Pride Month has arrived, and as we celebrate the resilience of the LGBTQ+ community, we must also acknowledge the host of queer musicians within the culture who are making their mark on the industry.
Pride Month is a time for the LGBTQ+ community and allies to honor the progress toward equality and celebrate diversity and inclusion. This has transcended into music. Queer musicians have played a crucial role in both the LGBTQ+ rights movement and the broader industry. Many, such as Janelle Monáe, use their platforms to advocate for acceptance, body positivity, visibility, and challenging societal norms.
Lil Nas X also pushes the boundaries in hip-hop, forcing the masses to see and accept him in his most authentic form. This was on full display during Nas X’s 2021 BET Awards performance, which saw him making out with one of his dancers, a stunt that resembled the infamous Britney Spears and Madonna smooch. The shock value moment served its purpose and sparked a wave of outrage from the rap community, which has historically shunned such behavior. However, his peers praised the bold move.
Other queer artists such as annonXL, Cakes da Killa and Qing Qi often explore themes of identity in their work, while also delving into aspects of everyday life. Most importantly, they provide vital representation for their LGBTQ+ audience, showcasing the transformative power of music as a catalyst for social change.
Here’s a look at a few LGBTQ+ artists and the bops we love from them that you should have on your playlists.
annonXL – “DERÉON”
Janelle Monáe – Water Slide
Saucy Santana – Walk
Moni Montana- Hood Superstar
Kaytranada – Twin Flame ft. Anderson .Paak
Mnek – “Wrote a Song About You”
Cakes da Killa feat. Dawn Richard
Big Freedia – “Duffy”
Young M.A – “TRIM”
Qing Qi – IDWIW (I Do What I Want)
