The best LGBTQ+ artists
Happy pride month! Celebrate pride with our list of the best LGBTQ+ artists and DJs, who have given us an endless supply of bangers throughout the years!
Last updated: 17th Jun 2024
Originally published: 14th Jun 2024
Slay. Mother. C*nt. Downright fabulous.
That’s how we’d describe the gay community and their wide selection of LGBTQ+ artists and DJs that have been running the charts for decades. From Dusty Springfield, and Ru Paul to Elton John and newer talents like Kim Patras. It’s hard to squeeze them all into one space, but with them being so booked and busy, it’s probably for the best.
However, to celebrate pride, we’ve come up with our very own way to shine a light on some of the most talented members of the community with a list of all the best LGBTQ+ artists and DJs within the music industry. So help us celebrate pride truly, and get stuck into the best LGBTQ+ artists and DJs of all time!
It’s no surprise that at the top of the list is no other than one of the biggest icons within the LGBTQ+ community, Sir Elton John. Known best for his iconic piano skills and gag-worthy outfits, nobody is doing it like Elton John. Beyond the glitter, sequins and quirky framed glasses, Elton John has made some absolute timeless classics from, 'Rocket Man', 'Candle in the Wind' and 'Your Song'; it's no wonder he's on the list as one of the best LGBTQ+ artists.
David Bowie
Lets dance? We'll take the lead as you follow when we talk about no other than one of the most influential men to grace the music industry; David Bowie. Many have tried but nobody can do it like David, with his debut 'Space Oddity', which featured his all-to-well glam rock look that shook up the music industry and welcomed a new perspective in music. Bowie challenged the norms creating a safe space for gay culture from the '70s onwards teaching us no matter what body we were born in; we could be whoever the hell we liked!
Praised for 're-queering' the mainstream, Lady Gaga is the gift that keeps on giving when it comes to not just her music but also the love and support she gives to the LGBTQ+ community. Coming forward as an openly bisexual woman, Lady Gaga has shown that she is what the music industry has been missing for a while; complete uniqueness. From her meat dress to her classics that get bumped in every gay club around the world, she is more than just mother. She is a true LGBTQ+ icon who helps us to remember just really why we're born this way!
A tragic ending to such a heroic career, but may we never forget the dent Queen left on not just their fans but the entire music industry in general. Especially, lead singer Freddie Mercury who put his all into his craft, creating intricate sounds that could only be perfected by the genius that he was. Plus let's not forget the iconic looks he would come onto the stage with matched with his flamboyant stage presence it's no wonder he's one of the best LGBTQ+ artists.
George Michael
‘Freedom’, ‘Last Christmas’, being a part of one of the biggest pop bands, Wham, and an utmost lifeline of collaborations, George Michael is nothing but one of the best LGBTQ+ artists of all time. With his unapologetic way of handling his outing, George held his composure to allow himself to embrace his true self. Which also did not stop him from allowing his gracious sound to keep flowing through our speakers. He gave no f*cks and neither did his fans as they blared, danced, and celebrated Georges's music. And while the legend is not with us today, he still leaves his mark with some of the best bangers to ever have graced the charts. So thank you, Michael, we love you xx
Born in London, Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien, more formally known as Dusty Springfield, is another artist we’d list as one of the best LGBTQ+ artists. Dusty grew to fame with her distinctive mezzo-soprano sound that captured her listeners. However, what really got their attention was her openness to support the gay community after coming out as a lesbian. And while the nature of her coming out story feels demeaning, it opened doors for queer people to know that there was more of them around. Dusty remains a standing figure for not just the LGBTQ community but also within the black community supporting their music, and of course for being a goddamn stunner of a woman.
Queen Latifah
Some may know her for being a class actress but we know her as one of the most hardcore rappers in the game. She has a swag like no other and a boss silk press that’ll put your leave out to shame. Being proudly married to her wife for a long time, Queen Latifah has been the lesbian icon that we all needed to truly show us that women can do it all. And with her most popular song, U.N.I.T.Y, we couldn’t sum up a better word to be a part of some of the best LGBTQ + artists.
Ru Paul
Somebody say cover girl but some bass in your walk? Well if you didn't we definitely did, because next on our list for some of the best LBGTQ+ artists is no other than the drag queen of queens; Rul Paul. Paving the way for drag culture to really take fruition in mainstream media, Rul Paul is a stand-out LGBTGQ+ artist. With drag race under their belt, a long list of celeb friends, and enough funky music to keep you dancing all night; it's not a mystery why they're sitting nicely on this list.
From the start, Sam Smith has been a very openly proud LGBTQ+ artist. Making their debut displaying their falsettos and incredible range, there were no questions about the extent of their talent. In 2023 Sam Smith became the most famous non-binary person in the public eye which could only mean one thing; living as their true authentic self. Now celebrating the body they're in Sam takes pride in experimenting with their looks from high lace-up boots to corsets, and that undeniably unique Britt award outfit (you know the one). While some have taken to criticism, we couldn't be more proud of the artist that Sam Smith has become.
If you've never heard the song 'Fast Car', you’ve been living under a rock because it is possibly one of the best songs displaying the struggles of life with socially conscious themes. And while the multi-award-winning artist lives a quieter life, Tracy remains a true blessing to the music industry with her songs having new renditions of it by the day. Singing, songwriting, and performing her way into the charts and our hearts, Tracy the icon that you are.
Is anybody in the mood for coconuts? If you've stumbled across German-born pop artist, Kim Petras then you may be familiar with her craft. She puts the capital c in camp with her fun and catchy tunes and has no issues displaying her creativity through her music. Being one of the biggest trans artists in the music industry, she has thrived especially recently with her collab with Sam Smith on 'Unholy'. Petras is the first trans person to ever win a major category in the Grammys and for that, we class her as one of the best LGBTQ+ artists.
The Blessed Madonna is an American DJ who seriously knows their way around the decks producing some cool house classics. Having a hard time at a younger age, The Blessed Madonna found music a form of expression as a non-conforming non-binary person. Better known for their long list of mixtapes, The Blessed Madonna is one of the best LGBTQ+ DJs in the game. Especially after being labelled as one of the most 'exciting turntablists'. The Blessed Madonna constantly blesses us with their sound, and we can't wait for what more they have in store!
Rounding off this list we have a RnB singer who never fails to throw everybody into a bit of bi-panic. Yeah that's right we're talking about no other than Kehlani. Kehlani is more than just a pretty face, they are also a singer who continues to produce banger after banger; showing off that they can really hit a note or two. Before coming out as lesbian in a comedic TikTok in 2021, Kehlani identified as bi. However, the community embraced the singer, sharing that it's never too late to come out, and we couldn't agree more, Kehlani!
If you're wondering where some of your faves are don't worry they've not been forgotten, but if we really sat down and listed them all, we'd be here til the next pride! But don't worry because we have plenty more pride content to keep you busy throughout the month!!
For more LGBTQ+ events across the country click - HERE. You can also check out our playlist full of LGBTQ+ bangers in our pride playlist.
Check out our What's On Guide to discover more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.
Header image credit: Sam Smith / Facebook.com