Culture

Virgin Radio to launch LGBT+ station with Drag Race UK’s Tia Kofi among incredible queer presenters

Jun 03 2021
Written by Lily Wakefield

Tia Kofi. (Instagram/TiaKofi)

Virgin Radio is launching an LGBT+ station with hosts including Drag Race UK‘s Tia Kofi and non-binary BBC Radio presenter Shivani Dave.

The radio station, called Virgin Radio Pride UK, will broadcast from 7 June until the end of September.

Other queer presenters taking part include queer radio DJs Vicki Blight, Phil Clifton, Stephen Sullivan, Debbie Ryan and Emma Goswell.

During its run, the station will partner with local Pride celebrations, including in Blackpool and Oxford, as well as with charities and causes like the AIDS Memorial Quilt, mental health charity Shout and The Food Chain, a charity which provides food and cookery classes to people living with HIV.

The station will invite guests to discuss topics like trans rights, same-sex adoption, living with HIV, and parenting LGBT+ kids.

Drag Race UK star Tia Kofi took to Twitter to announced the news that she will hosting her “own weekly radio show” on Pride UK, adding it was an “absolute dream come true”.

She also called on fans to suggest lesser-known queer artists, tweeting: “Comment some queer artists that you feel should be showcased on #VirginRadioPride and I’ll get listening to them!

“Let’s spread the love and share the spotlight this Pride season.”

https://twitter.com/MattCainWriter/status/1400415973216227328

Writer and fellow host Matt Cain, who will host a weekly Pride UK show called “The Sunday Roast”, responded: “Welcome to the family! It’s going to be such a laugh!”

BBC Radio Wiltshire presenter Shivani Dave, who came out as non-binary live on air last year, said on Instagram that they would be hosting on the radio station from “4 to 7pm every weekday”.

They added: “Radio has always had the power to bring people together, in a way no other medium can.

“In a time when our community is being targeted and further marginalised, it is incredibly powerful that Virgin Radio UK is dedicating a whole station to all LGBTQ+ people to celebrate and share their experiences.

“I am honoured to be a part of it and can’t wait to laugh, cry, and dance with the listeners.”