It’s Pride Month and it’s time to jam. If you aren’t sure of what to listen to during this month, here are some of our favorite queer artists to dance to, during June and the rest of the year.
Let’s get groovy!
1. Troye Sivan
Troye has been out as gay to the world since 2013. But his most recent work embraces this identity. His recent single “Bloom” is a queer bop for the ages.
2. Elton John
Sir Elton John is, in my humble opinion, one of the most iconic artists of all time. If you don’t know him, I worry for your musical welfare. The pianist came out as bisexual in 1976 but later came out as gay in 1988 and has worked since then to advocate for LGBTQ people.
3. Janelle Monáe
While Janelle Monáe came out as queer recently, she has long been an advocate for LGBTQ people. Her new audio-visual project Dirty Computer is an exploration of what it means to be a black queer woman. What a legend.
4. Queen
Queen, fronted by Freddie Mercury, is one of the most legendary bands to come out of the 1980’s. Unfortunately, Mercury passed away due to complications from AIDS, but his voice and spirit lives on through the band.
5. Lesley Gore
I was introduced to Mrs. Gore through my coworker, who adamantly argued for me to include her on this list as she has been in a lesbian relationship since 1982. Now I love her.
6. Lavender Country
Lavender Country is known as the “first openly gay country band.” Their debut album debuted in 1973 featuring such bops as “Come Out Singing” and “Crying these C***Sucking Tears.” The titles alone are truly iconic.
7. Star Ah Mer Ah Su
Star advertises herself as “trans pop princess.” She creates music that is delightfully simple and heartfelt. Honestly, I sing her songs in the shower.
8. Against Me!
Against Me! Was a commercially successful punk band before their lead singer, Laura Jane Grace, came out as trans. Since then, they have produced trans-focused jams that will make you amped up to go to pride, whether it’s a celebration or a protest.
9. The Spook School
The Spook School is a British indie band that produces feel-good tunes with lyrics that explore gender and sexuality. My personal favorite song of theirs is “burn masculinity.”
10. Pet Shop Boys
Despite coming out in 1994, the two have been seen as gay icons since the 1980’s. I took me awhile to come around to their particular brand of synthpop, but since I have, it’s been groovy!