simple ‘Alexa, play Virgin Radio Pride’ will do.
The Wireless Group are taking a walk on the queer side with a brand new station, serving the LGBTQ+ community and dedicated to all things Pride. That’s not to say that you have to identify as queer to listen – much like Pride itself, it’s accessible to everyone – more that you’re likely to enjoy it way more if your preference is BIG, party Pride anthems (a ‘pop-dance and pop-R&B playlist from the last 20 years’) interspersed with some hella queer chit-chat.
Which, of course, is exactly our preference.
The new station will run throughout Pride season – from June 7 until the end of September – and be driven by LGBTQ+ presenters Tia Kofi (Drag Race), Phil Clifton (MTV), Shivani Dave (BBC), Matt Cain, Emma Goswell, Debbie Ryan and more, who will all join Virgin Radio headliners Chris Evans and Graham Norton.
An official statement from Virgin Radio chiefs reads: “The station will also bring to life Pride festivals around the UK, partnering with local celebrations including Blackpool and Oxford Pride, to either amplify the existing event with outside broadcasts or help to replace cancelled events on-air, highlighting the wonderful diversity around the UK”
“Virgin Radio Pride UK has also joined up with a range of partners who will feature in the station’s programming including The Food Chain, the charity which exists to ensure people living with HIV in London can access the nutrition they need to lead healthy, independent lives, mental health charity Shout, the UK Aids Memorial Quilt Partnership, All About Trans and The Log Books podcast” the statement continues.
The station will also be covering topics across the schedule such as “being bisexual in 2021, how LGBTQ+ communities helped shape dance music from Disco to House, and Matt Cain’s weekly magazine show which will feature lively discussion about LGBTQ+ issues with panellists from organisations including All About Trans”.
Ahead of launch this month, they’re asking the listener (you) to vote for your ULTIMATE Pride anthem to kick off the new station, which you can do right here at virginradio.co.uk. Will you pick Britney or Lil Nas X? Beyonce or Gaga?
Lots of ways listen from June 7, the simplest from anywhere in the world is probably just to say ‘Alexa, play Virgin Radio Pride, honey**’ into your device!
**the ‘honey’ is entirely optional, obviously, we added that.