With Pride Month now in full swing, it’s important to recognize the queer artists and allies who have paved the way for LGBTQIA+ representation in music. Because of these pioneers, music has become an expressive outlet for diverse storytelling and creativity.
Spanning from shortly after the Stonewall Riots in 1969 to now, there’s a ton of songs you can add to your playlist this summer:
“Ballad of the Sad Young Men” by Roberta Flack
While “Ballad of the Sad Young Men” by Roberta Flack was not written with specifically a queer audience in mind, beat poet and lyricist Fran Landesman chose to give light to the perspective of these individuals during the 1960s, and its lyrics have since resonated with many through Flack’s impressive vocals. Lines such as “All the sad young men, choking on their youth / Trying to be brave, running from the truth / Autumn turns the leaves to gold, slowly dies the heart / Sad young men are growing old, that's the cruelest part” alludes to the notion that queer men during this time period could not live in peace because of traditional societal norms, making this song is a sad, yet vulnerable and powerful anthem to listen to this Pride Month.
“Starman” by David Bowie
As a pop star during the 1970s and 1980s, David Bowie wasn’t afraid to express his sexuality through music, fashion and creativity, thus producing “Starman” in 1972. A song all about urging society to let go of traditional gender and societal norms, hence lyrics like “Let the children lose it / Let the children use it / Let all the children boogie,” the singer was able to create a track that would become an iconic part of not only his discography, but of LGBTQIA+ pop culture.
“I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross
As the rise of disco music began to soar in the early 1980s, Diana Ross was seen impersonating drag queens at GG Barnum’s Room in Manhattan by record producer Nile Rodgers. While disco was popular amongst queer individuals, Rodgers wanted to breakthrough to the mainstream, asking Ross to sing an LGBTQIA+ anthem, which became “I’m Coming Out.” Luckily, the singer agreed, and the two created a song not only about what the title suggests, but about embracing your individuality. Hitting No. 5 on the charts, the song is now one everyone can sing along and appreciate its significance.
“Vogue” by Madonna
After over 30 years, “Vogue” by Madonna is a pop culture statement people still reference. Working with producer Shep Pettibone, this track was supposed to be a B-side on Madonna’s “I’m Breathless,” but her record label knew it would become a massive hit for its disco and club influences. Inspired by vogue dancers and choreographers such as Jose and Luis Gutierez Xtravaganza from the Harlem “House Ball” community, Madonna learned how to vogue, which became a major reason she created the hit, as well as why it still hasn’t lost any of its timelessness.
“Supermodel (You Better Work)” by RuPaul
One of the first songs to gain mainstream success by a drag queen in the 1990s, RuPaul dominated the pop scene with the release of arguably one his most iconic songs, “Supermodel (You Better Work).” With over 500,000 copies, the track drew from black, gay and drag experiences, popularizing drag diction such as “sashay” and “shantay.” Overall, this song represents RuPaul’s keen eye on what beauty, power and fame should look like, breaking down the stereotypes at that time, and even now, that drag queens cannot be successful.
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
During the early 2010s, Lady Gaga was a fearless voice, dropping “Born This Way” four years before same-sex marriage would become legal in the United States. Cultivating a queer fanbase from the start of her career in 2008, the singer had always hinted at her own bi-sexuality in songs such as “Poker Face” and “Just Dance,” but with this track, she proved nobody could censor her or the innocent queer lives who had become so indebted to her. Now, lyrics such as “Don’t be a drag / Just be a queen” and “I’m beautiful in my way / ‘Cause I was born this way” have become ingrained into pop culture, making it one of the singer’s best tracks.
“iT” by Christine and the Queens
Four years after “Born This Way,” Christine and the Queens rose to fame in the alternative scene with “iT,” a song about their own struggles with their queerness. Alluding early on to his uncomfortability as a woman, the singer voiced their opinions on gender norms, knowing deep down they’ve always identified as a man. Coming from a non-binary perspective, the poignant lyrics of this empowering song like “‘Cause I won / I’m a man now / ‘Cause I’ve got it / I’m a man now” causes listeners to feel the relief in their voice as they denounce traditionalism and a gender binary.
