Virgin Radio UK has announced a new LGBTQ+ music station running from 7 June until the end of September.
Virgin Radio Pride UK will be based from the station’s London Bridge headquarters in the News UK building.
The station will play pop-dance music and pop-R&B from the last 20 years.
The line-up of presenters also features LGBTQ+ figures. This includes Tia Kofi, who appeared on Ru Paul’s Drag Race, and Gaydio host Debbie Ryan.
Virgin UK’s content director Mike Cass said “I’m delighted to have partnered with so many wonderful organisations to create a radio space for LGBTQ+ celebration and storytelling.”
We are delighted to announce the launch of #VirginRadioPride, a new radio station for the LGBTQ+ community which will broadcast from June 7 until the end of September!
Find out more here ????https://t.co/5X226iBxZY
— Virgin Radio UK (@VirginRadioUK) June 3, 2021
A range of charity partners also feature in the programming, including The Food Chain. This is a charity in London which works to ensure people living with HIV can live healthily and independently.
Journalist Matt Cain will host a show on the station.
He explained the show will cover, “the latest issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, both personal and political.”
This will be accompanied by documentaries on LGBTQ+ topics, like being bisexual in 2021, and how the community shapes dance music.
LGBTQ+ Pride Month in London
Th station’s launch comes as ONS data revealed Londoners are the most likely to identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual in the UK.
Virgin Radio Pride UK said they will also partner with local pride events.
London Pride is set to take place on 11 September this year.
However, this week LGBTQ+ groups threatened to boycott the event after organisers were accused of racism.
Pride London organisers have apologised for anyone who had experienced racism.
