Michael Berry Uses Anti-LGBTQ Slur Multiple Times On Air

Local political talk show host mocks Pride month and gay sex during segment filled with homophobic slurs and anti-gay innuendo

Houston-based right-wing talk show host Michael Berry aired homophobic content and used an anti-LGBTQ+ slur multiple times during a segment of his show on KTRH last week. Berry, who has been the subject of intense criticism in the past for racist remarks, referred to LGBTQ+ people having sex as “being homo” and aired a parody mocking lesbians, queer people, and the Pride flag.

The segment aired on Tuesday, June 18th:

Why it matters: Berry’s extreme remarks have long been dismissed as his usual hateful speech. However, KTRH draws financial support through on-air sponsorships from mainstream corporations and local businesses like Xfinity, Houston Methodist, and Abacus Plumbing. Additionally, local elected officials, including Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey, Senator Paul Bettencourt, and others continue to make appearances on Berry’s program.

You can’t make this up: In 2012, Berry became the subject of media scrutiny after being involved in a hit-and-run accident at a well-known gay bar in Houston.

Fallout: We’ve reached out to several sponsors of KTRH radio and iHeartRadio - Berry’s podcasting platform - for comment. We will update this post with their response.