Queer Cafe

Industry Baby by Lil Nas X

Beautiful Noise by Brandi Carlile and Alicia Keys

The 1990s saw a start of a fair introduction to pro-LGBTQ laws, and artists condemning homophobia in their music. Groups such as Placebo, Alcazar, Right Said Fred, and more joined the ranks of allies and LGBTQ musicians. The 1990s also introduced Ani DeFranco, Sia, Rufus Wainwright, Ray Boltz, Two Nice Girls (Gretchen Phillips), Skin (Skunk Anansie), Sophie B Hawkins, Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields), Kaia Wilson, Carrie Brownstein, and Rostam Batmanglij (Vampire Weekend).

The 2000s saw LGBTQ music branch off into its own genre in some cases, and new artists like Will Young, The Scissor Sisters, The Gossip, Jay Brennan, RuPaul, Jeffree Star, Blood on the Dance Floor (duo), Lady Gaga, Patrick Wolf, Mika, Dario, Brandi Carlile, Adam Lambert, Sam Sparrow, Billy Gilman, tATu, Kent James, Dawnstar, and Troye Sivan. We also heard LGBTQ-friendly music from such allies as Katy Perry and Christina Aguilera.

Charli XCX - I Love It (Live & Proud in Sydney)

New You by Zolita
Oh Hot Damn by Cameron Hawthorn

Modern Love by Matt Nathanson

Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John
Go by the Indigo Girls (Live at the Filmore)
True Colors by Cyndi Lauper

I Was Born to Love You by Freddie Mercury

Beautiful by Christina Aguilera
Prince: Nothing Compares 2 U (Live At Paisley Park 1999)

Renaissancing by Edward the First

Stranger in This World by Boy George

Sharon Van Etten & Angel Olsen: Like I Used To
You Need to Calm Down by Taylor Swift

Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko

If She Ever Leaves Me by The Highwomen

Talia by King Princess

Relax by Frankie Goes to Hollywood

Heart to Break by Kim Petras

I Kissed a Girl by Glee Cast

YMCA by Boy George

I Am What I Am by Gloria Gaynor

Hands of Love (Freeheld) by Miley Cyrus

Afterlife by Ingrid Michaelson

The One I Love by Ellen Krauss

KD Lang and Dame Edna Duet: I'm Every Woman
Dirty Computer by Janelle Monae

American Pie by Shea Diamond

George Michael and Elton John: Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me (Live)
Liberace and Young Folk: Feelin' Groovy (1968)
Karma Chameleon by Culture Club

Neon Cross by Jamie Wyatt

Help Me Now by Kevin McHale

Freedom by Kameron Michaels

Same Love by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Burning by Sam Smith

Not a Phase by Jessie Paege (w Lucy and La Mer)

Fix You by Sam Smith

Your Song: Lady Gaga Tribute to Elton John

Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld

Coming Out by Jessie Paege

Beat For the Gods by Laverne Cox

Make You Happy by Mika

Rock Lobster by The B-52's
It Was by Chely Wright
Neverland by Korean Pop Star Holland

That's My Man by Miss Benny

Rocket Man by Elton John (London 1972)

On Your Side by The Veronicas

Feelings by Hayley Kiyoko

Wishing Well by Jamie Wyatt

Somebody to Love by Queen

Playboy School of Pop by King Princess

You Can Sleep by KD Lang and Melissa Etheridge

1950 by King Princess

Angel Olsen: All The Good Times
Dancing in the Living Room by Cameron Hawthorn

Explosion by Zolita

Heartbeat by Jennifer Corday

Stay With Me by Sam Smith

Make Me Feel by Janelle Monae

Don't Shoot by Shea Diamond

In the 2010s, openly-gay artists such as Sam Smith, Azealia Banks, Mary Lambert, Matt Morris, Frank Ocean, Tegan & Sara, Todrick Hall, Troye Sivan, and rapper Le1f (Khalif Diouf) gained popularity. Well-established country music singer Chely Wright came out as gay in 2010. Another country singer, Ty Herndon, came out as gay in 2014, after three number one hits on Billboard Hot Country Songs. Currently, the country music genre also includes Cameron Hawthorn, Brandon Stansell, and Lil Nas X. 2012 also saw Laura Jane Grace (lead singer of the punk band Against Me!) come out as transgender. We also see the rise of many LGBTQ allies in the music world: Beyonce, Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Matt Nathanson, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Macklemore, Pink, and Dan Reynolds.

Current popular LGBTQ musicians include Angel Haze, Shamir, Who is Fancy, Perfume Genius, Double Duchess, Lowell, Devouring Mothers, Kindness, Joshua Thomas, Years & Years, Hurray for Riff Raff, Panic! At The Disco, Miss Bunny, Hayley Kiyoko, Kim Petras, Alyson Stoner, Boytoy, Kehlani, Sizzy Rocket, Vincint, King Princess, Janelle Monae, and black country rapper Lil Nas X.

Killer Queen by Queen

Your Song by Elton John

Scarecrow by Melissa Etheridge

Burn the Floor by Drake Jensen

Symmetry of Two Hearts by Bight Light Bright Light

Love Shack by The B-52's
Last Dance by Donna Summer
Born This Way by Lady Gaga

Girl in the Kinks Shirt by Matt Nathanson

Holy by King Princess

Finally by Matt Fishel

Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld

Strangers by Halsey and Lauren Jauregui

Wendy Carlos: Switched On Bach

Eurovision Song Contest: Beloved by the LGBTQ Community

Gay Christmas... Gay World Cup... Gay Olympics... Deliciously queer celebration of campness and creativity...

In 1956, seven European countries – Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Switzerland and West Germany – gathered in Lugano, Switzerland for the first ever Eurovision Song Contest. The competition was only broadcast in select countries, meaning only a small number of viewers watched Swiss entry Lys Assia win the grand prize with the song Refrain. Over the years, the contest has become a glitzy, kitschy spectacle of both the beautiful and the bizarre, drawing in over 160 million viewers at the 2022 event. In 2023, Eurovision returned to the UK.

As well as the contest’s overall transition from small show to huge spectacle, Eurovision has also developed a dedicated and passionate fandom over the years, many of whom are members of the LGBTQ community.

In a recent BBC article, journalist Jamie McLoughlin labeled Eurovision a “safe space” for LGBTQ communities, noting how Eurovision consistently lays a “thoroughly supportive hand” on LGBTQ people in Europe. LGBTQ fans have affectionately likened Eurovision to other major events, with descriptions such as “Gay Christmas”, “the Gay World Cup” and “the Gay Olympics”.

But why is Eurovision so popular among LGBTQ communities? Many have related LGBTQ (particularly gay male) admiration for Eurovision in its “camp” nature and reliance on excess. The performativity and extravagance of Eurovision undeniably represents this notion of camp, with vibrant performances and over-the-top presentations. This contrasts with Eurovision’s early days when there was very little LGBTQ visibility in music or on television.

Camp can represent the sense of subcultural community through the “gaying” of straight culture. Although there was no actual representation in the beginnings of Eurovision, LGBTQ communities adapted for their own purposes and needs, using the joy of the song contest as a means to celebrate diversity.

In recent years we have been introduced to many LGBTQ participants in an age of increased visibility in both music and television. In 1998, Dana International made history as the first transgender winner for Israel – an incredible achievement considering the lack of trans representation at the time.

In 2007, Ukranian drag queen Verka Serduchka impressed audiences with the catchy Dancing Lasha Tumbai, placing second in the grand final. In fact, the art of drag would continue to be popular with Eurovision audiences, when Conchita Wurst won the contest for Austria with Bond-like ballad Rise Like a Phoenix in 2014.

There have also been a number of memorable moments of LGBTQ representation during the event. In 2013, Finland’s entry Krista Siegfrids kissed a female dancer during her grand final performance of Marry Me, a protest against her government’s rejection of same-sex marriage. In an interview afterwards, Siegfrids declared that the performance was structured to promote “love and tolerance”.

Hannah Waddingham’s most iconic Eurovision 2023 moments: The real Queen of England
Is Eurovision a Gay Event?
The Gay World Cup: Why LGBTQ Audiences Love Eurovision
How Eurovision Became an LGBTQ Safe Space
Why Eurovision is Beloved by the LGBTQ Community
Mae Muller Reflects on Her Eurovision 2023 Journey
Gustaph: Gay Belgian Eurovision Star

Trans Singer Kim Petras Makes Grammy Award History

LGBTQ artists were among the winners... Best Album - Harry Styles... Best Pop Duo Performance - Sam Smith and Kim Petras... Best Rock Song - Brandi Carlile... Best Americana Album - Brandi Carlile

Pop star Kim Petras made trans history in February 2023 with her Grammy Award win with Sam Smith for their song "Unholy." The two won the award for best pop or group performance. Petras is the first trans woman to win the award.

Smith, who is nonbinary, won their first Grammy in 2015. They've won four Grammys so far. In October, Sam Smith and Kim Petras' hit song reached the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. As reported by Billboard, Smith and Petras are "the first publicly nonbinary and transgender soloists, respectively, to top the Hot 100."

After the two were announced as winners at the Grammy ceremony, Petras gave a speech thanking trans women in music who paved the way for her win as well as for Smith's support. “I just wanted to thank all the incredible transgender legends before me who kicked these doors open for me so I could be here tonight,” Petras said. The singer also honored the late Grammy-nominated producer Sophie who died in 2021. “SOPHIE, especially. My friend who passed away two years ago, who told me this would happen and always believed in me. Thank you so much for your inspiration, Sophie. I adore you and your inspiration will forever be in my music.”

She gave a shout out to LGBTQ icon Madonna. “I don’t think I could be here without Madonna,” Petras said, referring to the pop legend's outspoken activism for queer rights and art.

Petras also thanked her mother for supporting her through her career. “I grew up next to a highway in nowhere Germany, and my mother believed me that I was a girl and I wouldn’t be here without her and her support and everyone who believed in me to this point.”

Producer and creative DJ Honey Dijon, who is also a trans woman, was nominated this year for a Grammy for Beyoncé’s celebrated album "Renaissance." Beyonce remarked, "Thank you to the Queer community for inventing this music genre."

[Source Alex Cooper, Advocates, Feb 2023]

Kim Petras Makes Transgender History With Grammy Win

Kim Petras and Sam Smith: Acceptance Speech
Kim Petras Makes Grammy History and Fans are Elated
Unholy by Kim Petras and Sam Smith: Music Video
Kim Petras Gives Moving Speech at Grammy Awards
Madonna Hails Troublemakers And Rebels As She Pays Tribute To Sam Smith And Kim Petras
Beyonce Gives Heartfelt Tribute to Queer Community
Sam Smith And Kim Petras Make LGBTQ History With Major Grammy Win
Sam Smith & Kim Petras' Historic Grammy Performance
Sam Smith And Kim Petras: Fiery Performance Of 'Unholy'

2022 Rock & Rock Hall of Fame

"I'm the gay guy in the band."

-Rob Halford

The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony to take place in November 2022. The heavy metal band Judas Priest was finally inducted. Other inductees included Dolly Parton, Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, and Harry Belafonte.

In his acceptance speech, Judas Priest lead vocalist, Rob Halford said, "I'm the gay guy in the band." He went on to explain that the "heavy-metal community is all-inclusive, no matter what your sexual identity, how you look, the color of your skin, what you believe in. Everyone is welcome."

Brothers Osborne: Younger Me
How Freddie Mercury Inspired a Generation of LGBTQ Artists
Hank Williams Jr.’s Son Sam Williams Comes Out

Tribute to Elton John: HerMusic, Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato

Chloe Moriondo with James Cordon: I Want to Be With You

That's What I Want by Lil Nas X

Billboard: Top LGBTQ Songs of 2020

Essential Queer Albums for Pride

Industry Baby by Lil Nas X

Adam Lambert on Tonight Show: Do You Really Want to Hurt Me
REM's Losing My Religion: Story Behind the Song

Trans Documentary: The Kim Petras Story

Beyoncé's Genius Way of Putting the Pride Flag in Renaissance
Break My Soul by Beyonce
Beyoncé Dedicates Album Renaissance to Late Gay Uncle
Rolling Stone: Review of Beyoncé’s Renaissance Album
Beyoncé Thanks Her Gay Uncle in New Album
Fans Loves Beyonce's New Album

Beyonce's New Album: Homage to Gay Black Music and Musicians

Featuring Many Black LGBTQ Collaborators

After six years, Beyoncé released her latest album in July 2022. Renaissance Act I is the first of a promised three-act project. Created during the pandemic, the star set out to create a project that allowed her “to dream and find escape.” As such, she worked to “create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking,” she wrote in a note. “A place to scream, release, feel freedom.” References to the LGBTQ community are found throughout the escapist album, as is the work of queer collaborators.

Beyoncé's New Album 'Renaissance' Pays Homage to Black Queer Music History

Most notably, in her song “Cozy,” the second of the album, Bey paints the colors of the Progress Pride flag. The flag, which was an update on the original design, aims to “bring to the forefront marginalized LGBTQ people of color, trans people, and those living with/lost to HIV/AIDS.”

Before Renaissance Act I’s release, Beyoncé wrote that she wanted to give “a big thank you to my uncle Jonny. He was my godmother and the person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album.” She continued: “Thank you to all of the pioneers who originate culture, to all of the fallen angels whose contributions have gone unrecognized for far too long. This is a celebration for you.”

The “Uncle Jonny” Beyoncé refers to was her cousin but she and her sister, Solange, referred to him as their uncle. In 2019 Beyoncé dedicated her GLAAD award to him, and has spoken about how he helped make some of her early costumes and the emotional experience of watching him die from AIDS-related complications. She shouted out his costume work at the end of “Heated.”

The album comes full of samples from LGBTQ talent as well. "Cozy" includes a production credit by Honey Dijon, an iconic DJ and producer that is trans. (She also did production work on “Alien Superstar.”) In “Cozy” she uses the voice of TS Madison, an equally legendary trans entrepreneur, host, and actress. It’s pulled from a video where Madison talks about how proud she is to be Black.

Many are already aware of Big Freedia’s inclusion. The lead single of Renaissance Act I was “Break My Soul” which includes a sample of Big Freedia’s “Explode” throughout. What fans didn’t know is that Big Freedia’s voice would be used at the end of the preceding song, “Energy.”

“Pure/Honey” brings explicitly ballroom vibes that many expected from the project. It begins with a sample of DJ Mike Q’s track “Feels Like” featuring Kevin Jz Prodigy. It then goes on to include Kevin Aviance’s “Cunty” and Moi Renee’s “Ms. Honey.”

Syd, a lesbian musician and producer who rose to fame with the group The Internet, is also credited as the sole producer on “Plastic Off the Sofa” outside of Beyoncé.

[Source: Mikelle Street, Advocate Magazine, July 2022]

KD Lang's New Makeover Album: Classic Dance Remixes
Demi Lovato Comes Out as Non-Binary

Cynthia Erivo Reveals Why She Waited to Come Out as Bisexual
Angel Olsen: Big Time

Out and Proud LGBTQ Country Artists You Should Be Listening To
Harry Styles: Over the Rainbow
Children by Billy Porter

Brandon Stansell: Fighting to Live Truthfully as a Gay Country Music Singer

Jennifer Nettles: You Will Be Found

B-52s' Love Shack: Story Behind The Song
Songs About Gender Identity and Gender Expression

Transgender and Non-Binary Artists You Need to Know
Americans by Janelle Monae

Lesbian Tunes: New Sapphic Pride Anthems

Brandi Carlile and Alicia Keys: Beautiful Noise
Indigo Girls: Go (March for Our Lives)
Billy Porter and Stephen Stills Perform at Dem National Convention

March March: Protest Song by The Chicks

LGBTQ Music News

Lesbian Pop Star Zolita Talks Latest Single

Country Singer Sam Williams, Son of Hank Williams Jr, Comes Out as Gay
Y'all Means All (Queer Eye): Miranda Lambert

Songs About Gender Identity and Gender Expression
Brandi Carlile's New Album: In These Silent Days
Amy Ray: Count Your Blessings

Love Yourself by Sophie B. Hawkins
Out Rocker Darren Hayes Opens Up about the Torment of the Closet
Music, Movies, Media: Celebrate LGBTQ Pride

New Music Revue: Kacey Musgraves, Troye Sivan, Lana Del Rey, Chlöe and More

Billboard: Best Pride Songs of 2021

Zolita: Queer Pop Music Queen

Brandi Carlile Honors Joni Mitchell With Cover of 'River'
Brothers Osborne Accept 2021 CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year
Brit Awards to Eliminate Gendered Categories for 2022
Billy Porter Is Attitude Magazine's Man of the Year

True Colors by Cyndi Lauper: 35th Anniversary of Iconic Song
Lil Nas X and Montero Album: Power of Unabashed Queerness

LGBTQ-Friendly Country Music Artists You Should Know About

Popular LGBTQ Musicians

Melissa Etheridge
Amy Ray (Indigo Girls)
Emily Saliers (Indigo Girls)
KD Lang
Sam Smith
Janelle Monae
Elton John
Michael Stipe (REM)
Brandi Carlile
Queen Latifah
Jake Shears (Scissors Sisters)
Jakk Fynn
Leland
Doug Strahm (Country Music)
Young MA
Julien Baker
Tom Robinson
Meshell Ndegeocello

Rob Halford (Judas Priest)
Sylvester
Brendon Urie (Panic! At The Disco)
Jason Mraz
Bad Bunny
Billy Gilman
Todrick Hall
Trey Pearson (Christian Music)
Mario Jose
Ray Boltz
Mary Lambert
Angel Haze
Hurray for the Riff Raff
Da Brat (Rapper)
Queen Sateen
Ryan Beatty
Tash Sultana
Jamie Wyatt (Country Music)

Miley Cyrus
Lil Nas X (Country Music Rapper)
TJ Osbourne (Brothers Osbourne)
Lucy Spraggin
Rugus Wainwright
Le1f
Azealia Banks
Mark Freehily (Westlife)
Tom Goss
Sia
Chely Wright (Country Music)
Laura Jane Grace
Mika
Paula Cole
Sophie B Hawkin
t.A.T.u.
Kate Pierson (B52s)
Cindy Wilson (B52s)
Ricky Wilson (B52s)
Fred Schneider (B52s)
Keith Strickland(B52s)
Kim Petras
Brian Molko (Placebo)
Mykki Blanco (Rapper)
Drake Jensen (Country Music)
Harisu (K-Pop)
Shea Diamond
FELIN
Tracy Young (Producer and DJ)
Peach PRC (Australian Singer)
Lil Uzi (Rapper)
Brian Falduto (Country Music)
Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance)
Patrick Haggerty (Lavender Country)

Kevin Abstract
Omar Apollo
Mitch Grassi, Scott Hoying (Pentatonix)
Tove Lo
Chloe Moriondo
Girl in Red
Christine and the Queens
Alyson Stoner
Ty Herndon (Country Music)
Tegan and Sara
MNEK
Tyler the Creator (Rapper)
Holland (K-Pop)
Juliana Huxtable
Naomi McPherson (MUNA)
Josette Maskin (MUNA)
Katie Gavin (MUNA)
Troye Sivan
Ben Platt
Zolita
Jennifer Knapp (Christian Music)
Kelele
Freddie Mercury (Queen)
Meredith Graves (Punk Rocker)
Olly Alexander (Years & Years)
Adam Lambert
Zebra Katz (Rapper)
Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood)
Little Richard
Kevin McHale
Bright Light Bright Light
Darren Hayes (Savage Garden)
Kady Rain
Bebe Rexha

Victoria De Angelis (Måneskin)
Angel Olsen
Siena Liggins
Vincint
Syd
Lauren Jauregui (Fifth Harmony)
Cakes Da Killa (Rapper)
Big Freedia (Hip Hop/Bounce)
Hayley Kiyoko
Domo Wilson (Hip Hop Artist)
Jennifer Corday (Country Music)
Kehlani
Lady Gaga
House of Ladosha
Kevin Abstract (Rapper)
Matt Fishel
Frank Ocean
Linda Perry (Four Non-Blondes)
Chris Willis
Lance Bass (N Sync)

Sophie B. Hawkins
Cheryl Wheeler
Gina Shock (GoGos Drummer)
Tayla Parx
Karman Kregloe
King Princess
Cameron Hawthorn (Country Music)
Rebecca Black
Boy George (Culture Club)
Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day)
Ani DeFranco
George Michael (Wham)
Brandon Stansell (Country Music)
Village People
Jonathan Knight (News Kids on the Block)
Billy Preston
Janis Ian
Ricky Martin
Barry Manilow
Liberace

LGBTQ Music News

Queer Music History 101

Songs That Shaped Our Queer Lives
Kahlani: Queer Musician and Mom

Jolene by Lil Nas X

These Cocksucking Tears: Documentary About Patrick Haggerty & Lavender Country

Indigo Girls: History of Queer Women Musicians Who Shaped Us
Everyone is Gay by Great Big World

Renaissancing by Edward the First

Out Rocker Darren Hayes Opens Up about the Torment of the Closet

Country Music Star TJ Osbourne Comes Out as Gay

LGBTQ Singer Mary Lambert Announces She's Engaged
The Revolutionaries Behind the Black LGBTQ Hip-Hop Movement

LeAnn Rimes Performs "The Rose" with Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles

Video List: LGBTQ Music Artists

LGBTQ Pride Anthems

Caroline Holm Rognstad: I'm Not Who You Want Me To Be

LGBTQ Rappers in the Hip-Hop Industry
New Queer Musicians Who Are Making Their Mark

Vincint's New Album: There Will Be Tears

Pink: Ode to Chosen Family and Queer Fans

Sylvester Documentary: Life of Queer Black Disco Legend

Ricky Martin: Super Happy About Decision to Come Out

Trey Pearson's New Album: Tribute to Larry Kramer's Legacy

Rolling Stone: Little Richard, Rock n Roll Icon, Dies at 87

Advocate: Emerging Queer Artists Who Are Giving Us Life

TJ Osborne's Celebratory Smooch Marks First Same-Sex Kiss at CMAs

Out country music star TJ Osborne made history when he sealed his Country Music Award win with a same-sex kiss — a celebratory snog that was seen on the air.

Osborne and his brother, John, won the Vocal Duo of the Year Award at the CMA ceremony, in Nov 2021. It was the fourth win in that category for the Brothers Osborne, and when it was announced, TJ promptly planted a kiss on his boyfriend, Abi Ventura, as the audience erupted in cheers.

"I tell you, every time we have won this award, it has never, ever ceased to be extremely shocking," TJ Osborne said in his acceptance speech. "It's been a crazy rollercoaster of a year for us in so many ways, especially for me emotionally," Osborne went on to add. "And to have you all support me, it really does feel like love wins tonight. Thank you."

Osborne came out publicly in an interview with TIME Magazine earlier in 2021, one of the few Country Western stars to do so — and one of the very few male stars. He is the only out LGBTQ Country Western recording artist to be signed to a major label, according to Wide Open Country.

When he finally freed himself from the closet, he told Ellen DeGeneres in a subsequent appearance on her talk show, "I instantaneously felt like I wish I had done this a long time ago." Fans seemed to agree; Osborne told Ellen he'd experienced a "wave of love," and repeated the sentiment while chatting with CBS This Morning, where he described a "tsunami of love" coming his way from the public.

But not from certain lawmakers. After the Tennessee State Senate unanimously approved a resolution to honor Osborne, a Republican State Representative derailed the effort.

[Source: Kilian Melloy, EDGE Staff Reporter, November 2021]

Brothers Osborne Accept 2021 CMA Award for Vocal Duo of the Year
TJ Osborne's Celebratory Smooch Marks First Same-Sex Kiss at CMAs

Country Music Star TJ Osbourne Comes Out
TJ Osbourne Wins Award and Kisses Boyfriend
Country Music Star TJ Osborne Kisses His Boyfriend At CMAs
TJ Osbourne Kisses Boyfriend at CMA Event
Tenn Lawmaker Blocks Honor for TJ Osbourne

Lil Nas X and Montero Album: Power of Unabashed Queerness

The star’s emotionally vibrant music is only part of the story. The road to Lil Nas X’s debut album "Montero" has been an exhilarating affair, complete with detours like a chart-topping EP, “7,” show-stopping red carpet outfits, multiple awards and a run of viral music videos.

The Georgia-born rapper’s meteoritic rise started with his track “Old Town Road” (released independently as a single in 2018) which made the Billboard 100 and became a viral TikTok meme in the process. But the star’s music is only part of the story. Lil Nas X demonstrates a type of celebratory, unabashed queerness that is badly needed in the music industry right now, and culture more generally.

The breakout success of “Old Town Road” sparked interesting and important conversations about race and country music. But after his June 2019 Twitter post celebrating his queer identify, Nas' vibrant ascension took on a new purpose for his growing legion of fans — especially his LGBTQ listeners. In an industry still steeped in homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and overall anti-LGBTQ attitudes, Lil Nas X is a bold symbol of freedom.

Nas is a disruptor, a title that took on new meaning as he began work on his debut album "Montero" in 2020, amid the Covid-19 pandemic and a broader fight against racial inequality. “Creating this album has been therapy for me,” Nas said in a Twitter post detailing his work on "Montero." “I’ve learned to let go of trying to control people’s perception of who I am, what I can do, and where I will be. I’ve realized the only opinion of me that really matters is my own.”

Lil Nas X: Biographical Notes
Lil Nas X Music Video: That's What I Want
NPR: Learning Curve of Lil Nas X

The singer explores his search for self on tracks like “Sun Goes Down” — with its emotional lyrics that detail his own experience battling depression. But true to fashion, he still finds space for fun among his self-discovery, with thumping tracks like “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me by Your Name).” Their visuals give him a chance to continue to push the comfort zone of popular culture, while tweaking the trolls who would love nothing more than to crush his confidence.

The rollout for "Montero" has been equally vibrant, with Nas crafting a whimsical menagerie of unforgettable red carpet moments, live performances and videos that reflect the high energy of his current musical iteration. In March, the artist released the video for “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” to both fanfare and exhaustingly obtuse hate from public figures, fellow musicians and listeners. But his lap dance with the devil proved to be a perfectly choreographed conversation starter — with the video spotlighting an intentional representation of queer sexuality often hidden from view — specifically for Black and brown artists in the hypermasculine and often anti-LGBTQ hip hop genre.

Nas kept that energy going with a BET Awards performance in June that combined choreography, a cast of gorgeous shirtless Black men and a kiss with one of his backup dancers. But this kind of confidence took years to build, as Nas told Out Magazine in an interview following the performance. In that interview he noted that while preparing for the performance was initially scary, he eventually embraced the chance to really flaunt his truth. That he is also able to use his art to take on those who criticize his sexuality is a bonus.

Lil Nas X and Friends at the Grammys
Variety: Lil Nas X Revolutionizing Hip Hop
Lil Nas X Music Video: Montero (Call Me By Your Name)

LGBTQ Rappers in the Hip-Hop Industry

“Y’all hate yourselves so much. Y’all live your lives trying your best to appease straight [people]. Y’all are uncomfortable with what I do because y’all are afraid they will be uncomfortable with you," he tweeted in June in response to criticism of the performance. “Work on yourselves. I love who I am and whatever I decide to do. Get there." Nas followed his BET Awards performance with the July release of his prison-themed video for “Industry Baby.” He performed a medley of “Industry Baby” and “Montero (Call Me By My Name)” at the MTV VMA awards in September — complete with another cast of Black and brown backup dancers and a steamy shower dance break. When he won the MTV VMA for video of the year, he gave a triumphant thank you to the “gay agenda.” It was a direct swipe at a ludicrous term that has long been weaponized against the LGBTQ community.

Nas then stunned in three separate looks while strutting the red carpet at the Met Gala, a trio that included a luxurious cape detailed with gold beading, a suit of gold armor and a figure-hugging black and gold jumpsuit accessorized with a gold choker and chunky boots. To celebrate the album release, his team is running a series of eye-catching billboards this week that directly call out and parody the anti-LGBTQ outrage that seems to follow the artist, no matter what he does. It appears Nas has found a way to make outrage his fuel, cooly and calculatingly using the never-ending criticism to highlight the way the LGBTQ community continues to be marginalized, silenced and underestimated. And for Black gay men, his success is that much more important.

The most celebrated and most visible queer voices in the music industry have typically been white men, from legends like Boy George, Elton John and George Michael to more recent acts like Troye Sivan, Sam Smith, Clay Aiken, Lance Bass and Adam Lambert. So for Nas, a dark-skinned, queer Black man with beautiful full features, to gain the traction and coverage he has over the past two years sets an important precedent.

His impact is also being felt across the hip hop industry, which continues to be plagued by anti-LGBTQ attitudes — despite how the Black and brown queer community has historically supporting hip hop artists. In a welcome deviation from this historical stigma, Nas has garnered support from hip hop acts like Kid Cudi, who recently praised Nas for his attempts to “break down” the “homophobic cloud over hip-hop” and pledged to do all he could to “stand with him” and “do whatever I have to do to let him know — you have my support.”

Montero is Nas’ given first name. So it feels only right that he named this album after himself, seeing that it embodies such an inspiring, and personal, journey of self-love. "I hope every single corner of the globe is reached with this album," he told People Magazine, adding that, "It's going to happen!"

Lil Nas X’s infectious self-confidence and captivating artistry has carried him far — and his career is just beginning. We can assume the rapper will continue to influence pop culture through his zealous endorsement of the kind of freedom that comes when we prioritize, protect and proclaim our truth.

[Source: Treye Green, NBC News, Sept 2021]

LGBTQ Anthem: Lady Gaga's Born This Way

KD Lang, Loretta Lynn, Brenda Lee, Kitty Wells

Interview: Troye Sivan

Out and Proud LGBTQ Country Artists You Should Be Listening To

Top Gay Male Musicians

LGBTQ Rappers in the Hip-Hop Industry

Billboard: Pivotal LGBTQ Moments in Music

Advocate: Emerging Queer Artists Who Are Giving Us Life

HRC: 2020 Pride Benefit Concert

Kim Petras Performs Icy at Streamy Awards

Little Mix: Support for the LGBTQ Community

Tribute to Elton John: HerMusic, Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato

LGBTQ Pride Anthems

Lady Gaga Performs Elton John's Your Song

Elton John's Top Ten Favorite Songs

-Heartbreak Hotel by Elvis Presley
-Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis
-Lucille by Little Richard
-We Can Work it Out by the Beatles
-Reach Out I'll Be There by the Four Tops
-A Song for You by Leon Russell
-Think by Aretha Franklin
-The Weight by The Band
-Whatever Gets You Through the Night by John Lennon
-Don't Give Up by Peter Gabriel & Kate Bush

LGBTQ Music News

Ricky Martin: Lip Syncing Old Time Rock & Roll and Footloose

Boy George and Culture Club: Career Overview

Time Out: 50 Best Songs to Celebrate Gay Pride

Demi Lovato Comes Out as Non-Binary

Billie Eilish: CBS Sunday Morning Interview

Tribute to Elton John: HerMusic, Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato

Pride: 20 Gay Pride Anthems

Rufus Wainwright's Career Has Never Followed the Rules

Billboard: Queering Mainstream Music

Huff Post: 27 Important LGBTQ Songs

Hayley Kiyoko: Queer Pop Star We've Been Waiting For

Buzz Feed: 36 Gay Love Songs

Watch Mojo: Top Ten LGBTQ Anthems

Rolling Stone: Essential LGBTQ Pride Songs

Interview: Troye Sivan

I Got You Babe by Cyndi Lauper and Adam Lambert

Pride: 10 Best LGBTQ Music Videos

Watch Mojo: Top Ten LGBTQ Anthems

Interview: KD Lang

Backstory: YMCA by Village People

HRC: 2020 Pride Benefit Concert

Kim Petras Performs Icy at Streamy Awards

Pink Accepts MTV Vanguard Award 2017

Lady Gaga Performs Elton John's Your Song

Freddie Mercury at Live Aid

Billboard: Top 50 Gay Anthems

Billie Eilish: CBS Sunday Morning Interview

KD Lang Gets a Makeover

KD Lang's latest album, entitled "Makeover," released in time for Pride Month 2021, features Classic Dance Remixes From 1992 to 2000. It is a new collection of her best-loved songs on a translucent turquoise vinyl record. The album includes “Sexuality,” “Miss Chatelaine,” “Theme from The Valley of the Dolls,” “Summerfling,” and the #1 dance chart hits “Lifted By Love” and “If I Were You.” makeover’s cover art features a previously unseen 1995 portrait of Lang by David LaChapelle.

“I had the idea of putting together a dance remix compilation, as I mused about how we built community in those days before the internet, mobile devices, and dating apps," Lang says. "Those dance clubs were a key to a world, which was still called ‘underground’ in the ’90s. I also surprised myself by finding that there was a cryptic, sort of secret zone in my career, that hadn’t been explored, overlooked even by me. Two of these tracks had even hit #1 on the dance charts!”

KD Lang Gets a Makeover
Miss Chatelaine by KD Lang (St. Tropez Mix)
KD Lang's New Album: Classic Dance Remixes
Lifted by Love by KD Lang (Club Xanax Mix)
Metro Weekly Album Review: Makeover by KD Lang
Sexuality by KD Lang (DJ Krush Mix)
Valley of the Dolls by KD Lang (Junior Vasquez Mix)

Called “one of the greatest singers of all time,” by Elton John and “the greatest female singer in the whole world” by fellow Canadian Michael Bublé, KD Lang’s distinguished career includes four Grammy and eight Juno Awards. In addition to a fruitful collaboration with Tony Bennett (who calls her “the best singer of her generation”), Lang has performed alongside luminaries including Roy Orbison, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and Loretta Lynn. She sang at the closing ceremonies of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary and the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Lang has contributed music to the soundtracks of several films, including Even Cowgirls Get the Blues, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Happy Feet. She has also appeared in a number of films, including Salmonberries, The Black Dahlia, and Eye of the Beholder. In 1996, Lang received Canada’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada.

Lang released her first album in 2004, the acclaimed and highly personal “Canadian songbook,” Hymns of the 49th Parallel, featuring work by Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, Neil Young, Jane Siberry, and others. Her subsequent releases on the label include Watershed (2008), her first career retrospective Recollection (2010), and Sing It Loud (2011). Most recently, she released Ingénue: 25th Anniversary Edition in 2017, comprising Lang’s multi-platinum, Grammy Award–winning original album, as well as the previously unreleased 1993 MTV Unplugged performances. In the words of Uncut magazine, “Ingénue still dazzles, 25 years on. Luminous, languid and seductive to the point of intoxication. This reissue proves its status as a modern classic.” To coincide with the anniversary, Lang performed sold-out concerts in Canada, the US, Australia, UK, and Ireland; a DVD of the show, Ingénue Redux: Live from The Majestic Theatre, was released in 2018. “A canny and sumptuous blend of roots music and pre-rock pop, Ingénue sounds as great today as it did upon its release. The songs shimmered with dreamy textures,” wrote the Los Angeles Times. “Lang is so good that she is in a class of her own. Wow. Just wow. Most other singers should just give up now,” proclaimed the Daily Telegraph.

[Source: Nonesuch records, May 2021]

Pride: 20 Gay Pride Anthems

Huff Post: 27 Important LGBTQ Songs

Jamie Wyatt: Queer Queen of Outlaw Country

Beauty and the Beast Parody Song: Todrick Hall

B52s Update: 30 Years After Love Shack

Queerness: 20 Queer Songs You Should Know
Interview: KD Lang

Lauren Jauiregui: Social M

Pivotal LGBTQ Moments in Music

Equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people is today's defining civil rights issue, but the music world has always played a significant role in LGBTQ progress. Consider musical moments that have been pivotal in advancing LGBTQ understanding, acceptance and rights.

1976 - Tom Robinson is "Glad to Be Gay." The British songwriter penned the tune "Glad to Be Gay" for a London gay pride rally. Inspired by the in-your-face posturing of punk bands like The Sex Pistols, the song's lyrics were bold and brave, especially considering the climate towards homosexuals at the time. Some 40 years later, the song still serves as Britain's national gay anthem.

1978 - Sylvester dons a dress. Long before RuPaul sashayed onto the Billboard charts in the early '90s, drag diva Sylvester was paving the way for queens everywhere with his high-energy club tracks. Best known for his anthem "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," Sylvester James found his calling and adopted his one-name moniker after moving to San Francisco to pursue music just a couple of years before New York's Stonewall riot launched the national gay liberation movement.

For Your Entertainment by Adam Lambert

Kiss by Prince

Expectations by Lauren Jauregui

Louder by Big Freedia

All Me/Change Your Life by Kehlani

Wild by Troye Sivan and Alessia Cara

Rendezvous by Miss Benny

Breath and Sound by Tom Goss

Victoria Sole by Te Amo

Like Me by Chely Wright

So Small by Ty Herndon

Aftermath by Adam Lambert

Giving Back the Best of Me by Jamie Wyatt

Karma Chameleon by Culture Club
Liberace and Young Folk: Feelin' Groovy (1968)

1984 - Synth-Pop gets political. Bronski Beat wasn't the only LGBTQ-friendly synth-pop group of the '80s. But back when bands like Pet Shop Boys and Erasure were only making veiled references to their sexualities, falsetto vocalist Jimmy Sommerville and company were adorning their album covers with pink triangles and writing political, gay-empowering club tunes that left no room for misinterpretation. "Smalltown Boy" was the trio's most celebrated hit, and the song's video was one of the first of any genre to address the issue of violence against gays.

1990 - Madonna makes the Vogue pose mainstream. Madonna had already established herself as an advocate for LGBTQ rights and causes in the '80s, but she took her gay-positive message to a different level when she introduced mainstream America to the Vogue flamboyant style of dance, reminiscent of the underground drag ball scene. "Vogue" soared to No. 1 on the Billboard charts and came with a striking black-and-white video that taught the world how to strike a pose.

1991 - Stars pay tribute to Queen frontman Freddie Mercury. The flamboyant performer openly had relationships with both men and women during the band's popularity. Mercury revealed to the world that he had contracted HIV, and became the first major rock star to die of AIDS. The remaining members of Queen staged The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness to celebrate the life and legacy of Mercury and raise money for AIDS research. The concert, which featured performances by Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, Elton John, Metallica, David Bowie, Guns N' Roses and U2 among others, was broadcast live to 76 countries, and had an estimated viewing audience of 1 billion people.

1993 - Countrified pop chanteuse KD Lang graced the cover of Vanity Fair magazine in a barber chair being amorously shaved by model Cindy Crawford.

I Love You's by Hailee Steinfeld

Your Song by Lady Gaga

All I Do is Cry by Kim Petras

Love Shack by B 52s

I Believe by Bright Light Bright Light

Do You Really Want To Hurt Me by Culture Club
Strangers by Halsey and Lauren Jauregui

True Colors by LA Gay Men's Chorus

Galileo by Indigo Girls

Radio Gaga by Queen (Live Aid Concert 1985)

Misery and Gin by Jamie Wyatt

Raising Hell by Kesha and Big Freedia

1993 - Melissa Etheridge says "Yes I Am." While out rocker Melissa Etheridge had experienced much success in the late '80s and early '90s, it wasn't until her "Yes I Am" album that she made headlines. The album (whose title served as an answer to questions about her sexuality) spent 138 weeks on the Billboard chart and has sold 4.4 million copies in the US.

1995 - Jill Sobule kisses a girl. Long before Katy Perry catered to male fantasies by singing "I kissed a girl and I liked it," singer-songwriter Jill Sobule made the same declaration in earnest. Her song "I Kissed a Girl" became a hit. Its overt declaration of lesbianism struck a chord as a character-driven narrative, giving voice to sexual exploration in a way rarely touched in pop.

1998 - Rob Halford makes metal history. Grammy-winning Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford came out during an MTV interview. "I've been a gay man all of my life. It's only been in recent times that it's been an issue that I've been comfortable to address."

2005 - Elton John and David Furnish tie the knot. In the '70s, Elton John was famously slippery about his sexual orientation. But the singer set aside all ambiguities when he celebrated England's recognition of same-sex civil partnerships and wed his longtime partner, filmmaker David Furnish. Five years later, John and Furnish adopted a baby boy, Zachary, who was born to a surrogate. And later, the couple welcomed Elijah.

2006 - Lance Bass may not have emerged from the closet during NSYNC's boy-band reign , but the singer's later revelation was still nothing less than bold. In a People magazine cover story, Bass declared that he's "not ashamed" of his sexuality." Following his coming out, Bass was awarded the Human Rights Campaign Visibility Award.

Bad Guy (Live Acoustic) by Billie Eilish

Church Of The Poison Mind by Culture Club
Blame It On the Girls by Mika

Sleepover by Hayley Kiyoko

Sparks Fly by Taylor Swift

Django Jane by Janelle Monae

I Was Born to Love You by Freddie Mercury

Come to My Window by Melissa Etheridge

Manic Monday by Prince

Lousy & In In In by Zebra Katz

When She Loved Me by Sarah McLachlan
Curious by Hayley Kiyoko

Closer to Fine by Indigo Girls

I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross

2007 - Enrique Iglesias literally embraces his fans. He proved that his appreciation for his fans is not specific to gender or sexual orientation in a performance at London's G-A-Y nightclub. During the show, Iglesias brought a male fan on stage and serenaded him with his ballad "Hero." Iglesias confidently hugged and kissed the swooning fan.

2007 - Rufus Wainwright, Friend of Dorothy. The campy magic of Judy Garland was summoned by singer Rufus Wainwright, who paid homage to the gay icon by recreating the her stage shows from the 60s. Wainwright took the act to Britain's Glastonbury festival, where he donned lipstick and heels for a performance that declared his sexuality.

2007 - Christian Chavez fights for "Libertad." He came out of the closet while he was a member of wildly popular Mexican teen pop group RBD. Four years later, in the provocative video for "Libertad," the Latin-pop singer uses a sexy narrative about two gay lovers who meet in a club to make a stance for gay rights and sexual freedom. Spliced between flashing images of Harvey Milk, RuPaul, Martin Luther King Jr and others, Chavez and his boyfriend passionately kiss.

2009 - Lady Gaga fights for gay rights. With her equality anthem "Born This Way", nearly everything she says, does and wears, Lady Gaga has proven herself to be this era's gay-friendliest pop star. First came her rallying cry at the National Equality March on Washington. Then the 2010 MTV awards followed, where US service members affected by the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy accompanied her on the red carpet. Later, she appealed to her millions of her social media followers to ask the New York State Senator to vote yes for the Marriage Equality Act.

2009 - Adam Lambert glams up American Idol and debuts at No. 1. While Adam Lambert didn't make his sexuality a major talking point while competing on American Idol, he later came out in a Rolling Stone cover story. Though he finished the 2009 season of American Idol in second place, he remained the season's breakout star and has since worked to become a role model for LGBTQ teens.

2010 - Ricky Martin reveals all in his autobiography, Me. From Menudo sweetheart to Latin explosion leader, Ricky Martin has spent much of his career dodging relentless scrutiny over his sexuality. Martin finally put the rumors to rest and declared himself a "fortunate homosexual man." Martin is the proud dad of twin boys, born to a surrogate.

2010 - Television series Glee features gay teens on primetime. After first being introduced to Kurt Hummel (played by Chris Colfer), the Fox show tackled gay issues big and small, bringing LGBTQ storylines to the forefront. Then Kurt met Blaine Anderson (Darren Criss). Blaine serenaded Kurt with Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," and the Glee cast earned its best single sales week for a download with the song's release. Meanwhile, Brittany (Heather Morris) and Santana (Naya Rivera) were struggling with their sexuality, and the two expressed their feelings through a duet of Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide."

2010 - Country music star Chely Wright comes out and makes big headlines in Nashville. Before publicly announcing her sexuality, Wright had already established herself as a best-selling, award-winning country music singer and songwriter. Her story is told in Wish Me Away, a documentary about her coming out experience. She married Lauren Blitzer in 2011. In 2013, she and Blitzer welcomed twins George Samuel and Everett Joseph.

2012 - Odd Future member and R&B artist Frank Ocean published an intimate social media post explaining that his first love was a man. The declaration was initially meant to be included in the liner notes to his debut major-label album, Channel Orange, which came out a week later. Prior to this moment, Ocean had recorded several love songs that included the "he" pronoun.

2012 - Tommy Gabel of the band Against Me! comes out as transgender. After living for 31 years as a man, as singer/guitarist for Florida punk band, he announced he would be transitioning to life as a woman named Laura Jane Grace.

2012 - After Barack Obama publicly endorsed same-sex marriage, rapper Jay Z voiced his own support. "It's no different than discriminating against blacks. It's discrimination, plain and simple," he said. Other stars, from Lady Gaga to Alicia Keys, also backed the president's words.

2012 - The world's biggest Latin touring act, Mana, made a strong statement in support of marriage equality. The Mexican rock band's lead singer, Fher Olvera, joined a chorus of other like-minded musicians and backed gay couples on the band's social media platform. "Full recognition for same-sex couples is not just a question of equality, it is also a matter of justice," the singer wrote. "In a chaotic world where there is still too much hatred, all expressions of love are important. Because the only sin is the absence of love."

2014 - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis serenaded 33 gay and straight weddings at the Grammy Awards show with Same Love. The ceremony was officiated by Queen Latifah. The all-star performance also included Madonna singing "Open Your Heart" and vocalist Mary Lambert.

2014 - Conchita Wurst wins Eurovision. The 25 year old Austrian bearded drag queen won the singing contest with her ballad "Rise Like a Phoenix."

LGBTQ Music News

Queer Music History 101

Little Mix: Support for the LGBTQ Community

Entertainment Weekly: LGBTQ Pride Forever Issue

Rolling Stone: Little Richard, Rock n Roll Icon, Dies at 87

Advocate: Emerging Queer Artists Who Are Giving Us Life

Paper: Game-Changing LGBTQ Musicians

Kim Petras Performs Icy at Streamy Awards

Wikipedia: LGBTQ Singers

Elton John and James Corden: Carpool Karaoke

Big Time LGBTQ Musicians

Halsey and Lauren Jaruegui on Today Show

Tribute to Elton John: HerMusic, Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato

Lauren Jauregui Takes LGBTQ Pop Music Quiz

Lady Gaga Performs Elton John's Your Song

Billboard: Top 50 Gay Anthems

I Got You Babe by Cyndi Lauper and Adam Lambert

Time Out: 50 Best Songs to Celebrate Gay Pride

Hayley Kiyoko: Queer Pop Star We've Been Waiting For

Buzz Feed: 36 Gay Love Songs

Rolling Stone: Essential LGBTQ Pride Songs

LGBTQ Pride Anthems

Out: Gay Music

Pride: 10 Best LGBTQ Music Videos

Video List: LGBTQ Music Artists

Pink News: Popular LGBTQ Singers

Billboard: Queering Mainstream Music

Billie Eilish: On the Jimmy Kimmel Show

Most Important Queer Women in Music

Pride: Gay Music

The Village People: Career Overview

edia, Her Music, Coming Out

Lesbian Love Songs: Women Singing About Women

Matt Fishel: Radio Friendly Pop Song

Tutti Frutti: Little Richard Performs at Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

LGBTQ Love Songs

Girls Like Girls by Hayley Kiyoko
Forrest Gump by Frank Ocean
Make Me Feel by Janelle Monáe
Bloom by Troye Sivan
Fool by Alyson Stoner
The Things You Loved by Shamir
1950 by King Princess
I Still Love You by Jennifer Hudson
Thinking About You by Frank Ocean
Private Emotion by Ricky Martin

Cinderella, Pt. 2 by Chika
Starstruck by Years & Years
Honey by Kehlani
Alan by Perfume Genius
Cherry by Rina Sawayama
Nothing But the Love by Wrabel
Fixerupper by Tayla Parx
Stay With Me by Sam Smith
Million Reasons by Lady Gaga

Montero (Call Me By Your Name) by Lil Nas X

I’m the Only One by Melissa Etheridge
Dancing With A Stranger by Sam Smith ft. Normani
Fool of Me by Me’Shell NdegeOcello
Love is Love by Culture Club
Time for Miracles by Adam Lambert
Lucky Strike by Troye Sivan
Hit the Back by King Princess
Tongue by MNEK

I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend by Girl in Red
She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert
Superpower by Beyonce feat. Frank Ocean
Long Distance by Jordy
Daydream by The Aces

And Then She Kissed Me by St. Vincent
Sweet Tooth by Cavetown
Girlfriend by Rebecca Black
Higher by Vincint ft. Alex Newell & Princess Precious

Emerging LGBTQ Musicians

From jazz and blues to pop and folk, these young LGBTQ artists are breaking ground across an ever-changing landscape.

Chaz Cardigan - An alt-rocker for a new, angsty generation, Chaz Cardigan is making space for himself in a genre in which LGBTQ musicians aren’t often seen. Cardigan recently released the video for “Not OK!” It is a brash anthem for people struggling to get their shit together. With all of his quirks and color, Cardigan recognizes the privilege he has to make music without his sexuality being the focus. "I’m allowed to say that I’m queer, and no one really bats an eyelash,” he says. “I’m allowed, actually, to just exist as a person and not even have to make my sexuality a focus in my art. I can just make art.” LGBTQ artists have come far in recent years, and audiences recognize that who you love is only a part of our stories, of who we are as humans. For Cardigan, it’s humbling: “Sometimes I actually forget that that single adjective [queer] would have destroyed any chance of someone’s career, like, 15 years ago. My friends and the people I work with are all sort of immune to it, and it’s really liberating."

Wafia - Now and then, a song comes on that feels like a gentle breeze on a sunny day and you can’t help but smile and drink it in. Luckily for Wafia, you get that feeling listening to every track in her discography. Whether she’s warning herself not to self-sabotage a romance over the Caribbean-infused EDM track “Better Not” or getting high on edibles in “Flowers and Superpowers,” there’s something easy and infectious about Wafia’s synth-pop. In just a few years, she’s racked up hundreds of millions of streams with her syrupy songs steeped in honesty. With her popularity and profile climbing, she’s proud to be an openly queer Muslim woman in the pop music sphere. Her debut album is expected later this year. “It’s definitely a privilege to be able to represent in my small way in this space that I don’t take lightly,” she says. “There weren’t a lot of people I could look up to that I felt I could identify with. Visibility is important and I’m so glad that times are changing.”

Jakk Fynn - Jakk Fynn is ready to “Heal,” and hopes his music can do the same for you. Following a break up, the Latinx pop-punk artist had to reassess who he was alone as well as come to terms with his transmasculine identity. His journey inspired his art and mission to empower LGBTQ people with music. "Throughout my musical journey I’ve met a lot of obstacles: opposition from my family, pressures from labels, the idea that I had to present myself in any way other than who I actually am,” he told The Advocate in March. “These things never stopped me though; they just pushed me harder to find new ways to fight for my vision 100% on my terms. Actively moving in opposition to what the world wants from you is a difficult path, so I think it’s important to celebrate those that do.” Maybe those are the steps to heal not only yourself, but the world.

Amythyst Kiah - Amythyst Kiah has a voice that stops you in your tracks and commands you to really listen. The hypnotizing blues and roots singer recently snagged a Grammy nomination for her defiant self-love anthem “Black Myself” with Our Native Daughters, which won Song of the Year at the International Folk Music Awards. Kiah has also been named “one of roots music’s most exciting emerging talents” by Rolling Stone. While American folk music originated with Black people, it isn’t an easy genre for any Black woman to be successful in — let alone a queer one. But Kiah is unapologetic about who she is. “It took me years before I felt comfortable living my truth,” she says, thanking her parents who loved and supported her. "I think of every piece of queer art I got my hands on when I was younger just to see my truth reflected back at me, and I only hope I can be that for someone else,” Kiah says. “We should always remember the ones who are still in the closet, for they are still finding their truth the safest way possible. Here’s to hoping with all of our perseverance that more and more people will be able to feel safe enough to live their truth without fear.”

Tom Goss - Music can be intimately personal. There are few who know that better than Tom Goss. On “Quebec,” a single off his latest album, Territories, Goss reveals to his husband that he’s fallen in love with another man. This is only after his husband revealed his own infidelity, which led to the pair opening their marriage. The album explores this experience, with Goss’s heartfelt voice as the narrator, in a way that is uniquely queer. "As queer people, we are used to having a perspective that the rest of the world has a hard time understanding,” Goss says when asked why his work is so personal. “It’s not always easy, but I consider my queerness a gift. If I were straight, I would have assimilated decades ago. My ideas would have been washed into the ideas of society. My queerness and my differentness in society has helped me be resilient in my authenticity, openness, and personal truth.”

Quentin Arispe - Quentin Arispe has been singing all their life. As they put it, "I can’t remember a time in my life that singing wasn’t a part of. The funny thing is that both of my parents aren’t vocalists or artists. I’m super grateful, though, that they were so supportive of my musical endeavors, and if it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t have gotten this far." And Arispe is truly an artist worth listening to. With inspirations that include Alabama Shakes, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin, and Beyoncé (they also share a hometown with the diva), Arispe has the skill to create tracks that turn into earworms like “No You Hang Up” as well as the more chest-baring fare, “I’m That Bitch,” both off of their latest EP, Fruit. The project is about "knowing that you can be absolutely anything," Arispe says. “That constructs are social and nothing can truly limit the human experience. That it’s OK to be mad and it’s OK to be loud and a bitch. That polarity and duality is godly."

Teraj - Teraj’s voice was a secret well into his teens. Hailing from Miami, the artist was surrounded by the sounds of Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, and Michael Jackson in his childhood home, but he would never let anyone hear his own abilities — until he did. Now he’s embraced singing as a full-time career and is releasing a four-pack of music videos alongside his album Defy, that he wrote and produced. "The overall message behind the album Defy is to inspire and encourage others to overcome the odds, courageously chase one’s dreams, and live boldly in one’s truth,” Teraj says. “I wanted to craft songs that share my personal stories of growing up in an underprivileged community with countless adverse circumstances and that with drive, hard work, and perseverance, I overcame that.”

Banoffee - Fans may have first come in touch with Banoffee through her work with Charli XCX while touring with Taylor Swift — and it was largely through that tour that the singer raked enough cash to finance her own debut, Look at Us Now Dad. The impressive album contains a feature from CupkKaKe, and a track done in collaboration with Sophie. The music she creates (which establishes her as a part of a new generation of musicians who are bringing “a sense of fun and sass that is unrestricted by gender and traditional values” to the pop genre) is certainly a central part of who she is. As is speaking out about inequality and oppression and how those forces affect more than the people who sit at her intersections as a queer woman of color.“ The support of the LGBTQ community has been beyond crucial in my career,” says Banoffee. “Finally, I feel seen. I feel welcomed without judgment and I feel like I’m a part of a movement that is progressing through kindness, not abrasion. I am honored to be a part of this community.”

[Source: Mikelle Street & Taylor Henderson, Advocate Magazine, April 2020]

Advocate: Emerging Queer Artists Who Are Giving Us Life

Paper: Game-Changing LGBTQ Musicians

Pink News: Popular LGBTQ Singers

Billboard: Queering Mainstream Music

Everyone is Gay by Great Big World

LGBTQ Topic Songs

LeAnn Rimes Performs "The Rose" with Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles

Imagine by Lady Gaga at HRC National Dinner
Different Kind of Love Song
It's a Beautiful Day by Freddie Mercury & Queen

Born This Way by Lady Gaga on SNL

Celebrate by Mika

What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger by Kelly Clarkson

You Belong With Me by Taylor Swift

Lollipop by Mika

It Gets Better by Todrick Hall

I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor

Single White Female by Chely Wright

Who Wants to Live Forever by Freddie Mercury & Queen

Jenny and Jill by Brett Dennen

Better This Way by Doug Strahm

Vroom Vroom Vroom by Jennifer Corday

Boys by Charli XCX

Y'all Means All (Queer Eye) by Miranda Lambert

Fool by Alyson Stoner

Some Other Summer by Roxette

Younger by Kevin McHale

Love of My Life by Freddie Mercury & Queen

Chasing Rainbows by Big Freedia and Kesha

Secrets by Mary Lambert

Time by Steve Grand

This Was My House by Bright Light Bright Light

Don't Wait by Joey Graceffo

She Keeps Me Warm by Mary Lambert

Just Dance by Lady Gaga

You Need to Calm Down by Taylor Swift

Really Don't Care by Demi Lovato

Pynk by Janelle Monae

The Edge of Glory by Lady Gaga

Like Me by Chely Wright

YMCA by Village People

Love Today by Mika

What I Need by Kayley Kiyoko and Kehlani

Philadelphia by Tori Amos

Born This Way by Lady Gaga on Grammys

Son of a Preacher Man by Tom Goss

Nobody by Jade Novah and Cynthia Erivo

We Are Golden by Mika

I Just Want to Be OK by Ingrid Michaelson
Love is Love by Starley

Him (Lyrics) by Sam Smith

I Like That by Janelle Monae

You're a Firework by Katy Perry

Dare to Love by Sean Chapin

Man I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain

I Kissed a Girl by Katy Perry

All American Boy by Steve Grand

The Great Pretender by Freddie Mercury
Have You Ever by Brandi Carlile

I Am What I Am by Karen Mulder
Never Love You Enough by Chely Wright

Your Song by Elton John
I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross

This is Me from Greatest Showman

I Have a Voice by Broadway Kids Against Bullying

Kiss Like a Woman

I Used to Be Cool by Bright Light Bright Light

New Eyes by Adam Lambert

We Kiss in a Shadow

Me by Taylor Swift and Brendon Urie

Lover by Tom Goss

This is My Fight Song by Rachel Platten

Believe by Cher

Greatest Showman: This is Me

Love Sweet Love by Broadway for Orlando

Don't Give Up by Maggie Szabo

Til it Happens to You by Lady Gaga

Dancing in the Living Room by Cameron Hawthorn

Stay With Me by Sam Smith

Make Me Feel by Janelle Monae

Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels by Todrick Hall

LGBTQ Anthem: I Was Born This Way

LGBTQ Anthem: Lady Gaga's Born This Way (NPR Report 2019)

I Was Born This Way by Lady Gaga (2011)

I Was Born This Way by Rev Carl Bean (1977)

I Was Born This Way by Valentino (1972)

I Was Born This Way by Lady Gaga on SNL

I Was Born This Way by Lady Gaga on Grammys

Queering Country Music

Ty Herndon: What Mattered Most (Alternative Version)

Ty Herndon: What Mattered Most (Original Version)

Out and Proud LGBTQ Country Artists You Should Be Listening To

All American Boy by Steve Grand

Time by Steve Grand

Heartbeat by Jennifer Corday

These Cocksucking Tears: Documentary About Patrick Haggerty & Lavender Country

Dancing in the Living Room by Cameron Hawthorn

So Small by Ty Herndon

Slow Down by Brandon Stansell and Ty Herndon

Hometown by Brandon Stansell

Same Old Country Love Song by Brian Falduto
God Loves Me Too by Brian Falduto

Son of a Preacher Man by Tom Goss

Neon Cross by Jamie Wyatt

Better This Way by Doug Strahm

Old Town Road by Lil Nas X
Karman Kregloe: Queer Country Rocker

LGBTQ-Friendly Country Music Artists You Should Know About

Queer Korean Music

Despite the vibrant K-Pop industry, South Korea isn’t the bastion of pride anthems that it’s colorful songs and music videos may suggest. Over half of South Korea’s population thought homosexuality was "unacceptable" in a 2014 Pew survey. It's a tough place to be gay. A product of its environment, K-Pop has a long way to go to be inclusive. Openly gay singers and LGBTQ-positive songs are rare.

But occasionally there are a few that have featured diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, either lyrically or visually. And some K-Pop musicians can be described as LGBTQ-friendly. And there are some K-Pop musicians who have expressed support for the LGBTQ community (including BTS and Mamamoo). But overall, when it comes to LGBTQ pride, for K-Pop fans, there’s not a whole lot to talk about. Due to immense cultural taboos, only a small number of South Korean entertainers have been open about their LGBTQ identity.

But things started changing in 2018 in a big way. After years with hardly any LGBTQ representation, we are beginning to see openly-LGBTQ artists breaking into the South Korean music scene. While there are only rumors regarding the members of such K-Pop groups as BTS (boy band) and Mamamoo (girl band), there are confirmed LGBTQ musicians that are out and proud.

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Holland - Well-known as the media’s first openly gay K-Pop idol. He debuted in January 2018 and stated that he wanted to make his debut as a singer to speak up on his experiences with violent assaulters and victims stricken on sexual minorities. He originally debuted without an agency since many did not want to sign someone who would speak on sexual minorities, but has since signed to an agency.

Harisu - Transgender entertainer and singer. Born in 1975, she identified as female from early childhood and had sex reassignment surgery in the 1990s. She has been active since 2001 and is active in South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

Lady - First all-transgender group in South Korea. The group debuted in 2005 and had four members: Sinae, Sahara, Binu, and Yuna. The group’s main inspiration is from Harisu. Sadly, the group wasn’t able to be promoted well due to their music videos not being well received. The group disbanded in 2007.

Maman - First openly gay idol. Shortly after debuting, Maman came out as gay in an interview. Due to struggles with her recording company, she has been inactive since 2015.

Hanbit - Model, actress, and singer who debuted in 2016 under the girl group Mercury. With the support of her parents, Hanbit underwent male-to-female sex reassignment surgery in 2006. In an interview, she stated, "Living with a female body itself brought me the greatest feeling of euphoria."

Hansol - Came out as asexual and aromantic. He has since been vocal about his queer identity and how it feels to live as a queer man in South Korea. When talking about his sexuality, Hansol has stated that, "I’m not attracted to the opposite sex, but I’m also not attracted to the same sex. I never bothered to date and I hate sex very much."

D.I.P - Debuted in 2016, and members Seungho and B Nish are in a public relationship. The two announced they were dating and are very open about their sexuality. D.I.P’s leader is also LGBTQ. He is bisexual and has stated that he is attracted to both men and women.

Marshall Bang - Originally from Orange County, he traveled to Korea to become a K-Pop star. He has been openly gay since 2015 and debuted in 2018. Though his gay Korean friends told him it would be better to stay in the closet, he chose to come out as a way to be his true self.

[Source: Korea Boo, June 2019]

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