092 Barry Walters on the History of LGBTQ Music

On this episode, Marc talks Barry Walters, author of "Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000," published in May of 2026. It's a fascinating version of music history focused on LGBTQ musicians and audiences, with chapters centered on specific artistsm from the Velvet Underground through David Bowie up to Judas Priest, Diana Ross, Prince, Depeche Mode, and so many more. Walters delves into each with the eye of a seasoned rock critic and the skill of a journalist, telling their stories and measuring their impact on LBGTQ culture and society as a whole. 

As he writes, "Straight critics have been telling us how to hear our music for ages, so I’m simply offering a queer alternative—based on forty years of professional research and two prior decades of fandom, with insights gleaned not only from when these records were new and we experienced them in the moment but also from retrospection and insider information."

We hope you enjoy Marc's conversation with Barry Walters!