MU’s LGBTQ Resource Center introduced its new radio show “InsideOUT” on KCOU/88.1 FM this fall.
The hour-long talk show addresses LGBTQ issues and general relationship topics.
Airing every Thursday from 3 to 4 p.m., InsideOUT features host and LGBTQ Resource Center coordinator Struby Struble as well as guest speakers from various campus organizations. The goal of the show is to be entertaining and informative.
“Students on campus have expressed for a long time that they want a space to learn about basic LGBT issues,” Struble said. “They want to know about what all the identities are, but in a more conversational way.”
The first show, which aired Aug. 30, included a discussion with MU seniors called “What We Wish We Knew” about housing, studying and “safe spaces” on campus.
The following show, “Healthy Relationships Part 1,” featured commentary from representatives of the Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention Center, Student Health Center and Sexual Health Advocate Peer Education.
Some future topics on the show include “LGBTQ and Religion/Faith,” “Queer and Greek” and “Coming Out.”
“There’s not a ton of programs like this anywhere in the country,” Struble said. “It’s exciting that we’re making it happen here.”
Struble said the show has a listener base stretching beyond MU. A college freshman in Mississippi tunes in each week and told the hosts that she is excited to listen to the show.
According to the center’s website, InsideOUT began in 2005 as a student-run and student-produced open discussion group.
“For Fall 2012, MU LGBTQ is reinventing the program, still covering all of today’s relevant topics, but in a way that will reach a much broader audience in a more accessible way,” according to the center’s website.
There are multiple ways to tune in to the show. Listeners who do not have access to KCOU/88.1 FM can visit kcou.fm for a live stream, or go to lgbtq.missouri.edu to listen to the show’s podcast any time.
Mimi Martinez is the LGBTQ Resource Center graduate assistant and a co-host of the show.
“I love the guests we get to interview on our show,” she said. “It’s by far my favorite aspect. I have already learned so much just by listening to our guests share their expertise and experiences.”
Struble said the radio show is an important form of outreach because not everybody feels comfortable walking into the LGBTQ Resource Center to seek help or advice.
“This way, they can listen online and plug their headphones into their laptop and nobody knows what they’re listening to, but they’re getting the information they’re interested in without making themselves vulnerable,” she said.
KCOU Program Director Nick Holder said he appreciates the diversity the show brings to the station.
“Since I’ve been the program director, we haven’t had too many talk shows that discuss issues in this manner, so InsideOUT offers a good opportunity for us to expand our programming,” he said.
Holder said the show’s content is unique to KCOU.
“Both Struby and Mimi do an excellent job preparing and discussing what can sometimes be considered delicate topics.”
Struble said she wants InsideOUT to be an interactive experience.
“We really hope that people will start tweeting at us their suggestions and topics and questions and comments,” she said.
