Gay pop artist
Sorry, JoJo, same-sex attracted pop was already here.
In 2022, singer and dancer JoJo Siwa performed at the Spokane Arena as a part of her D.R.E.A.M tour, bringing glitz, bows and rainbows to adoring young fans.
Be advised, though, because if Siwa ever stops here again, her show will be quite alternative. Earlier this month, the artist released a new solo , "Karma," marking a departure from her Dance Moms infant stardom to more mature themes including profanity and sexual expression.
In promotion of her rebrand, Siwa went viral with a Billboard interview, in which she discussed wanting to create a new genre of music: "gay pop." While Siwa recognized songs that could fall into this category, referencing Lady Gaga's "Applause" and Miley Cyrus' "Can't Be Tamed," she claims the genre isn't well-established like other pop variants.
Siwa's comments have sparked criticism, particularly from queer artists who've already been making gay pop for years. Critics indicate out that the 20-year-old Siwa's lack of awareness for those who've reach before her — an extensive list with names such as Freddie Mercury, Tegan and Sara, Janelle Monáe and Hayle
Lady Gaga
It’d be impossible to understate out bisexual musician and player Lady Gaga‘s impact on customs and pop music, or the impact she’s made as an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Every Gaga performance and high-camp costume was iconic. Her male alter-ego Jo Calederone was absurdly hot. Her music video for “Telephone” opened with Gaga making out with butch Canadian production artist Heather Cassils and ended with her holding hands with Beyonce and driving into the sunset. “Born This Way” doesn’t even matter —it’s “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face” and “Alejandro” and “Bad Romance” and “You and I” and “Paparazzi.” Lady Gaga is a queen of gay pop.
Hayley Kiyoko
On the cover of Nylon Magazine’s first-ever Identity festival Issue, Hayley Kiyoko was described as an unprecedented force in the gay pop scene, a lesbian teen heartthrob unafraid to court a passionate, starving gender non-conforming fan base who crowned her Lesbian Jesus. She was the first lesbian pop star signed to a major label to make multiple music videos in which she kisses girls. It’s incr
The 20 Greatest LGBTQ+ Artists in Music History
We desire you're having a excellent Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will get the world by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Legendary musicians who hold inspired, advocated, and conquered.
Whether they've been open about their sexuality and gender expression for years or kept their label veiled throughout history, we think the 20 artists below have created impenetrable sonic works while also modifying the world's view of the LGBTQ+ community for the better.
We've had to limit this list to only 20 people (we know there are so many other great Gay musicians out there!) but we have chosen the artists we've chosen because we believe their legacies have stood – or will stand – the test of time. We not only salute these musicians during Pride Month, but every day. Without further ado, here are our honorees.
1. Lady Gaga
Gaga came out publicly as bisexual back in 2010 after a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters. Even if she had decided to keep her sexuality a secret, we comprehend she would still possess the humongous LGBTQ+ accompanying she has
Today, the LGBTQ+ society can look to several gay musicians for inspiration, but that wasn’t always the case. Several pioneering openly homosexual singers paved the way from a time when sexual orientation wasn’t a topic for widespread discussion.
Indeed, these known gay musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness.
As we search queer performance art, we pay homage to those who came before us. In this piece, we’ll list some of the most influential names in the queer art movement and their impact on our past and present.
Being an Openly Same-sex attracted Musician
Undoubtedly, the fun industry has reach a long way in accepting and representing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians.
Coming out as a gay musician in the 20th century was no compact feat. It required immense courage and determination, especially when the music industry was predominantly hetero-normative.
Sexuality was not only a taboo topic for public discussion but could also result in alienation from fans and even cause break to one's career. As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation veiled