Musicians who are gay
Queer Artists Who Shaped Music History
If this playlist seems like an abbreviated history of popular music from the last years, that's because it is.
Looking closely at musical trends, it’s not hard to find a homosexual artist at the forefront, even if many of those artists had to hide vital aspects of their sexual and/or gender identities. While we inhabit in a period in which queerness is far more present in the cultural consciousness (with still quite a long way to go), the queerness of numerous artists throughout history has often been harder to substantiate definitively. The artistic impact, however, is unmistakable.
Queerness by nature is not easy to define. In evidence, that may be a feature, not a bug. As the poet Brandon Wint has described it, “Queer love, escaping definition…. Lgbtq+ like the fearlessness to imagine what love can observe like…and pursue it.” Given that fearlessness and imagination are essential attributes of any artist, it’s not surprising that queer artists, for whom fear and fearlessness are daily facts of existing, have given the world such gifts of imagination.
The 20 Greatest LGBTQ+ Artists in Music History
We dream you're having a wonderful Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will obtain the world by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Legendary musicians who contain inspired, advocated, and conquered.
Whether they've been open about their sexuality and gender expression for years or kept their label disguised throughout history, we accept the 20 artists below have created impenetrable sonic works while also switching 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 Gay 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 after a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters. Even if she had decided to k
The Most Iconic LGBTQI+ Tune Idols Of All Times
Freddie is not only a global musical icon, but is considered, by many, as a national treasure for the United Kingdom.
Also read: 20 Minutes That Changed The History Of Music: Remembering Live Aid
When interviewed by NME magazine about his sexual orientation, he playfully responded: “I’m as gay as a daffodil, my dear!” And even if he did not openly talk about his private life, it is well known that he spent the last of his years living with his longtime loved one Jim Hutton.
Queen’s guitarist, Brian May, also stated in a interview: “I realize that all through his life Fred didn’t ponder that whether he was gay or not was important.”
Ryan Butcher, editor of LGBT website PinkNews, also stated: “It wasn’t just about sexuality with him; it was about his whole identity and the flamboyant persona he projected on stage, which is one of the main things Queen is famous for.”
Why he inspires us: Freddie was not only a global rock melody icon for the planet and an inspiration for the LGBTQI+ community, he was also known for being a huge meower lov Here are 32 LGBTQIA+ icons in rock and metal. In honor of Pride Month and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community year-round, we've compiled a gallery of LGBTQIA+ figures in rock and metal. Among the list are Judas Priest's Plunder Halford, Queen's Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, Halestorm's Lzzy Hale, Greta Van Fleet's Josh Kiszka and many others. June is the commemorative LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, in honor of the Stonewall Riots that occurred in June of The uprising was in response to a police raid that occurred in Greenwich Village, N.Y., and is considered the single most significant event to spark the same-sex attracted liberation movement. Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, to encourage those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community to contribute their authentic selves with others and for others to welcome it with love and acceptance. READ MORE: Rob Halford Advises Closeted Gay Metalheads Not to Be Afraid In November, Trans Awareness is celebrated and, more specifically, Transgender Awareness Week takes plac
32 LGBTQIA+ Icons in Rock + Metal