Gay icons in music
What Makes a ‘Gay Icon’?
“In life, we hide the parts of ourselves we don’t want the planet to see,” Lil Nas X proclaims in the video for his chart-topping single “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” For the openly gay rapper/singer, Montero — inspired by his birth name — is a place where one is free to be who they are. The unabashedly queer video caused a minor media frenzy when it was released earlier this year, but the controversy revolved less around Lil Nas X’s sexual orientation — he’d already come out at the end of LGBTQ Pride month in 2019 — than the profane religious imagery of the clip itself, which depicts the 22-year-old riding a stripper pole to hell, performing a lap dance for the devil, and sprouting demon’s wings.
George Michael: 20 Essential Songs
Rock musicians like David Bowie and Elton John flirted with androgyny, and both spoke publicly about their bisexuality as early as the 1970s. But the idea of an out-and-proud male pop star creature embraced by the mainstream, and before his debut album has even dropped (Montero is due this summer), would have been unthinkable just 20 yea
Lady Gaga
It’d be impossible to understate out bisexual player and actor Lady Gaga‘s impact on culture and pop music, or the impact she’s made as an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Every Gaga performance and high-camp costume was iconic. Her male alter-ego Jo Calederone was absurdly hot. Her song video for “Telephone” opened with Gaga making out with butch Canadian act artist Heather Cassils and ended with her holding hands with Beyonce and driving into the sunset. “Born This Way” doesn’t even matter —it’s “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face” and “Alejandro” and “Bad Romance” and “You and I” and “Paparazzi.” Lady Gaga is a queen of gay pop.
Hayley Kiyoko
On the cover of Nylon Magazine’s first-ever Pride Issue, Hayley Kiyoko was described as an unprecedented drive in the gay pop scene, a lesbian teen heartthrob unafraid to court a passionate, starving gay fan base who crowned her Lesbian Jesus. She was the first female homosexual pop star signed to a major label to make multiple music videos in which she kisses girls. It’s incr
The 20 Greatest LGBTQ+ Artists in Music History
We desire you're having a superb Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will accept the world by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Legendary musicians who own 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 consider 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 Diverse 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 comprehend she would still own the humongous LGBTQ+ obeying she has
LGBTQ+ Music Icons: Impact, Individuality & Legacy in Songs
Every year during the month of June, we commemorate the vibrant impact of queer music artists who have shaped the soundtrack of LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. Pride Month not only showcases the achievements of theLGBTQ+ communities but also reminds us that the fight for equality continues. This article explores the contributions of lgbtq+ musicians and their strong melodies. Hymns of defiance and joy, interwoven with narratives about human sexuality and LGBT identity.
Pioneering gay music artists and their voices
We remember Freddie Mercury’s onstage antics, which boldly challenged traditional gender perceptions. Elton John, who publicly came out in a 1992 interview with Rolling Stone magazine, has since emerged as one of the most revered queer icons in music history. In 2010, he sparked further conversation by depicting Jesus as “a kind, very intelligent gay male who understood human problems” in an interview with Parade Magazine.
Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of Queen, used his vocal prowess and magnetic personality to deliver a powerful communication about homosexuality.
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