Famous gay singers from the 70s
The 20 Greatest LGBTQ+ Artists in Music History
We aspire you're having a superb Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will grab the world by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Legendary musicians who contain inspired, advocated, and conquered.
Whether they've been open about their sexuality and gender expression for years or kept their label secret throughout history, we think the 20 artists below have created impenetrable sonic works while also modifying the world's view of the LGBTQ+ community for the better.
We've had to limit this list to only 20 people (we know there are so many other great Queer musicians out there!) but we have chosen the artists we've chosen because we believe their legacies have stood – or will stand – the test of time. We not only salute these musicians during Pride Month, but every day. Without further ado, here are our honorees.
1. Lady Gaga
Gaga came out publicly as bisexual back in 2010 after a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters. Even if she had decided to keep her sexuality a secret, we realize she would still contain the humongous LGBTQ+ monitoring she has
35 LGBTQ Rock Icons
There's nothing more rock 'n' roll than being true to yourself. Look no further than rock's LGBTQ superstars, from Elton John and his larger-than-life personality, to more subdued but nevertheless formative singer-songwriters like Michael Stipe.
"These 20 years of publicly speaking my truth hold made me a improved and easier person to be around," Stipe, who came out in the '90s, later wrote in The Guardian. "It helped grow the clarity of my voice and establish who I would be as an adult."
Meanwhile, John felt "very privileged because I'm in a business that kind of accepts lgbtq+ people," as he told Variety – but there's an emphasis on "kind of." The unfortunate life is that for many years, being an openly LGBTQ artist in the world of rock often meant placing a objective on one's back, or at the very least not being treated with the same level of respect or seriousness as their heterosexual counterparts.
It's not always so simple to disclose your truth, and for many, there's a consistent struggle to be themselves for fear of jeopardizing c
The Most Iconic LGBTQI+ Song Idols Of All Times
Freddie is not only a global musical icon, but is considered, by many, as a national treasure for the United Kingdom.
Also read: 20 Minutes That Changed The History Of Music: Remembering Live Aid
When interviewed by NME magazine about his sexual orientation, he playfully responded: “I’m as gay as a daffodil, my dear!” And even if he did not openly talk about his private life, it is well known that he spent the last of his years living with his longtime significant other Jim Hutton.
Queen’s guitarist, Brian May, also stated in a 2008 interview: “I know that all through his life Fred didn’t think that whether he was gay or not was important.”
Ryan Butcher, editor of LGBT website PinkNews, also stated: “It wasn’t just about sexuality with him; it was about his whole identity and the flamboyant persona he projected on stage, which is one of the main things Queen is known for.”
Why he inspires us: Freddie was not only a global rock music icon for the world and an inspiration for the LGBTQI+ group, he was also acknowledged for being a gigantic cat lover, so much that he actually consecrated an entire album in the name of his cats.
Mr. Bad G
Today’s Pride playlist focuses on music from the 1970s. After making it I noticed it was bright on the ladies. More women will turn up as this series goes on. Here’s what you’ll hear on today’s playlist:
“Lola” – The Kinks
“I comprehend what I am and I’m glad I’m a man and so is Lola.” You can interpret this line as essence that I’m glad I’m a man and Lola is also glad that I’m a man, though if you consider the earlier line “I’m not dumb, but I can’t understand why she walked like a woman but talked like a man” you’ll realize that Lola is also a gentleman. A man who made the top ten in 1970 and makes her presence known to this day.
“Rocket Man (I Reflect It’s Gonna be A Long, Long Time)” – Elton John
Of course this playlist needs some Elton John. I recall reading an essay about “Rocket Man” some years ago where the author posits this song’s lyrics are about a gay gentleman. A man who is leaving his wife and children to live his life though loneliness that will surround him, at least initially. A dude who is “not the man they think I am back home.” And then there’s the phallic imagery of a rocket. That’s part of this writer’s essay. Lyricist Bernie Taupin has never
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