He continues to support LGBTQIA+ causes and inspires with his artistic vulnerability.
Miguel Bosé A global pop star, Bosé has long supported LGBTQIA+ rights and has publicly acknowledged his relationships with men. But it was “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” from Martin’s first English album, Ricky Martin (1999) that made him a household name worldwide and catapulted him into superstardom.
The band’s music remains one of the clearest soundtracks of gay liberation in the ’80s.
Brian Molko As Placebo’s frontman, Brian Molko played with gender norms and sexual identity in a way that inspired countless fans. His bold queerness in country, pop, and hip-hop is nothing short of revolutionary.
Linda Perry As the voice behind 4 Non Blondes and a prolific songwriter, Linda Perry has lived openly and loudly.
“I wish all queers a friendship like boygenius sings about.” Shortly after announcing a hiatus from their collaborative work, boygenius absolutely dominated the 2023 Grammys.
15 Queer Musicians Making Waves Today
While many artists are celebrated for their allyship, this list highlights the queer musical talents that are carving out space for themselves and creating art that helps the LGBTQIA+ community feel seen and heard in an industry that often leaves them behind.
I don’ think I’ve ever mentioned a guy in my songs.” She’s an outspoken political advocate whose critically acclaimed music blends genre and defies expectation.
Rapper and singer 070 Shake blends genres that encompass alternative hip-hop, pop rap, and psychedelic music. Pick an euphemism for “the best to ever do it” when talking about queer music, and they will still be at the top of that list.
His music and honesty remain powerful touchstones.
Hazell Dean As the “Queen of Hi-NRG,” Hazell Dean created anthems that lit up gay clubs and Pride parades. And yes that can be read in more ways than one, see the above mentioned “heartthrob”. And while surely Meg can protect herself if needed, seeing the head coach bisexual hotties get her well deserved flowers never gets old.(-CP)
“King of Latin Pop” Ricky Martin first emerged as a standout heartthrob of the oft-shifting Puerto Rican boy band Menudo before launching a solo career in the ’90s, while also working as an actor.
Shake first hit the Billboard Hot 100 as a featured artist on the song “Escapism” by Raye, which went viral on Tiktok. She was the first lesbian pop star signed to a major label to make multiple music videos in which she kisses girls. He’s long been embraced by LGBTQIA+ fans for his outsider appeal.
Mykki Blanco A fearless voice in queer hip-hop, Mykki Blanco brings poetry, politics, and performance art into every track.
These artists changed history. She has identified as bisexual and sexually fluid, and she is a politically outspoken artist known for participating in protests and speaking out against genocide, war, and xenophobia. His star power has helped break down barriers in Latin pop.
Mika With his joyful pop and flamboyant flair, Mika has embraced his gay identity with optimism and pride.
A GOAT. But still, even by those standards, there was no preparing for the way that Dove Cameron took every ounce of the venom that once upon a time made her kid’s icon in Disney’s Descendents series (where she played the daughter of Maleficent) and flip it into such piercing queer seduction in 2022’s “Boyfriend.”
“I can be a better boyfriend than him,” Dove croons, her voice graveling.
His work remains a light-hearted yet empowering voice in pop.
Jill Sobule Her 1995 song “I Kissed a Girl” predates the Katy Perry version and came with real emotional resonance. His music celebrates self-worth and queer joy with infectious beats and fierce lyrics.
Shea Diamond A Black trans woman with a powerhouse voice, Shea Diamond creates songs rooted in survival and resilience.
Her presence as a Black queer woman in mainstream music has inspired generations of fans.
Troye Sivan Openly gay and joyfully vulnerable, Troye Sivan represents a new wave of LGBTQIA+ pop stars. Her work is richly introspective and trailblazing.
Michael Stipe The R.E.M. Her music and presence have made queer Black southern culture unmissable in mainstream music.
Bob Mould As a founding member of Hüsker Dü and Sugar, Bob Mould helped shape punk and alternative rock.
The most recent to fall was none other than Renée Rapp, who in January of this year proclaimed on her Instagram to be one of Megan thee Stallion’s lesbian bodyguards.