Best gay artists
Queer Artists Who Shaped Song History
If this playlist seems like an abbreviated history of popular music from the last years, that's because it is.
Looking closely at musical trends, it’s not hard to find a queer artist at the forefront, even if many of those artists had to hide life-giving aspects of their sexual and/or gender identities. While we exist in a time in which queerness is far more show in the cultural consciousness (with still quite a long way to go), the queerness of numerous artists throughout history has often been harder to substantiate definitively. The artistic impact, however, is unmistakable.
Queerness by nature is not easy to define. In fact, that may be a feature, not a bug. As the poet Brandon Wint has described it, “Queer like, escaping definition…. Queer like the fearlessness to imagine what love can look like…and pursue it.” Given that fearlessness and imagination are essential attributes of any musician, it’s not surprising that gender non-conforming artists, for whom fear and fearlessness are daily facts of existing, have given the nature such gifts of imagination.
The Most Iconic LGBTQI+ Music Idols Of All Times
Freddie is not only a global musical star, but is considered, by many, as a national treasure for the Combined Kingdom.
Also read: 20 Minutes That Changed The History Of Music: Remembering Dwell Aid
When interviewed by NME magazine about his sexual orientation, he playfully responded: “I’m as queer as a daffodil, my dear!” And even if he did not openly talk about his private life, it is well recognizable that he spent the last of his years living with his longtime partner Jim Hutton.
Queen’s guitarist, Brian May, also stated in a interview: “I know that all through his existence Fred didn’t believe that whether he was gay or not was important.”
Ryan Butcher, editor of LGBT website PinkNews, also stated: “It wasn’t just about sexuality with him; it was about his whole persona and the dramatic persona he projected on stage, which is one of the main things Queen is recognizable for.”
Why he inspires us: Freddie was not only a global rock song icon for the world and an inspiration for the LGBTQI+ community, he was also established for being a huge cat lov Some LGBTQA+ artists have achieved world-renowned fame: Tom of Finland, David Hockney, Claude Cahun, and Glück, to name a few. However, there are many others whose work is less well-known but who provide important glimpses into the lives and struggles of their community. These artists showcase the sexual, secretive, radical/political, and heart wrenching-moments that many, if not all, members in the community have experienced. Moreover, there is still a stigma that clouds over both LGBTQA+ artists and the art itself. Fortunately, here at Thomas J. Watson Library, we gather an encyclopedic and comprehensive collection of materials on the history of art in the world. Our online catalogue provides a great starting place to find an ample amount of materials to search LGBTQA+ art. Here are a few to receive you started! Jarrett Key is a Brooklyn-based visual designer. In his artist's novel Trans (see above), Key explores signs and symbols with relation to trans and gender identities and public restrooms. Zanele Muholui is a South African creator whose photobook, Face We wish you're having a superb Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will grab the world by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Legendary musicians who own 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 altering 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 Queer 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. Gaga came out publicly as bisexual back in after a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters. Even if she had decided to k
The 20 Greatest LGBTQ+ Artists in Music History
1. Lady Gaga