Billy Porter joins BBC for special Pride show and the category is ‘loud and proud’ icons
Billy Porter attends Variety’s 2022 Power Of Women (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage)
Pose star Billy Porter is to host a one-off special on BBC 6 Music to mark 50 years of LGBTQ+ Pride in the UK.
As part of the radio station’s Loud and Proud season, which aims to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices with a range of specials, guests, and events, Porter will host an hour-long slot celebrating his favourite musical icons.
His megamix, which will air at 7pm on June 3, will include the likes of Donna Summer, Pete Shelley, Honey Dijon, Hercules and Love Affair, Blondie, Propellerheads, and much more.
Ahead of the show, Porter reminded LGBTQ+ youth to “learn your history”.
“It’s the 50th anniversary this year of the UK LGBTQ+ civil rights movement,” Porter said. “Stay proud and stay LOUD and let’s keep moving that history and spirit forward together this pride season.”
The UK’s first Pride took place on 1 July, 1972 in London. Organised and led by the Gay Liberation Front (GLF), it paved the way for modern Pride marches up and down the country.
Teasing his special, Porter added: “I’ve put together a fun little mix for y’all that spans a few different vibes and times in our history. I’m sure it’s gonna get you in the spirit and ready to march and party.”
Billy Porter speaks on stage at Variety’s 2022 Power Of Women: New York Event (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Variety)
Porter’s hour-long mix will be the first of five on the night. He’ll be followed by drag-pop artist Lynks and Erasure’s Andy Bell, Drag Race UK’s Charity Kase, American rapper Cakes Da Killa and Glasgow performer TAAHLIAH.
On the same day, 6 Music’s Loud and Proud All Day Rave will see each of the station’s daytime shows end with a 30 minute mix from an LGBTQ+ artist, including Skunk Anansie’s Skin.
The station’s June schedule is choc-full of Loud and Proud highlights, including a brand new series of 6 Music’s show Artist in Residence on June 8, as well as the rural LGBTQ+ documentary Deep Dive In To Queer Country. Loud and Proud’s final event – a special show from singer Courtney Barnett – will air on June 28.
