After being on a LGBT+ parade in Germany last year, an event created by a leading lesben porno German website, I was quite stunned by the type of music they were passing. My friend told: “these are all LGBT+ music artists they are passing”..I was quite surprised for not knowing any of the names she was pointing. So I decided to investigate further and ask for the help of our editor that is always aware of new trends in music.
With an eye on some of the main names in the current music scene, we’ve gathered a list of LGBT+ singers that you need to know. They are black women, Asian, lesbian, trans, drags and who break away from the standards and norms, making good music, whether pop or protest, because one thing does not exclude the other and there is room for everyone.
These names of the LGBT+ scene are leaving their mark on pop culture, breaking barriers, stereotypes and becoming a reference for many young people who identify themselves outside the standards of hetero-normative sexuality represented by the media.
But most important of all, it’s the music they make. Even though that some have a clear message regarding LGBT+ scene, the common characteristic is the different approaches and the good music they make. We are seeing the music as a form of protest for some, as a way to stand out, and as a reflection of who they are for the rest. Thus the world is seeing today that there’s no need to put names or labels, one can be trans and make house or pop music; one can be black and sing about queerness and transgender identity and so on and so forth.
Top LGBT+ trending musicians you definitely should hear
Luana Hansen
Luana Hansen already has more than 18 years of career and resistance within the national rap scene. She has suffered in ostracism due to a lack of opportunities, in an environment still dominated by men and very macho. But the rapper is not afraid to touch on important themes, such as the response she gave to a sexist lyric by a famous Brazilian rapper, with her song “Flor de Mulher”.
Luana also talks in her lyrics about issues such as the legalization of abortion and is not afraid of the reprisals that her work suffers.
Beth Ditto
Beth Ditto began making a name for herself in the 2000s as the lead singer of the band Gossip. With the band she recorded the hit “Standing in The Way of Control”, a song protesting against the non-approval of gay marriage by then US President George W. Bush.
In addition to being a queer woman in rock, Beth Ditto also broke barriers for being a fat woman, becoming a fashion symbol and the darling of magazines and fashion designers with her non-standard body. At the time she dominated radio stations with her powerful voice and attitude.
The Gossip no longer exists, however Ditto is now pursuing a solo career. His most recent work is the 2017 album “Fake Sugar”.
Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe released her first album in 2007, called “Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase)”, in which she began her afro-futurist aesthetic and the story of the android Cindi Mayweather, who would evolve into Electric Lady in her other works. Over the course of ten years, the singer developed her own aesthetic and sound with influences from the singer Prince. Besides being a singer, she is also an actress, acting in films such as Stars Beyond Time and Moonlight.
Her most recent work, “Dirty Computer”, released in April 2018, is an ode to the feminine and the sexuality of black women. The singer recently came out as pan-sexual, which has caused the search for the meaning of the term to skyrocket on search engines.
Janelle said in a recent interview that her album “Dirty Computer” is for all those who are having a hard time dealing with their sexuality and feeling left out or suffering ridicule just for being themselves.
Hayley Kiyoko
The 27-year-old singer, owner of hits like “Girls Like Girls,” “Pretty Girl” and “Curious,” talks openly in her songs about her relationships with girls and her life as a 20-something lesbian girl. She has even been criticized for only making songs with this theme. In which she responded very well, criticizing the fact that Taylor Swift speaks directly in her work about her relationships with men and does not receive the same criticism; later being defended by Taylor Swift herself.
Hayley released her debut album this year called “Expectations” and the work was celebrated as one of the best pop releases of the year.
St Vincent
Anne Erin Clark is the baptismal name of singer St. Vincent. She began her career in 2003, working with the likes of David Byrne and Sufjan Stevens. The singer and multi-instrumentalist blends jazz influences with electropop and rock. During an interview with Rolling Stone magazine the singer stated that she believes in the fluidity of gender and sexuality. When asked whether she considers herself gay or straight, she replied “I don’t think in those terms. I don’t identify with any categorization. We can fall in love with anyone.”
Her most recent album is 2017’s “Masseduction”. The work features tracks such as “Los Angeles” and “New York”. St. Vincent is a talented musician who is at the forefront of today’s pop music.
Ellen Oléria
Ellen began her career at the age of 16, singing in bars and clubs. In 2012, she won the first edition of the reality show The Voice. Besides being a singer and songwriter, she is also an actress and acted with Elisa Lucinda in “L, the musical”, a play about a lesbian romance.
Oléria also presents the show Estação Plural, on TV Brasil, alongside journalist Fernando Oliveira (Fefito) and Banda Uó member Mel Gonçalves. The programme deals with current affairs and all its presenters are part of the LGBT+ community, increasing the participation of other minorities on TV and taking important issues to open TV.
Ellen released her most recent album “Afrofuturo” in 2016, this work drinks in the influences of Afrofuturism and Brazilian ancestry.