Pride Month is in full swing, and it's time for a Pride playlist that matches the energy! Music has always been the heartbeat of the LGBTQ+ community. It helps us find our voice, celebrate who we are, and remind us that we belong.
Lately, we've been blessed with incredible artists breaking through – and these fresh LGBTQ songs prove it. These new tracks are bold, they're joyful… poignant… everything Pride should be.
There's still work to be done, but these songs are a sign that our voices are getting louder. So, let's turn up the volume and dive into the newest anthems that have us feeling proud and ready to take on the world. We'll unpack their messages, their beats, and why they make us want to celebrate everything that makes our community so special.
Unholy by Sam Smith & Kim Petras
Bold, defiant, and unapologetically sexy, "Unholy" is a celebration of self-expression and shaking off the shackles of societal expectations. For LGBTQ+ folks constantly pressured to conform to traditional norms around gender and sexuality, this song is a battle cry and therefore deserves a space in your 2024 pride playlist.
Sam Smith, openly non-binary, and Kim Petras, a history-making trans woman, topping the charts with a song that revels in rejecting the mainstream sends a powerful message: not only are we here, but we refuse to be silenced. It's the type of visibility and representation that fuels hope and defiance within the LGBTQ+ community.
Vulgar by Sam Smith & Madonna
Another Sam Smith in the list! This fierce collaboration between two pop icons is an unapologetic anthem of self-empowerment and embracing your inner "vulgar." With lyrics like "Vulgar is beautiful, filthy, and gorgeous," this track rejects societal norms and celebrates being unapologetically yourself.
It's a powerful reminder that you don't need anyone's approval to be confident and express yourself freely. This bold and empowering track is a must-add to any pride playlist.
This Hell by Rina Sawayama
Rina Sawayama's "This Hell" is an electrifying pop-country fusion anthem that reclaims the narrative of damnation and turns it into a celebration of queer resilience. Inspired by the relentless attacks on the LGBTQ+ community, Sawayama defiantly embraces the idea of hell, declaring that it's "better with you."
The song's lyrics are a bold middle finger to those who try to shame queer people for simply being themselves. Sawayama sings about dancing with the devil, walking on coals, and facing eternal damnation with unwavering pride. It's a rallying cry for the LGBTQ+ community and a reminder that even in the face of hate and discrimination, we can find joy and community with each other. Follow Rina's instagram account and show your support!
Windows by Jake Wesley Rogers
Jake Wesley Rogers' "Windows" offers a beautiful message of unwavering support for someone struggling. Sometimes love means being there when relationships are difficult, or during the painful process of self-discovery. The promise to "build you a window" speaks to offering a lifeline, a glimmer of hope even in the darkest times.
If you have ever felt alone or misunderstood, this song is a powerful reminder that there are people who see you, love you as you are, and will be there to help you see the light again. Support this up-and-coming artist and check out Jake's music on Spotify.
Stacy's brother by Mad Tsai
You've definitely heard of Stacy's Mom, but have you heard of Stacy's brother? Mad Tsai's catchy indie-pop song "stacy's brother" is a playful and relatable anthem for anyone who's ever had a crush on their friend's sibling. The song captures the excitement and nervousness of young love with its upbeat melody and relatable lyrics. Mad Tsai, an openly queer artist, brings a fresh perspective to the classic trope, making "stacy's brother" a must-add to any pride playlist celebrating young love and self-discovery.
The Code" by Nemo
Switzerland's Eurovision 2024 entry, "The Code" by the non-binary artist Nemo, is an electrifying anthem of self-discovery and breaking free from societal expectations. The song's powerful drum and bass beats and soaring vocals create an exhilarating soundscape that captures the euphoria of embracing one's true identity.
Nemo's lyrics speak to the challenges and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ experience, encouraging listeners to challenge the status quo and rewrite their own narratives. "The Code" is a powerful reminder that there are no rules when it comes to being yourself.
Rush by Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan's "Rush", with its yearning for connection and the bittersweet ache of desire, resonates strongly within the LGBTQ+ experience. The search for love, especially while navigating one's own identity, can be full of exhilarating highs and crushing lows.
The song's sense of urgency and longing mirrors the internal rush so many LGBTQ+ folks have felt at some point – that desperate search for someone who not only sees you but celebrates the messy, beautiful, authentic you. Plus, Sivan's openness about his sexuality makes it all the more poignant, reflecting an experience that many queer listeners can intimately understand.
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Anthems aren't created overnight. They evolve from shared experiences, from the powerful emotions that music ignites within us. Listening to these LGBTQ songs fills us with pride, and it's exciting to think of how they'll add to our ever-evolving pride playlist.
They capture where we are, celebrate where we've been, and give us the energy to keep fighting for the future we deserve. The fight isn't over, and the music that will score our journey is still out there waiting to be written.
So, what kind of pride anthems do you want to hear next? What messages need amplifying? Which new artists are ready to break down barriers? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Let's uplift the voices that speak our truths and keep building a collection of gay pride songs that fuel our joy, our resilience, and our unwavering push for full LGBTQ+ liberation.
