With 2023 Pride Month in full swing, we are keeping the party alive 24/7 with these LGBTQ+ musical anthems!
From upbeat disco dance hits to dreamy pop bops, music remains a universal language.
Find out which of your fave tracks made the list and be sure to comment on the ones we left out!
“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
Since its debut on the airwaves in 2011, “Born This Way” has been adopted as a gay anthem for those coming to terms with their sexual identity as well as those looking to celebrate it on the dance floor.
Standout Lyric: “No matter gay, straight, or bi', lesbian, transgender life. I'm on the right track, baby, I was born to survive.”
“I'm Coming Out” by Diana Ross
As the song title suggests, Diana Ross and her 1980 chart topper spoke directly to her LGBTQ+ fan base urging them to come out of the closet and live their truth. The upbeat number solidified the songstress as a gay icon.
Standout Lyric: “The time has come for me to break out of the shell. I have to shout that I am coming out.”
“Vogue” Madonna
Another queer idol, Madonna found a way to teach the world about “voguing.” Her hit was largely inspired by the underground Black and Latinx queer subculture of the ball communities in Harlem.
Standout Lyric: “When all else fails and you long to be something better than you are today. I know a place where you can get away. It's called a dance floor.”
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
The late and great Whitney Houston needs no introduction. The song's message about wanting to dance freely and publicly with the person you love meant was something that the gay community understood all too well amid a time when homosexuality was still largely taboo.
Standout Lyric: “Oh, I wanna dance with somebody. I wanna feel the heat with somebody. Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody. With somebody who loves me.”
“Unholy” by Sam Smith
This 2022 chart climber made history as the first openly transgender and non-binary artists to hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The steamy track, according to Smith, “is about liberating oneself from the clutches of others’ secrets…”
Standout Lyric: “You know everyone is talking on the scene. I hear them whispering 'bout the places that you've been and how you don't know how to keep your business clean.”
“BoyFriend” by Dove Cameron
Dove Cameron’s breakout solo hit “Boyfriend” was a hit among queer listeners.The former Disney Channel star came out as bisexual before teasing the sultry and seductive tune.
Standout Lyric: “I could be a better boyfriend than him. I could do the s*** that he never did.”
“Sissy That Walk” by RuPaul
It was about time the “Queen of Drag” himself made an appearance on our playlist. RuPaul’s is a bold and empowering track that encourages self-confidence and the importance of individuality
Standout Lyric: “Don't forget what, don't forget what my mama said. People talking since the beginning of time. Unless they paying your bills, pay them bitches no mind.”
“You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” Sylvester
Sylvester's 1978 dance hit came amid a time of a fight for gay rights and the AIDS awareness movements. The Disco track became an anthem of liberation.
Standout Lyric: “You mean I've been dancin' on the floor darlin' and I feel like I need some more and I. Feel your body close to mine and I move on love it's about that time. Make me feel - mighty real.”
“Firework” Katy Perry
“Firework” is all about owning your originality and being unafraid of who you are. No doubt this Katy Perry anthem will be playing on the Pride Stage each year.
Standout Lyric: “You don't have to feel like a waste of space. You're original, cannot be replaced. If you only knew what the future holds. After a hurricane comes a rainbow.”
“Dancing on My Own” Robyn
Caught a case of the blues? Robyn’s sad disco pop tune is sure to get you on the dancefloor even if the tears are flowing. While many see the obvious message of unrequited love, others' perspectives on the lyrics are in sync with the loneliness and isolation of coming out.
Standout Lyric: “I'm in the corner watching you kiss her, oh. I'm right over here, why can't you see me? Oh I'm giving it my all, but I'm not the guy you're taking home, ooh. I keep dancing on my own.”
“Queen I Want to Break Free” Queen
A powerful anthem that depicts a struggle for personal freedom and the need for liberation. Additionally, the song's music video featured the band dressed in drag. It became a representation of challenging societal norms.
Standout Lyric: “I want to break free, I want to break free. I want to break free from your lies. You're so self-satisfied I don't need you. I've got to break free”
“Montero (Call Me by Your Name)” by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X uses his hit song Montero to celebrate his unapologetic identity as a queer artist. With his use of biblical imagery, the video captures the Black queer artist’s journey from the Garden of Eden, through a trial and execution, soaring up to heaven and then down a stripper’s pole to hell–reclaiming common anti-LGBTQ+ theologies in the process.
Standout Lyric: I'm not fazed, only here to sin. If Eve ain't in your garden, you know that you can call me when you want, call me when you need”
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