About this episode

This episode explores the often-overlooked history of LGBTQ+ representation in motorsport through the stories of pioneering figures.

For much of its history, motorsport projected an image of hyper-masculinity, tradition, and exclusivity. Yet LGBTQ+ people have always been part of racing, even when the culture of the sport made openness difficult or dangerous. Join motorsport historian Elizabeth Blackstock for a talk that explores the often-overlooked history of LGBTQ+ representation in motorsport through the stories of pioneering figures across different eras. From F1 drivers Lella Lombardi and Ralph Schumacher to modern racer/activists like Charlie Martin, we’ll understand what it has meant to be queer in racing and why motorsport has often lagged behind in acceptance when compared to other sports. To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys Subscribe on Substack: https://deadlypassionsterriblejoys.substack.com/ Follow DPTJ on BlueSky: @deadlypassions-pod.bsky.social Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod Watch on YouTube: @eliz_blackstock Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on BlueSky: @elizablackstock.bsky.social Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on…

People in this episode

Host: Elizabeth Blackstock

Topics covered

• LGBTQ+ history
• motorsport
• representation
• hyper-masculinity
• activism
• pioneering figures

Keywords

• LGBTQ+
• motorsport history
• racing
• activism
• representation
• hyper-masculinity
• pioneers

More episodes of Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys

• Lucy O’Reilly Schell: A motorsport trailblazer from Europe to the Indy 500 · July 21, 2026 · 56 min
• The Race That Nearly Killed Motorsport: The 1903 Paris-to-Madrid Disaster · June 16, 2026 · 1h 0m

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys podcast page.