LGBTQ stars share the songs that shape their lives for new Attitude x Spotify series

In paid partnership with Spotify

In an all-new Attitude video series, produced in partnership with Spotify, a clutch of LGBTQ stars come out to play to share the secrets of their playlists – music and podcasts – and some of the revelations will surprise even those closest to them.

Starting this Thursday (3 June) with BBC Radio 1’s Adele Roberts, the six-episode series to be revealed in the coming weeks shares sounds of life, love, marriage and even would-be funeral soundtracks – and these unique combinations celebrate the joy of difference.

We also hear from Celebrity Masterchef winner Riyadh Khalaf, DJ and drag superstar Jodie Harsh, model and activist Munroe Bergdorf, singer-songwriter Joesef and James Barr and Dan Hudson, hosts of the smash-hit podcast series A Gay and A NonGay.

There’s a lot to laugh at, but some deeply personal moments, too, with not a dry eye in the house. Plus, via the Attitude Magazine Foundation, all participants in this series have had £500 donations made in their name to a charity of their choice. 

Keep an eye on here and on YouTube, and find accompanying playlists on Spotify.

ONLY ADELE ROBERTS

BBC Radio 1’s Adele Roberts, queen of cool, has a fire in the hold – she’s been streaming Lil Nas X’s ‘Montero’ on repeat to stick it to the homophobes, and if you hear her playing Montell Jordan’s ‘Get It On Tonight’ you’re getting lucky.

But, she asks, if you haven’t seen Jane McDonald’s cover of ‘Dance Yourself Dizzy’ performed live then are you even living at all?

Adele’s £500 charity donation via the Attitude Magazine Foundation will go to Switchboard LGBT, which provides a one-stop listening service for LGBTQ people on the phone, by email and through Instant Messaging.

Listen to Adele’s playlist on Spotify. 

ONLY RIYADH KHALAF

We know that the broadcaster, author and activist Riyadh Khalaf not only dances like nobody’s watching, but also sings like nobody’s listening.

He admits his neighbour has heard him in the shower performing Sia’s ‘Move Your Body’, though it’s deadmau5 that has rearranged his organs. Which we don’t think is a euphemism.

Riyadh’s £500 charity donation via the Attitude Magazine Foundation will go to The Food Chain, which ensures people living with HIV in London can access the nutrition they need to get well, stay well and lead healthy, independent lives.

Listen to Riyadh’s playlist on Spotify.

ONLY JODIE HARSH

Not that we’d wish anybody dead, but superstar drag DJ Jodie Harsh’s funeral will be banging! Madonna plays live and there will be lasers, actual lasers.

But before all that – she tells us why Tina Turner makes her cry and reveals the only real queer anthem. How do we know all this? Because we’ve been rooting through Jodie’s listening habits without fear or favour. And it’s filthy (rich).

Jodie’s £500 charity donation via the Attitude Magazine Foundation will go to akt, which supports LGBTQ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment.

Listen to Jodie’s playlist on Spotify.

ONLY MUNROE BERGDORF

Model and activist Munroe Bergdorf starts her day with Hot Boyz before hanging out with Bob the Drag Queen and Monét X Change to talk Sibling Rivalry. As you do.

Though, tissues at the ready, she’s not beyond a teary moment when listening to Cyndi Lauper’s True Colours. What’s all that about? All is revealed in Attitude’s new video series, in partnership with Spotify, where LGBTQ+ friends share their unique playlist combinations.

Munroe’s £500 charity donation via the Attitude Magazine Foundation will go to the Black Trans Foundation, which is building a world where Black trans and gender-nonconforming people have the same access to healthcare and opportunities as their cisgender counterparts.

Listen to Munroe’s playlist on Spotify.

ONLY A GAY AND A NONGAY

If ever you needed proof that we all march to the beat of our own drum (or triangle), then watch James Barr and Dan Hudson of A Gay and A NonGay podcast fame compare musical choices.

There’s more Bruce Springsteen than seems reasonable, Carly Rae Jepsen prompts a marriage proposal but apparently only one man is getting a say on the wedding walk-up music.

A Gay and A NonGay’s £500 charity donation via the Attitude Magazine Foundation will go to Mermaids, which offers support to transgender and gender variant children and young people, their families and supporting professionals.

Listen to James and Dan’s playlist on Spotify.

ONLY JOESEF

His Mum took him to see the Spice Girls while his Dad took his brothers to see Oasis and The Verve. And so the trajectory of singer-songwriter Joesef’s life and times were set.

But what a musical education, and who would have known it would end with marriage to Frank Ocean? Probably.

Joesef’s £500 charity donation via the Attitude Magazine Foundation will go to LGBT Youth Scotland, which provides quality youth work to LGBTQ young people and works in partnership for LGBTQ equality and human rights.

Listen to Josef’s playlist on Spotify.

Listening is everything, and nobody listens like you. Or, as this series will prove, like anybody else…

To discover more about your own unique listening habits, visit spotify.com/onlyyou.