Gay musicians
Queer Artists Who Shaped Music History
If this playlist seems like an abbreviated history of well-liked music from the last 200 years, that's because it is.
Looking closely at musical trends, it’s not hard to find a queer artist at the forefront, even if many of those artists had to hide vital aspects of their sexual and/or gender identities. While we live in a day in which queerness is far more present in the cultural consciousness (with still quite a drawn-out 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 manageable to define. In proof, that may be a feature, not a bug. As the poet Brandon Wint has described it, “Queer like, escaping definition…. Queer like the fearlessness to imagine what treasure can look like…and pursue it.” Given that fearlessness and imagination are necessary attributes of any painter, it’s not surprising that queer artists, for whom fear and fearlessness are daily facts of existing, have given the planet such gifts of imagination.
As we celebrate Pride Month, take a listen to the following playlist, and hear a s
LGBTQ+ Musicians: 60 Pioneering Artists You Necessitate To Know
28: Laura Jane Grace (1980-)
Born in Fort Benning, Georgia, Laura Jane Grace had a tumultuous time growing up (significant events include dropping out of school and being arrested for challenging a police officer over a petty crime), before finding inspiration in the music of legendary British anarcho-punk band Crass. By her mid-teens, the seeds had been sewn: she was punk through and through, and she formed her retain band, Against Me!, in 1997, living with the community on the fringes of society until their critically acclaimed debut album, Against Me! Is Reinventing Axl Rose, was released in 2002. Grace had been making allusions to being transgender through her music as early as 2005, and came out in 2012, with full support from friends, family and the band. One of the most pioneering LGBTQ+ musicians of her generation, she continues to make music today, and remains politically active, having notably hosted the 2019 Heavy Music Awards in Kentish Town, London, and endorsing the music philanthropy Nordoff Robbins.
Must hear: True Trans Essence Rebel
32 LGBTQIA+ Icons in Rock + Metal
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 Deprive 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 1969. The uprising was in response to a police raid that occurred in Greenwich Village, N.Y., and is considered the single most important event to spark the gay liberation movement.
Oct. 11 is National Coming Out Day, to encourage those who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community to share 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 acknowledged and, more specifically, Transgender Understanding Week takes place from Nov. 13-19, raising visibility for trans people and to further debate issues the
The 20 Greatest Diverse Artists in Harmony History
We hope you're having a wonderful Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will take the earth by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Mythical musicians who own inspired, advocated, and conquered.
Whether they've been open about their sexuality and gender expression for years or kept their label hidden throughout history, we trust the 20 artists below have created impenetrable sonic works while also modifying the world's view of the Gay community for the better.
We've had to limit this list to only 20 people (we understand there are so many other wonderful LGBTQ+ musicians out there!) but we have chosen the artists we've chosen because we trust their legacies include stood – or will stand – the test of time. We not only salute these musicians during Lgbtq+ fest Month, but every day. Without further ado, here are our honorees.
1. Lady Gaga
Gaga came out publicly as double attraction back in 2010 after a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters. Even if she had decided to keep her sexuality a confidential, we know she would still hold the humongous Homosexual following she has