BBC Radio 6 Music’s Loud and Proud season will celebrate LGBTQ+ voices throughout June with a range of special shows, guest presenters and mixes.
On Thursday, June 2, presenters from 5am-7pm will play tracks selected by some of 6 Music’s favourite LGBTQ+ artists, including Big Freedia, Desire Marea, Lava La Rue, Lucy Dacus, Lynks, Marika Hackman, Mykki Blanco, Planningtorock and Soak. All these artists will introduce their chosen track and celebrate the LGBTQ+ musicians behind the songs they have picked, explaining why these musicians have inspired or influenced them. Plus there’ll be upbeat tunes and music from many more LGBTQ+ artists played across the day.
Listeners can also go to BBC Sounds to find the Loud and Proud Playlist – a one-hour programme, featuring all tracks and their introductory voice recordings that will be broadcast across the day today.
On Friday, June 3, each daytime show (5am-7pm) will end with a 30 minute mix from an LGBTQ+ artist. Mixes across the day will come from Skunk Anansie’s Skin (7am), dance music project Hercules & Love Affair (10am), producer and DJ India Jordan (12.30pm), musician and songwriter Ezra Furman (3.30pm) and Bristol-based artist, Grove (6.30pm). From 7pm-12am on Friday, June 3, 6 Music will broadcast five hour-long programmes, hosted by LGBTQ+ artists, including American actor, singer and author Billy Porter (7pm-8pm), who will share his favourite party music: Donna Summer, Pete Shelley, Honey Dijon, Hercules & Love Affair, Blondie, Propellerheads and many more.
Billy Porter says: “I am thrilled to be a part of this year’s 6 Music Loud and Proud season. I’ve put together a fun little mix for y’all that spans a few different vibes and times in our history. I’m sure it’s gonna get you in the spirit and ready to march and party.
“And kids remember to learn your history. The first LGBTQ+ march to happen in the UK was all the way back in 1972 in London… so it’s the 50th anniversary this year of the UK LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Stay proud and stay LOUD and let’s keep moving that history and spirit-forward together this Pride season.”
Later, drag-pop artist Lynks and Erasure’s Andy Bell (8pm-9pm), Charity Kase of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (9pm-10pm), American rapper Cakes Da Killa (10pm-11pm) and Glasgow performer and DJ TAAHLIAH (11pm-12am) play some of their favourite party tracks.
From 1pm-2pm on Sunday, June 12, Deep Dive Into Queer Country is a documentary hosted Dr Shana Goldin-Perschbacher, exploring how the country genre has a long-standing, though little-known, queer history. Journeying from the past to the present day, the programme will shine a light on the scene’s radical pioneers, as well as the recent explosion of contemporary LGBTQ+ country artists that are keeping the genre alive.
Other Loud and Proud highlights coming up across June include: a brand new series of 6 Music’s Artist In Residence from American musician Perfume Genius (beginning Wednesday, June 8, 12am-1am); special shows from Sacred Paws (Monday, June 13 – Thursday, June 16, 7pm-9pm) and Kae Tempest (Monday, June 13 – Thursday, June 16, 9pm-12am) and 6 Music Artist Collections, celebrating Janelle Monae (Tuesday, May 31, 12am-5am), Skunk Anansie (Tuesday, June 7, 12am-5am), St. Vincent (Tuesday, June 14, 12am-5am), Pet Shop Boys (Tuesday, June 21, 12am-5am) and Courtney Barnett (Tuesday, June 28, 12am-5am).
Lead Pic: Billy Porter photographed by Meredith Truax
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