GLAAD Media Awards 2026: Top Podcast Nominees Championing LGBTQ+ Voices
The GLAAD Media Awards have officially unveiled their latest list of nominees, spotlighting 20 podcast companies and 10 standout podcast shows recognized for exceptional LGBTQ+ representation. As podcasting continues to redefine modern storytelling, this year’s nominations underscore how audio platforms are becoming powerful spaces for inclusive, bold, and culturally impactful narratives.
Now in its 37th year, the GLAAD Media Awards honor media creators who contribute meaningfully to fair, accurate, and diverse portrayals of the LGBTQ+ community. The newly announced podcast nominees reflect a rapidly evolving media ecosystem where authentic voices, unapologetic conversations, and underrepresented stories are not just welcomed—but celebrated.
Podcasts Take Center Stage at the 37th GLAAD Media Awards
Podcasting has emerged as one of the most influential forms of media in recent years, offering creators unparalleled freedom to explore identity, politics, culture, and personal stories. According to GLAAD, LGBTQ+ narratives have become a winning strategy for engaging global audiences hungry for originality and truth.
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis emphasized the growing importance of podcasts and other emerging media formats:
“The most popular series and media appear on this year’s list of nominees because LGBTQ stories resonate globally. Audiences demand bold and original storytelling, and podcasts, gaming, and local journalism have become proud homes for LGBTQ talent and narratives.”
Outstanding Podcast Nominees: Celebrating Excellence in LGBTQ+ Storytelling
The following podcasts have been nominated in the Outstanding Podcast category for their compelling content, cultural relevance, and inclusive storytelling:
🏳️🌈 Outstanding Podcast – Nominees List
Bald & The Beautiful – Studio 71
Las Culturistas – iHeartPodcasts
The Daily Beans Podcast – MSW Media
Handsome Podcast – Headgum
Outlaws with TS Madison – iHeartPodcasts
The Read – Loud Speakers Network
Shut Up Evan – Acast
So True with Caleb Hearon – Wave
Tactful Pettiness – PodcastOne
We Can Do Hard Things – Audacy
Each of these podcasts has carved out a loyal following by addressing LGBTQ+ themes with humor, honesty, vulnerability, and courage, helping normalize conversations that were once sidelined in mainstream media.
Outstanding Podcast Episode Nominees: Single Episodes with Lasting Impact
In addition to full-series recognition, GLAAD has also honored individual episodes that sparked meaningful dialogue and cultural reflection.
🎙️ Outstanding Podcast Episode – Nominees
“All-American Grift: We Investigated Trump’s Favorite Sports Troll” Pablo Torre Finds Out – Meadowlark Media
“Carl Nassib” The Pivot Podcast – Shots Studio
“Chappell Roan: Are People Scared of Me?” Call Her Daddy – The Unwell Network / SiriusXM
“Dispatches From the Living Memory of Trans People of Color” Code Switch – NPR
“Niecy Nash-Betts Opens Up About the Love That Changed Everything” House Guest – Scott Evans / Spotify
“The Paper Doll: Dylan Mulvaney” Between Us with Heather and Terry Dubrow – iHeartPodcasts
“Rachel Maddow: Trump’s Alaska Summit With Putin Is an ‘Abject Humiliation’” Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway – New York Magazine / Vox Media
“Reneé Rapp” Good Hang with Amy Poehler – The Ringer / Spotify
“Straight Panic, Gay Excellence” I’ve Had It – PodcastOne
These episodes stood out for their journalistic depth, emotional honesty, and cultural relevance, reaching audiences well beyond traditional LGBTQ+ spaces.
NPR Earns Recognition for LGBTQ+ Multimedia Journalism
For the second consecutive year, NPR has received a nomination in the Outstanding Online Journalism – Video or Multimedia category. The recognition highlights a powerful photo essay focusing on senior lesbians titled:
“Decades In, These Women’s Love Was ‘Hidden Once, Hidden Twice’”
The project sheds light on LGBTQ+ experiences across generations, reinforcing the importance of preserving stories that might otherwise be lost to history.
A Record-Breaking Year for LGBTQ+ Media Representation
The 2026 GLAAD Media Awards nominees represent:
291 media projects
32 distinct categories
Content released between January 1 and December 31, 2025
Nominees are evaluated using four core criteria:
Fair, accurate, and inclusive representation
Boldness and originality
Overall production quality
Cultural impact and reach
Special consideration is given to projects that introduce LGBTQ+ stories to audiences who may not regularly encounter such narratives.
GLAAD’s Mission Amid Rising Disinformation
As misinformation targeting the LGBTQ+ community continues to rise, GLAAD remains committed to shaping media narratives that uphold truth and dignity.
Ellis reaffirmed this mission, stating:
“In the face of increasing anti-LGBTQ disinformation, GLAAD remains relentless in ensuring fair and accurate storytelling that protects values of family, fairness, and freedom for all.”
When and Where the Winners Will Be Announced
🏆 Winners of the 37th GLAAD Media Awards will be officially revealed during a ceremony held on:
Date: March 5
Location: Los Angeles, California
The event is expected to bring together creators, journalists, entertainers, and advocates from across the media industry.
Why Podcasts Matter More Than Ever
The strong presence of podcasts in this year’s nominations highlights a broader shift in media consumption. Podcasts offer:
Direct audience engagement
Long-form storytelling freedom
Authentic representation without gatekeeping
For LGBTQ+ creators and audiences alike, podcasting has become a safe, powerful, and influential platform.
Final Thoughts
The 37th GLAAD Media Awards podcast nominations reaffirm one powerful truth: representation matters, and storytelling has the ability to drive empathy, visibility, and social progress. As podcasts continue to grow in influence, their role in shaping inclusive cultural narratives has never been more critical.
