Virgin Radio UK is to launch Virgin Radio Pride UK, a new radio station for the LGBTQ+ community which will broadcast from June 7 until the end of September.
Virgin Radio Pride’s schedule will be driven by LGBTQ+ presenters including Tia Kofi, Matt Cain, Emma Goswell, Debbie Ryan, Phil Clifton, Shivani Dave, Vicki Blight and Stephen Sullivan who will be joined in conversation with guest celebrity contributors.
The station will seek to reduce inequality by addressing important issues in the core programming, sparking conversations around topics such as: trans-rights, gay adoption issues, living with HIV and helping parents understand LGBTQ+ issues by working closely with various LGBTQ+ partners.
Virgin Radio Pride 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.
Further scheduled content includes documentaries on what it is to be bisexual in 2021, how LGBTQ+ communities helped shape dance music from Disco to House and Matt Cain’s weekly magazine show – The Sunday Roast – on Sunday afternoon including lively discussion about LGBTQ+ issues with panelists from organisations including All About Trans.
All this sits alongside a predominantly pop-dance and pop-R&B playlist from the last 20 years, complimenting the existing Virgin Radio UK sister stations.
Virgin Radio UK Content Director, Mike Cass said: “From June 7 until mid-September, Virgin Radio Pride UK will broadcast stories from our community, by our community in one big audio festival.
“I’m delighted to have partnered with so many wonderful organisations to create a radio space for LGBTQ+ celebration and storytelling. We will make you laugh, occasionally make you cry, but most importantly make you proud.”
Virgin Radio Pride UK presenter, Tia Kofi said: “I’m so excited to be part of the launch for this incredible new LGBTQ+ station. We have created something made by queer people for queer people and beyond, and it’s going to be amazing! Get ready for the ultimate Friday night pre-party with me, as well as some sensational content from across the LGBTQ+ community.”
Virgin Radio Pride UK will be available from June 7 on DAB in London, online or via the Virgin Radio app.