LGBTQ+ Artists to Support in Light of Pride

Can you believe it’s been 50 years since the first ever UK Pride March back in 1972? In light of Pride this year (and all year round), I am so excited to present you with a list of queer artists that you can listen to and support. Circling across a wide range of genres, from both older artists to new, the talents below will take you on a queer musical journey like no other. So, sit back, relax, plug in your headphones (or pull out the biggest speaker you own) and enjoy!

Queen

We start with none other than the classic band Queen (who else could we possibly begin with?). Unmistakably one of the most well-known LGBTQ+ celebrities, Queen’s frontman Freddie Mercury stole the world’s heart with his triple octane vocals and unparalleled stage presence. The band’s tracks were filled with such pure passion, emotion and charisma that Queen rapidly rose in popularity. Despite the common knowledge that Freddie was a member of the queer community, he is regularly mislabelled to this day as gay despite self-identifying as bisexual. You can catch an insight into this mislabelling in the film rendition of the band’s career, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, now out on Netflix.

Take a look at Queen performing “Don’t Stop Me Now”.

David Bowie

Considered one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, David Bowie released chart topper after chart topper throughout his career with a total of 27 studio albums. Bowie’s sexuality was persistently questioned throughout his lifetime, to which he never felt the need to solidly define to the media (rightfully so), but eventually confirmed that he identified as bisexual. Following his death, Rolling Stone honoured him with the title “The Greatest Rock Star Ever”; no better words can be used to describe the icon whom the world will forever treasure.

Check out Bowie’s remarkable “Space Oddity”.

Years and Years

Moving ahead to some LGBTQ+ artists of today’s music scene – Years and Years is the iconic band led by none other than the beloved Olly Alexander, who is famously part of the LGBTQ+ community. Years and Years’ latest release Hallucination, a collaboration with Kosovan DJ Regard, hit the charts this year.

Make sure to catch the heart wrenching Channel 4 series It’s A Sin in which lead singer Olly stars. Centring on the direct impact of HIV and AIDS on queer individuals living in London during the AIDS crisis that erupted in the 1980s, this docu-drama series is sure to bring you to tears.

Have a listen to Years’ and Years’ latest track, “Hallucination”.

Shea Diamond

Trans singer-songwriter and activist, Shea Diamond made a monumental impact on the world with her moving anthem “I Am Her”. The track focuses on the struggles of being a trans woman in today’s day and age, as well as acting as a motivational melody with inspirational lyrics. The song tells the trans community that you are not alone, and you deserve your place in this world as much as anyone else here. Go support Shea and give it a listen.

Groove to Shea’s ground-breaking track, “I Am Her”.

Dove Cameron

The beauty and grace that is Dove Cameron first came onto the scene as a Disney actress. Leaving her roots behind when she decided to become a professional musician, Dove embraces a more authentic version of herself as she explores self-expression as an artist. Her latest release, Boyfriend, is full of hot and heavy beats that will keep you grooving on the dance floor. The lyrics centre around Dove’s recent transparency with her bisexuality and learning to unashamedly speak her truths to listeners.

Check out Dove’s hottest new single, “Boyfriend”.

Anitta

Bisexual Brazilian musician Larissa de Macedo Machada, better known by her alias Anitta, rose to fame with the release of her single “Show das Poderosas”. Anitta consistently uses her platform to promote the importance of LGBTQ+ visibility, with a particular focus on her experiences of bi erasure* in the industry.

Make sure to check out Anitta’s silky smooth vocals on her latest album, “Versions of Me”, on which she has worked with some big names, including the likes of Cardi B and Ty Dolla $ign.

*Bi erasure is a term used to describe the tendency of media and other industries to spread misinformation about bisexuality or dismiss it as an insignificant/false identity.

Check out Anitta’s sultry track, “Versions of Me”.

NoSo

Rising star and non-binary artist Abby Hwong, who goes by the alias NoSo, felt isolated growing up in a predominantly white and heteronormative environment, and was bullied throughout school for being Asian and queer. They turned to music to express their own personal, vulnerable experiences from this isolating perspective, and found they connected with so many others feeling the same way. NoSo hopes their music continues to be a safe space for non-binary individuals going through a similar difficult journey.

Catch their latest album “Stay Proud of Me” which will be hitting streaming platforms on 8th July! In the meantime, have a watch of NoSo’s video for “Suburbia”.

Cat Burns

Rising LGBTQ+ star Cat Burns started her music career up by attending London’s acclaimed BRIT school and busking in the streets. After her single “go” blew up across TikTok, the young singer is gaining traction like never before and making a name for herself in the industry. Cat has now released a collab of “go” with none other than the legendary Sam Smith, which leads us nicely into our next artist…

Enjoy Cat and Sam’s soulfully smooth collab on “go”.

Sam Smith

You won’t meet many people in the UK who haven’t heard the name Sam Smith at some point in their lives. Having been openly gay in the music industry for many years, Sam also came out as non-binary and genderqueer in 2019 and changed their pronouns to they/them. Sam continues to be an inspiration for countless non-binary individuals who are facing their own difficult journey with gender identity.

Also, their voice sounds like honey and velvet for the ears, so how can you not adore them? Show your love for the wonderful Sam Smith by checking out their newest music, including “Love Me More”, a single about embracing self-care in your life.

Have a feel good boogie along to Sam’s “Love Me More” music video.

Calum Scott

If you know Calum Scott, you may not know that his claim to fame first came from Britain’s Got Talent (or maybe you do know that and I’ve just been living under a rock) … Calum Scott struggled with his sexuality growing up, but as an adult has become increasingly confident in living unashamedly as the proud queer individual that he is. His latest release, “Boys In The Street” is a heart-breaking cover of the original by Greg Holden. The lyrics tell the story of a young gay boy whose father struggles to support his son’s queer identity; Calum plays tribute to this song with such passion and heartache that it’ll leave you reaching for the tissues.

Cry your heart out to Calum’s music video for “Boys In The Street”.

Want to be able to listen to all of these artists in one handy playlist? We've got you covered!