Queer artists are dominating the music industry this year. From pop to rap to country, LGBTQ+ musicians are driving a new wave of creativity and success. On top of their innovative contributions to music, these artists are bringing a powerful surge of queer representation — proving that queer people deserve to be spotlighted. Let’s celebrate them by highlighting seven incredibly talented LGBTQ+ artists who will certainly be on our Spotify Wrapped.
Doechii
Recent Grammy winner Doechii took the music world by storm earlier this year. Back in February, she won a Grammy for Best Rap Album for Alligator Bites Never Heal, making her the third woman to win in this category. Additionally, her latest single, Anxiety, reached the top 10 on Billboard’s Hot 100 list. Doechii, who identifies as bisexual, spoke about her own experience with acceptance and finding sanctuary and support within the LGBTQ+ community in her love letter to the LGBTQ community. She also called out political discrimination against LGBTQ+ identities in her GLAAD acceptance speech. We can’t wait to see what’s next for Doechii as her career progresses.
“I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to the LGBTQ+ community for embracing me so tightly and pushing not only my music, but also championing my personal growth. My creative work is heavily influenced by both my Florida roots and the vibrant LGBTQ+ community.” – Doechii in her love letter to the LGBTQ+ community
Troye Sivan
Former YouTuber Troye Sivan has evolved into one of pop’s most influential musicians. Troye Sivan and Charli XCX’s co-headlining Sweat tour solidified the artists as icons in the music world and pop culture as a whole. This year, he was nominated for a Best Dance Pop Recording Grammy for Got Me Started and won big at the APRA Music Awards. Many of the Australian artist’s lyrics, particularly in songs like Bloom, Heaven, and One of Your Girls, explore themes of queer identity and sexuality that resonate strongly with LGBTQ+ audiences. Sivan’s stardom and success has left a lasting impact on queer representation in pop culture.
“We have always been here. we will always be here. this video is dedicated to all who’ve come before me and fought for our cause and those who now continue the fight. in dark and light times, let’s love forever. love, troye x” – Troye Sivan in HEAVEN music video description
Clairo
Clairo, the singer of hits like Sexy to Someone and Sofia, is currently one of the most recognized and praised indie pop artists. Her recent album Charm was nominated for a Grammy for Best Alternative Music Album, and she performed a dreamy set at Coachella this year. Clairo has always been very open about her sexuality and recently expressed her disinterest in labels in an interview with Seventeen. Through her lovely songs, which occasionally feature lyrics about sapphic experiences, and unique music style, Clairo has garnered a great deal of praise from the queer community and beyond.
“I believe people should like who they want and no one should have a problem with it…I wish I could go back and tell myself I don’t need a definite answer. I can still be curious, date, and kiss who I want. I don’t have to wake up and decide who I am by a certain day. That was the first time in my life that I had to be okay with not having an answer.” – Clairo in an interview with Seventeen Magazine
Lady Gaga
Pop musician Lady Gaga has continuously pushed the boundaries of the music industry through her innovative and iconic sound. Earlier this year, Gaga released her seventh studio album, Mayhem, and won her 14th Grammy. She recently performed to a crowd of 2.1 million people on Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, setting the record for the highest concert attendance for a female artist.
The American singer and actress, who identifies as bisexual, has advocated for the LGBTQ+ community since the start of her career. She participated in the National Equality March, campaigned against the homophobic “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” U.S. military policy, created the Born This Way Foundation to support youths’ mental wellness, including those within the LGBTQ+ community, and that’s just to name a few things. Lady Gaga’s decade-spanning reign as a pop icon and queer activist shows no signs of slowing down, and we’re thrilled about it.
“And to the LGBTQ+ community, you taught me bravery before the world was ready to listen. You have changed the world for the better, and your courage fuels mine every single day.” – Lady Gaga in her iHeartRadio Music Awards acceptance speech
Orville Peck
Orville Peck, known for his masked persona and unique musical style, has become a notable figure in the country music scene. Last year, Peck released his fourth studio album and received the prestigious GLAAD Vito Russo award. This year, he made his Broadway debut in Cabaret. As one of the few openly gay artists in country music, Peck is a trailblazer. His success within the country scene, which has historically been less inclusive, is a meaningful achievement for the LGBTQ+ community. Through the queer storytelling in his lyrics and constant advocacy, the country singer is changing the tides and encouraging inclusivity within the country music industry.
“[Queer artists have] always been there, but a lot of us are now more kind of in the mainstream. It’s just a matter of time that that slowly chips away at the belief systems that some of these country fans have in place, these kind of maybe bigoted ideas. I think if we keep our heads held high and we keep together…I like to believe that it will hopefully not only change the landscape of country music, but it’ll also help change the cycle of racism and homophobia.” – Orville Peck in an interview for Variety
Chappell Roan
Breakthrough artist Chappell Roan reached stardom last year through her catchy songs, camp aesthetic, and unapologetic queer identity. Just this year, Chappell Roan was nominated for six Grammys and won Best New Artist. She also released her single The Giver, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart and No. 5 on Billboard’s Hot 100. The Midwestern Princess, who identifies as lesbian, has advocated for the LGBTQ+ community relentlessly since before she achieved fame. Roan spoke up about trans rights at the Grammys and has highlighted the importance of queer media through her sapphic lyricism and it’s positive impact on LGBTQ+ audiences. We’re excited to see where Roan’s career will take her.
“I think I have a special relationship to where I’m from because of country music, and so to kind of honor that part of myself by making a country song where it’s like, ‘You know what? Yes, I’m gay, and yes I am ultra pop. Yes, I am a drag queen…who can also perform a country song.’” – Chappell Roan talking about The Giver in an Apple Music interview
Kali Uchis
Telepatía singer Kali Uchis is a remarkable artist who’s known for her emotional lyrics and genre-bending talent. Uchis’ fifth studio album, Sincerely, was released in early May, and The Sincerely Tour will begin in August. Additionally, she was nominated for four Latin Grammy Awards and one Grammy Award this year. Kali Uchis openly identifies as bisexual and has spoken about her experiences as a queer individual in the music industry. The Colombian-American singer serves as an inspiration to the queer Latinx community, proving that Latinx women can make it to the top of the charts.
“I’ve been bisexual my whole life…People are constantly trying to find something to invalidate. I want more people in the Latin community to feel like they can express themselves freely and not have to confine themselves. That’s why it was so important to me to make this album — I want to show them what Latin music can be.” – Kali Uchis in an interview for the Los Angeles Times
Queer representation matters, and the music industry is providing! Let’s keep supporting and uplifting LGBTQ+ artists across all art mediums.
Want to read about queer representation? Check out this article!
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