Paralleling an onslaught of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, book bans, and increasing restrictions on gender-affirming care, queer pop has an unequivocal grasp on the music scene.
The emergence of LGBTQ+ identity in music is often associated with the disco culture of the ’70s and ’80s. During this time, pop and rock music made space to amplify gender and sexual fluidity, allowing artists like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and Grace Jones to exist. For artists like Prince, the ambiguity of his sexual identity made the community surrounding his music a safe site for queer bonding.
There’s nothing ambiguous about the queer presence of Renée Rapp, Chappell Roan, Troye Sivan, Kehlani, or Janelle Monáe. Their unabashed authenticity and unapologetic expression have challenged centuries-old stereotypes, creating a sense of community among listeners.
Renée Rapp, known for her role in the Broadway musical Mean Girls, has transitioned seamlessly into the music industry, captivating audiences with her empowering anthems and unapologetic celebration of queer identity.
With tracks like “Pretty Girls,” Rapp confronts the complexities of navigating relationships as a queer woman, challenging stereotypes and advocating for authenticity. The song is an ode to the straight-presenting women who make out with her after a couple of drinks: “You think that I’d be flattered/It’s pathetic cause you’re right.”
Chappell Roan, another rising star in the queer pop landscape, brings her own unique voice and perspective to the forefront of the genre. Hailing from Willard, Missouri, Roan was raised a “God girl,” and attended church three times a week. Growing up thinking “being gay was bad and a sin,” Roan channels the complexities of her upbringing and personal experiences into the lyrics of her music.
Her tracks “Pink Pony Club” and “Die Young” explore themes of love, longing, and self-discovery—themes most LGBTQ+ individuals can relate to—with honesty and vulnerability and have become some of the unofficial anthems of the LGBTQ+ community.
Troye Sivan (yes, that Troye Sivan who got his start on YouTube in the early 2010s and posted his coming out video on the platform) broke the internet this year with his song “One of Your Girls.” In the song’s music video, Sivan dressed in drag and embraced a full Britney Spears-esque idol-type persona alongside Ross Lynch.
Both the song and the video perfectly encapsulate the feeling of changing yourself, and subsequently, the way you express yourself to gain the attention of a crush, while challenging traditional notions of gender and sexuality and bringing drag culture to mainstream media.
Kehlani, another prominent figure in the queer pop landscape, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of gender and sexuality in her music. As a member of and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Kehlani’s journey to self-discovery and acceptance has been reflected in their music, with tracks like “Honey” and “Nights Like This” exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience from a queer perspective. In addition to their music, Kehlani has been outspoken about LGBTQ+ rights and social justice issues, using her platform to advocate for equality and inclusion.
Janelle Monáe, who came out as pansexual in 2018, has been pushing the boundaries of music and identity throughout her career. From her early albums like The ArchAndroid to her more recent releases like Dirty Computer, Monáe has consistently incorporated themes of queerness, self-discovery, and empowerment into her music.
Monáe’s bold and unapologetic approach to her artistry has resonated deeply with LGBTQ+ listeners, who see themselves represented in her music and message. Songs like “Make Me Feel” and “Pynk” celebrate love and sexuality in all its forms, challenging societal norms and embracing diversity and inclusion.
To say queer pop has come a long way since the likes of George Michael, David Bowie, and other artists of their time would be a severe understatement. From the disco era to the present day, LGBTQ+ artists have continuously pushed boundaries, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for a more inclusive and diverse music industry.
If 2023 was just the beginning of this resurgence, then I can’t wait to see what the future of queer pop will look like and who will be next on the scene.
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