Gay pop artists
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Ma Rainey
On the other hand, Gertrude “Ma” Rainey earned the nickname the “Mother of the Blues.”
She was an influential early blues singer and an inspiration for many generations of blues singers.
Many of Ma Rainey’s songs emphasize her attraction to women.
And there was a rumor that she was romantically involved with Bessie Smith.
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Inspired by early 2000s millennium pop, fans can fall right into Peach’s dreamy tunes about the girl she loves.
Check out: ‘Perfect For You’
Peach PRC - Perfect For You (Lyric Video)
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Towa Bird
“Throw your lasso / Come and catch me babe / I’m Indiana jones / You’re my last crusade,” Towa Bird sings with the bravado of a seasoned rock star on her debut single “Wild Heart.” Bird might be newer to the music scene, but with “Wild Heart,” she’s already proven her chops with the guitar are no joke.
Her refusal to conform made her a comfort to those seeking truth.
SOPHIE
A visionary producer and trans icon, SOPHIE’s music broke barriers in pop and electronic music.
Her presence helps normalize LGBTQIA+ voices in the indie rock scene.
Cyndi Lauper
A fierce ally and activist, Cyndi Lauper has always stood with the LGBTQIA+ community. Brandi Carlile
Brandi Carlile is also one of the successful LGBTQ music artists.
Best known for her song “Story”, Carlile is the winner of 18 Grammy awards.
She has been open about her sexuality since 2002.
And she has been a part of several activism campaigns, advocating for LGBT rights as well as empowerment of women.
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Some lived in a time when such broad language to describe the spectrum of identities did not yet exist; for solace, they turned to music, the catalyst by which queer musicians could convey their authentic selves.
Although stigma and laws vastly deterred many people from openly expressing their LGBTQ+ identities, music became a bridge.
They bring visibility to pansexual and nonbinary identities on a global scale.
Courtney Barnett
Openly queer and refreshingly raw, Courtney Barnett’s music is beloved for its honesty and deadpan delivery. Parks’ music feels like poetry and encourages you to want to create your own, to explore your emotions, whatever they may be, and be easy with yourself as you do.
His brash flow and lyrical confidence belie his young age, yet the 20-year-old rapper-singer is making quick work of the charts, and he’s just getting started. She came out as gay during an interview with The Advocate in 1992 while promoting the album "Ingénue"; the song "Constant Craving," from the same album, has become a queer anthem.
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Elton John
With his larger-than-life onstage persona and emotional pop ballads, Elton John's music and image have withstood the test of time.
Kodak Black [Official Video]
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Baby Queen
Many listeners were first introduced to Baby Queen’s music when she was featured on the soundtrack of Netflix’s queer teen love story Heartstopper. In 2024, her song "Good Luck, Babe!" became her first Billboard hit, drawing new attention to her slept-on 2023 album "The Rise and Fall of the Midwest Princess" and eventually helping her earn a 2025 Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
His bravery inspired fans and paved the way for others.
Sylvester
The original disco diva, Sylvester’s high notes and sequins made him unforgettable. The R&B singer is one of the most critically acclaimed artists of his time, despite only having one other studio album, "Blonde," to his name.
This article honors their talent, impact, and the indelible mark they’ve left on the music industry.
Top gay singers & musicians of all time
- Freddie Mercury
- Ricky Martin
- Elton John
- Mika
- Rob Halford
- Adam Lambert
- George Michael
- Sam Smith
- Melissa Etheridge
- Lance Bass
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In a 2005 interview with AfterEllen, Gore revealed that she never felt she had to come out because she was living her life in the open. He then came out as bisexual in 2023. A confident, smooth and sexy flow — listen to Boogie when you need to be reminded of who you are and what you bring to the table. He’s been a fearless figure in LGBTQIA+ visibility for over four decades.
Bronski Beat
With tracks like “Smalltown Boy,” Bronski Beat gave voice to the alienation and strength of queer youth.
She’s been open and outspoken about her support for the community.
Kehlani
Openly queer and gender-fluid, Kehlani brings emotional depth and identity exploration to modern R&B. She threw a "lesbian party," which led to her arrest; she was later bailed out of jail by her rumored lover and fellow blues singer Bessie Smith.
He came out publicly in the ’90s and continues to support LGBTQIA+ rights.
Pete Burns
The Dead or Alive singer blurred every boundary with his look, identity, and voice. These artists busted down the doors, lit the stage on fire and invited the rest of us to dance in the spotlight with them.
Adam Lambert
From his American Idol breakthrough to touring with Queen, Adam Lambert has become a proud icon in the LGBTQIA+ community.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is known for his image reinventions, and that includes gender-bending performances.
She is definitely one of the most innovative pop artists in the industry, and she keeps making new music and projects.
Some of her smashing hits also became the LGBT anthems – we’re talking about “Born This Way” and “Just Dance.”
But besides openly supporting gay community, Lady Gaga has also spoken openly about her bisexuality.
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He’s since become a powerful advocate for queer representation in hard rock.
Ricky Martin
After years of speculation, Ricky Martin came out proudly in 2010.