Top Five Reasons I Listen to OUTQ on Satellite Radio

If you have satellite radio, you’ve probably noticed that one of the available stations is OUTQ. And unless you are a member of (or know someone who is a member of) the LGBT community, you probably haven’t even considered listening to it.

I actually became a fan by accident. When I first got my satellite radio, I would listen to Yo on E! every day on my way home from work. Then Sirius cancelled that station, so I went looking for something else.

I happened upon a talk show where they were discussing a topic that I had never heard discussed on the radio before, with two hosts who quickly cracked me up. After about 5 minutes, I realized what I was listening to, and for a moment, it made me uncomfortable. But then I realized that was stupid. Entertainment is entertainment, and listening to a gay radio station doesn’t make you gay. Besides, I was hooked.

So, here are the top 5 reasons that I think you should check out OUTQ.

1. It’s geared to adults. I appreciate the fact that there are a lot of kids in this world. I’m not one of them. I’m not shocked or dismayed by “the seven words you can’t say on television” or frank talk about sex. So I like the fact that the station isn’t censoring itself to appeal to a wider audience. It’s OK if they offend some people – in fact, sometimes that is what they are trying to do.
2. It’s not sports. I have my iPod for commercial free music. I’m not interested in constant talk about religion, politics, finance or news. Martha’s not my thing, and I’m too old for Cosmo. There are a lot of choices on Sirius, but to be honest, most of them don’t appeal to me. I like some of the comedy stations, and do sometimes listen to the music, but for the most part I’m looking for entertainment radio, and I like the entertainment that I get from OUTQ!
3. The Michelangelo Signorile Show. I may not want to listen to news and political talk all the time, but Michelangelo does put an interesting spin on things. He covers a lot of the latest “hot topics” and interviews people from across the entertainment and political spectrum. As a socially liberal person, I tend to agree with many of his opinions (although I have also found myself yelling at my radio when I don’t!). He’s pretty good at considering other POV’s (even when he doesn’t agree with them) but not afraid to call you out if he thinks you’re wrong (or a homophobe). 
4. OUTQ News. It’s shocking and eye-opening to discover how much adversity and bigotry LGBT members of our society still have to contend with. Many of these stories never make the mainstream media, which is also quite disturbing. But listening to them will give you a better understanding of why it’s important for everyone to stand up against discrimination and teach their children tolerance and understanding. Because this world can still be a nasty place, we need to learn to embrace our differences if we’re going to make it better.
5. Derek and Romaine. This is the show that got me hooked. Derek and Romaine will make you laugh. They will hang up on you if you annoy them. They will argue with each other. They will tell amusing (and sometimes embarrassing) stories about their own lives. Do you have a question? They will talk about anything (anything!) frankly, and with amazing consideration for the fact that you were probably uncomfortable asking. Just don’t stalk them. And don’t ask how they’re doing.