Gay icons in music

In this post, we'll celebrate the best gay musicians of all time who have not only created unforgettable music but also broken barriers and inspired countless listeners around the world. In the early s, he began performing in clubs and bars, developing the stage persona Little Richard. In celebration of this year's #PrideMonth we’ve created a list of musicians who have inspired the LGBTQI+ community with their powerful lyrics, cultural context, social actions and individuality.

It required immense courage and determination, especially when the music industry was predominantly hetero-normative. Now, let's turn our attention back to musicians like Jobriath, who are or were openly gay in the music industry. In the face of such challenges, many gay musicians turned to music activism to advocate for their rights and create change.

He was not only one of the first openly gay rock musicians to get signed to a big record label, but tragically, he was also one of the first internationally famous musicians to die of AIDS.

In , the LGBTQ magazine The Advocate named Madonna the greatest gay icon in music. [83] A gay anthem is a popular song that has become widely popular among, or has become identified with, the gay community. Not all songs labelled as "gay anthems" were written intentionally to become gay anthems, but those that do are often marked by themes.

Coming out as a gay musician in the 20th century was no small feat. From classic gender-bending rockers to Afrofuturism pop stars—continue reading to learn which of the world's most beloved singers and songwriters are also LGBTQ+. Today, many artists and historians recognize Little Richard as a very influential figure in the rock and roll space.

He was also open about his homosexuality in a time and place where being gay was heavily stigmatized and illegal. She’s embraced her status as a gay icon with grace, joy, and nonstop disco anthems. Through their songs and performances, these courageous individuals were able to shed light on important issues and promote love, tolerance, and acceptance.

They serve as a reminder that it is possible to thrive as a musician while being true to oneself. Indeed, these famous gay musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness. Kylie’s music has been beloved by queer fans since the ’80s. They used their platforms to speak out against discrimination and fight for equal rights for all.

Read on to learn about the greatest LGBTQ icons in music!. From classic gender-bending rockers to Afrofuturism pop stars—continue reading to learn which of the world's most beloved singers and songwriters are also LGBTQ+. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians. Benjamin Britten is one of the greatest composers of the 20th century. He later returned to secular music but continued to draw on his religious beliefs in his music.

His anthem “(Something Inside) So Strong” remains a rallying cry for the oppressed. InBritten was among the signers of a letter to a newspaper called The Observerwhich demanded decriminalizing homosexuality, which was then punishable by imprisonment in the UK. Japanese cabaret performer, singer, actor, drag queen, and social activist Akihiro Miwa began his career as a cabaret performer in the s, quickly gaining notice for his androgynous appearance.

As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation hidden for fear of retribution. Whether they've been open about their sexuality and gender expression for years or kept their label hidden throughout history, we believe the 20 artists below have created impenetrable sonic works while also changing the world's view of the LGBTQ+ community for the better.

Take Bruce Wayne Campbell known by his stage name Jobriathfor example. Not only is their music gay icons in music and soulful, but also it is reflective of the evolution of the community’s rights. Labi Siffre A poet, songwriter, and activist, Siffre’s work has tackled racism and homophobia for decades. To honor that responsibility, Stacker researched music history to highlight 25 icons you might not know are members of LGBTQ+ communities.

To honor that responsibility, Stacker researched music history to highlight 25 icons you might not know are members of LGBTQ+ communities. Not only is their music profound and soulful, but also it is reflective of the evolution of the community’s rights. Freddie is not only a global musical icon, but is considered, by many, as a national treasure for the United Kingdom.

As we explore queer performance artwe pay homage to those who came before us. He has been a vocal proponent of same-sex marriage and has spoken out against discrimination and harassment. Read on to learn about the greatest LGBTQ icons in music!. I’ve curated a list celebrating the best gay singers and musicians of all time, artists who have not only made outstanding contributions to music but also championed LGBTQ+ representation.

Despite tremendous talent, he also came up against severe backlash for his sexuality. Defining “pop music” is hard enough, let alone “gay pop” — but what we know for sure is that gay pop musicians have existed and have been defining culture for many, many years. Over the past decades, many talented singers, songwriters, composers, and conductors from the LGBTQA+ community have emerged. Richard Wayne Penniman was born in and began singing in church at an early age.

Over the past decades, many talented singers, songwriters, composers, and conductors from the LGBTQA+ community have emerged. Sexuality was not only a taboo topic for public discussion but could also result in alienation from fans and even cause damage to one's career. Miwa's performances often included a mix of Japanese and English, along with extravagant costumes and makeup.