Bisexual Awareness Week is every September 16–23. It is a reminder that within the vibrant tapestry of the LGBTQIA+ community, voices ring out in unique and powerful ways. It's a time to amplify those voices, raise awareness, and acknowledge that visibility matters for everyone.
Even within spaces meant to uplift the LGBTQIA+ experience, bisexual people have historically faced challenges – stereotypes, misconceptions, erasure, a sense that their sexual orientation somehow doesn't quite fit into the established narrative, suggesting that it is a phase or a step towards coming out as gay or lesbian. This extends to the world of music. While queer artists are finding their rightful place in the spotlight, bisexual artists too often remain on the margins, their contributions overlooked.
Yet, the transformative power of music is universal. Melodies carry the weight of our struggles and the thrill of our triumphs. Song lyrics give shape to our deepest emotions. Music is where we connect, where we understand we are not alone on this journey.
During this Bisexual Awareness Week, let's celebrate bisexual singers who are crafting the soundtrack of their own truth and sharing their personal journey.
Bisexual+ Musicians to Celebrate
Genre-Bending Trailblazers:
These groundbreaking bisexual artists changed the musical landscape, showcasing that bisexuality and immense talent coexist. They deserve a constant place on our playlists not just this Bisexual Awareness Week!
Halsey: With their boundary-pushing sound and unflinching openness about their bisexuality, Halsey's influence in the pop realm is undeniable. They aren't just creating hits, but shifting what's possible for open queer artists.
David Bowie: His groundbreaking music and fearless gender expression challenged the norm in the 70s and 80s, becoming a symbol of liberation for many in the bi+ community.
Billie Joe Armstrong: As the frontman of Green Day, he brought punk to the mainstream, and his later coming out as bisexual helped empower countless queer fans, showing that rockers can be openly LGBTQIA+ too.
Cardi B: Fiercely unapologetic in both her music and personal life, this superstar rapper has opened up about her attraction to women, further breaking down the idea that hip-hop needs to be strictly heteronormative.
Azealia Banks: A fearless rapper known for her outspoken personality and innovative sound, she's also spoken openly about her bisexuality, adding a powerful voice to the conversation within hip-hop.
Frank Ocean: Though his music doesn't always explicitly address sexuality, his influence as a groundbreaking artist who defied traditional masculinity is undeniable. His openness about bisexuality has paved the way for a new generation of artists.
Under the Radar Brilliance
These incredible bisexual artists deserve a wider audience. Don't sleep on them! Their music is as innovative as it is emotionally resonant, expanding the idea of what bi+ artists can create.
Shamir: A true indie darling whose high tenor vocals and raw emotional honesty defy expectations, they create music that's both hauntingly beautiful and defies labels of genre or identity.
Ezra Furman: With a punk-inflected rock sound and lyrics that grapple with identity and faith, Furman is proof that bi+ artists can tackle the big questions with both grit and vulnerability.
Ashnikko: Known for her playful pop with a sex-positive and feminist bent, she's also spoken openly about her bisexuality, adding to the diversity of representation in this space.
bby mutha: This experimental hip-hop group challenges the status quo musically and lyrically, with several members identifying as bi+, showing that alternative rap can be a home for queer expression.
Princess Nokia: A rising star in the New York rap scene, she's known for her fierce independence and openness about her bisexuality, adding another dimension to the voices of bi+ women in hip-hop.
Mad Tsai (Indie Rock): This Taiwanese-American artist creates introspective rock with a dream-pop aesthetic. Openly bisexual, her music explores themes of identity and self-discovery.
Chelsea Cutler: Her relatable electro-pop anthems often focus on the ups and downs of young relationships, and her openness about her bisexuality resonates with many listeners.
Rina Sawayama: Blurring the lines between pop, metal, and everything in-between, this Japanese-British artist isn't afraid to bring a maximalist approach to her music and image. With lyrics that frequently celebrate pansexuality, she's a bold, fresh voice.
Paving the Way:
These legendary figures from the past left an important legacy and deserve ongoing recognition! Their bravery in expressing themselves, even when it was dangerous, helped create the space for the openness we see in music today.
Freddie Mercury: Yes, he was iconic, but his legacy as a bi+ frontman in a rock world that wasn't ready for that conversation makes him even more important to celebrate today.
Josephine Baker: This trailblazing actress, singer, and activist embodied glamour and defied societal norms, including her open bisexuality in a far less accepting era.
Ani DiFranco: This folk-rock powerhouse has always been fierce. Her work tackles complex themes from a feminist and queer lens, making her a true pioneer for the bi+ community.
Dusty Springfield: A true soul diva, her openness about her attraction to women helped make space for earlier generations of bi+ musicians (even if the full scope of her sexuality was sometimes obscured by her era)
Morrissey (The Smiths): This controversial figure has issues, but as the moody frontman of the beloved 80s indie band The Smiths, he spoke to the hearts of many queer youth, and his later coming out is a reminder bisexuality isn't always obvious.
Janis Joplin: An iconic rock and blues singer, while her sexuality wasn't explicitly discussed during her lifetime, her powerful voice and openness to defying expectations continue to inspire bi+ artists and fans today.
Missy Higgins: This Australian singer-songwriter's music deals with themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance. Though she came out as bisexual later in her career, her vulnerability and relatable lyrics have always resonated with bi+ listeners.
Siouxsie Sioux of Siouxsie and the Banshees: A pioneer of the Goth music scene with her dramatic makeup and captivating stage presence, she pushed boundaries in a way that paved the way for those who celebrate their darker, more introspective sides.
Voices of the Future:
These rising stars are shaping the sound of tomorrow. They're proof that the future of music is bright, inclusive, and filled with the unique perspectives of the bi+ community.
Rebecca Black: Viral fame may have been her origin story, but this young artist has evolved, coming out as bisexual and creating music that reflects a whole new level of self-awareness and authenticity.
Arlo Parks: This British singer-songwriter's soulful voice carries raw stories of love, loss, and the messy business of growing up, connecting with anyone who's felt like the outsider, especially queer youth.
Tinashe: From her early pop hits to more experimental work, this constantly evolving artist has spoken about her pansexuality, helping break down barriers in the world of R&B
Victoria Monét: A successful songwriter (penning tracks for Ariana Grande and many others) who identifies as visexual, her own solo work explores themes of love and female empowerment.
Aurora: This Norwegian pop star with an ethereal style speaks often about embracing individuality, and her lyrical openness about love extends to women, a powerful message for her massive fan base.
MxmToon: This rising singer-songwriter's ukulele-driven pop explores themes of mental health and self-discovery. Openly bisexual, they create music that connects with young people grappling with their identity.
Japanese Breakfast: This indie rock project led by Michelle Zauner crafts catchy melodies with introspective lyrics that touch on themes of love, loss, and self-acceptance, creating a space of connection for many bi+ listeners.
Betty Who: With classic songwriting and infectious energy, this Aussie pop star creates an inclusive space for all her fans, with her bisexuality a part of that celebratory approach.
From Celebration to Change
The spirit of Bisexual Awareness Week shouldn't end when the calendar page turns! Here's how you can keep the celebration going and create a more inclusive music scene all year round:
Celebrate Beyond the Week: Did you discover a new favorite artist? Don't stop there! Dive deeper into their music, share tracks with friends, and look for opportunities to see them live. Remember, supporting bisexual artists means more than just streaming during one designated week.
Discover with Purpose: Make a conscious effort to expand your music library with artists from the bisexual community. Seek out playlists, websites, or even old-school music magazines dedicated to highlighting queer artists. Organizations like GLAAD or your local LGBTQIA+ center might be great resources to uncover even more voices.
Be an Outspoken Ally: Music is meant to be shared. When you love a bi+ artist, shout it from the rooftops! Talk about them on social media, buy their merch, and bring your friends to their shows.
Challenge comments that dismiss or erase bi+ experiences. Your voice creates a ripple effect, showing that bi+ musicians and fans deserve a place at the table.
Check out this spotify playlist by curto. for inspiration:
Let's make this Bisexual Awareness Week a catalyst! It's about more than just great music; it's about a world where everyone feels the freedom to express themselves and their love of music without needing to fit neatly into a box.
