Pride Month Special Feature

Hi all my brothers, sisters and non-binary folk, it’s Pride Month. In an era where celebrating people and communities that are not straight, white and male is being discouraged by the national government, it’s important to continue to keep these stories alive…especially with the aggressive attacks on trans people. So, it is important to celebrate Pride whether you identify with the LGBTIQA+ community or not. So, we are going to look at 6 openly LGBTIQA+ artists who are not only important to their community, but are important to music in general. I am sure I’m going to miss some people’s favourite artists, so put who you think I missed in the comments section.

Chappell Roan: Pink Pony Club

Chappell Roan with her theatrical drag queen-esque aesthetic has soared to super stardom over the past few years. Roan often sings about LGBTIQA+ themes and in this track she sings about how both boys and girls can be queens at the pink pony club. Her themes of living your own truth and being yourself in the face of challenges (in the shape of her mother in this song) are key messages during Pride Month.

Lil Nas X: HOTBOX

It is hard to make this feature without Lil Nas X. He has challenged country music and is openly gay in both his music and his interviews. It is rare to have love songs written about two men, especially to the overtly sexual and lustful degree as Lil Nas X does. He has quickly become the Megan Thee Stallion or Cardi B of same sex male hook up tracks. This not only challenges traditional hip hop structures, but will hopefully pave the way for future artists.

Orville Peck: Dead of Night

Speaking of openly gay same sex love songs, Orville Peck has expanded the country genre with his romantic love songs. Peck takes a largely 1950s / early 60s romantic era of country music and applies it to loving and longing over hot cowboys. His rich vocal is impeccable and he is bringing back this more traditional form of country with his well crafted love songs. There have been rumours with Peck doing tracks with other artists, like Harry Styles, over the years…let’s hope they’re true because Peck is an exciting artist.

Dusty Springfield: I Only Want to be With You

Springfield kept her sexuality secret during most of her singing career and was often asked about her sexuality due to a lack of heterosexual relationships coupled with domestic relationships with women. Ultimately, she addressed her sexuality in an interview in 1973 where she said “…I go from men to women…I don’t give a shit.” Such a statement by such a celebrated musician was unheard of at the time and she became an early LGBTIQA+ icon for future musicians.

Ethel Cain: American Teenager

Ethel Cain (her stage name) came out as a trans woman in her 20s. She said that this was at odds with her religious upbringing, but she always felt like she did not fit in with gender / societal norms. Cain’s music is a mix of indie rock, country twang and crystal clear vocals. Her music not only tackles identity, but is highly political with anti-gun, anti-war and some anti-conservative themes. She is an accomplished artist who can move from genre to genre with intense and emotive vocals.

Janelle Monáe: Lipstick Lover

Much like Lil Nas X, it is really hard for me to make this list without Janelle Monáe. In 2022 Monáe came out as non-binary and stated that she sees her identity as one that exists beyond binary gender identities. They are one of the most talented artists out there with hit records, looking like $1 mil at the Met Gala and staring in some huge movies…save some for the rest of us Janelle. As their music has evolved, Monáe has sung more and more about the fluidity of gender and of love.