20 Trailblazing LGBTQIA+ Musicians Shattering Stereotypes in the Music Industry
Music is a language that speaks to everyone, regardless of age, gender, or sexual orientation. While the music industry has a history of marginalizing LGBTQIA+ musicians, a growing number of trailblazing artists are shattering stereotypes and paving the way for greater inclusivity. From pop to rock, hip-hop to country, here are 20 LGBTQIA+ musicians who are changing the game.
1. Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actor who rose to fame on YouTube. He came out as gay in a video in 2013 and has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. His music blends pop and electronic genres and addresses themes of love, sexuality, and identity.
2. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is a singer, songwriter, and actress who is known for her eclectic style and powerful vocal range. She has identified as pansexual and has been outspoken about the need for greater inclusion and representation in the music industry. Monáe’s music spans multiple genres, including R&B, funk, and hip-hop.
3. Sam Smith
Sam Smith is a British singer-songwriter who has won accolades for his soulful voice and introspective lyrics. He came out as gay in 2014 and has since used his platform to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and mental health awareness. Smith’s music ranges from ballads to dance-pop and has garnered critical acclaim.
4. Kehlani
Kehlani is an American singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her soulful voice and contemporary R&B sound. She has identified as queer and has been outspoken about the need for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ people of color in the music industry. Kehlani’s music reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance.
5. Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean is an American singer-songwriter who gained fame as a member of the hip-hop collective Odd Future. He came out as bisexual in 2012 and has since become a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ representation in the music industry. Ocean’s music ranges from experimental to soulful and often addresses themes of love, heartbreak, and vulnerability.
6. Hayley Kiyoko
Hayley Kiyoko is an American singer-songwriter who has been dubbed the “Lesbian Jesus” for her LGBTQIA+ advocacy and inclusive music. She has identified as a lesbian since the age of six and has been outspoken about the need for greater visibility and representation in the music industry. Kiyoko’s music blends pop and electronic genres and addresses themes of love, sexuality, and self-discovery.
7. Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X is an American rapper and singer-songwriter who rose to fame with his viral hit “Old Town Road.” He came out as gay in 2019 and has since become a trailblazer for LGBTQIA+ representation in hip-hop. Lil Nas X’s music blends country and hip-hop genres and often addresses themes of love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance.
8. King Princess
King Princess is an American singer-songwriter who is known for her soulful voice and eclectic style. She has identified as gay and genderqueer and has been outspoken about the need for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ people in the music industry. King Princess’s music blends pop and R&B genres and reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and queerness.
9. Tegan and Sara
Tegan and Sara are a Canadian indie pop duo who have been making music since the late 1990s. Both sisters are openly gay and have been vocal advocates for LGBTQIA+ rights throughout their career. Tegan and Sara’s music reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and growing up queer.
10. Shea Diamond
Shea Diamond is an American singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her soulful voice and empowering lyrics. She is a transgender woman and has been outspoken about the need for greater representation of transgender people in the music industry. Diamond’s music reflects themes of resilience, self-acceptance, and social justice.
11. Years & Years
Years & Years is a British synth-pop band that is known for their infectious beats and electronic sound. Their lead singer, Olly Alexander, is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights throughout his career. Years & Years’s music often addresses themes of love, identity, and self-discovery.
12. Christine and the Queens
Christine and the Queens is the stage name of French singer-songwriter Héloïse Adelaïde Letissier. She identifies as pansexual and has been outspoken about the need for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ people in the music industry. Christine and the Queens’s music blends pop and electronic genres and often addresses themes of love, sex, and identity.
13. Shura
Shura is an English singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her dreamy synth-pop sound. She identifies as gay and has been an advocate for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ people in the music industry. Shura’s music often addresses themes of love, heartbreak, and queer desire.
14. Hozier
Hozier is an Irish singer-songwriter who has gained international acclaim for his soulful voice and introspective lyrics. He has identified as bisexual and has been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights throughout his career. Hozier’s music often addresses themes of love, religion, and social justice.
15. Victoria Monét
Victoria Monét is an American singer-songwriter who has gained popularity for her sultry vocals and contemporary R&B sound. She has identified as bisexual and has been outspoken about the need for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ people of color in the music industry. Monét’s music often reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance.
16. Perfume Genius
Perfume Genius is the stage name of American singer-songwriter Mike Hadreas. He identifies as gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights throughout his career. Perfume Genius’s music reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and queer desire, often blending elements of indie rock and electronic music.
17. Big Freedia
Big Freedia is an American rapper and singer who is known for her high-energy bounce music. She identifies as gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights throughout her career. Big Freedia’s music often addresses themes of sexuality, empowerment, and self-expression.
18. Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator is an American rapper, singer-songwriter, and producer who founded the hip-hop collective Odd Future. He identifies as bisexual and has been an advocate for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ people in hip-hop. Tyler, The Creator’s music ranges from experimental to soulful and often addresses themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
19. Kim Petras
Kim Petras is a German singer-songwriter who gained popularity for her electropop sound and infectious hooks. She is transgender and has been vocal about the need for greater representation of transgender people in the music industry. Kim Petras’s music often reflects themes of love, heartbreak, and self-acceptance.
20. Angel Haze
Angel Haze is an American rapper and singer who is known for her powerful lyrics and unique vocal style. She identifies as pansexual and has been an advocate for greater representation of LGBTQIA+ people in the music industry. Angel Haze’s music often reflects themes of love, identity, and social justice.
In conclusion, these 20 trailblazing LGBTQIA+ musicians have made significant contributions to the music industry, shattering stereotypes and paving the way for greater inclusivity. Through their music, they have addressed themes of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery, while advocating for greater representation and visibility for the LGBTQIA+ community.
FAQs
Q: What does LGBTQIA+ stand for?
A: LGBTQIA+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, and asexual/aromantic/agender.
Q: Why is LGBTQIA+ representation important in the music industry?
A: LGBTQIA+ representation in the music industry is important because it helps to create a more inclusive and diverse culture. It provides LGBTQIA+ people with positive role models and helps to combat discrimination and bigotry.
Q: What are some challenges facing LGBTQIA+ musicians?
A: LGBTQIA+ musicians often face challenges such as discrimination, marginalization, and stereotyping. They may also struggle to gain mainstream success or face backlash for being open about their identity.
Q: How can we support LGBTQIA+ musicians?
A: We can support LGBTQIA+ musicians by listening to their music, attending their concerts, and sharing their work with others. We can also advocate for greater representation and visibility in the music industry.
Q: What can the music industry do to be more inclusive?
A: The music industry can be more inclusive by embracing diversity and providing opportunities for LGBTQIA+ musicians. They can also address issues of discrimination and bias, and work to create a more inclusive and welcoming culture.[2] #ENTERTAINMENT