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About Gaydio

Our Vision: A Vibrant Future for LGBTQ+ People

Our Mission: To Be The Leading LGBTQ+ Media, Entertainment and Educational Platform

We are dedicated to:

Championing Our Culture: We boldly showcase the richness, diversity and uniqueness of our community through compelling stories, engaging content, impactful initiatives and outreach.

Amplifying Voices: We provide a platform for LGBTQ+ voices to be heard, ensuring that experiences and stories are represented and valued.

Connecting Our Community: We foster a strong and supportive network, bringing people together through the provision of LGBTQ+ centred media, real world events and skills development

The Gaydio Story:

Gaydio began in 2006 when Ian Wallace, Toby Whitehouse and a group of passionate individuals, recognising the need for a dedicated LGBTQ+ radio station, came together with a shared vision: to create a space where queer stories could be told authentically, where music reflected the spectrum of our experiences, and where listeners could find connection, information, and a sense of belonging.

Gaydio began in our home city of Manchester in 2006 with a month-long broadcast to support the Manchester Pride festival. We then went on to successfully apply for and launch the UK’s first FM radio service to serve the LGBTQ+ community in 2010.

Our big step forward came in 2013, after developing a strong brand and positive reputation, when we took over the licenses formerly held by Gaydar Radio, which operated in London and the South Coast. We developed our format and became a national station serving the entire UK. Since then, we’ve gone on to broadcast in over 20 cities and towns, proving a much-needed service for the community we’re here to serve; a responsibility we don’t take lightly.

From those early days, Gaydio has grown and evolved, becoming a vital part of the LGBTQ+ landscape. We've championed causes, given a platform to emerging artists, and provided a vital source of information and support to our community. We've been there through triumphs and challenges, always striving to reflect the realities of LGBTQ+ life with honesty, sensitivity and always through an LGBTQ+ lens.

Our presenters are the heart and soul of Gaydio. They're not just DJs; they're members of the community, sharing their own experiences and connecting with listeners on a personal level. They bring passion, humour, and a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to us.

But Gaydio is more than just what you hear on air. We're actively and authentically involved in the community, supporting Prides and other LGBTQ+ events across the country. In 2024, we launched our flagship event, The Gaydio Pride Awards, celebrating the contributions of countless people to our culture. We believe in the power of connection and strive to create opportunities for our listeners to come together, celebrate, and support one another.

A significant part of our organisation is the Gaydio Academy, where LGBTQ+ people and allies come to build skills, volunteer, and give back to the community we serve. Each year, we work with hundreds of people across the UK who learn, develop, and benefit from in-person and online training, provided free of charge. We have many examples of people who have improved their lives thanks to our training.

Looking to the future, we remain committed to our core mission: to champion our culture, to amplify voices and to connect our community. We'll continue to evolve and innovate, embracing new technologies and platforms to connect with our listeners wherever they are.

We have ambitions for the next stage and hope you will be part of our ever-evolving story, continuing to help us be the UK's LGBTQ+ station.