Every June in the United States, Pride Month celebrates LGBTQIA+ people’s lives, cultures and contributions to societal change. June is chosen to commemorate the Stonewall riots of 1969: a series of protests led by gay, lesbian and transgender individuals in New York City, in defiance of state and police brutality and discrimination against their queer siblings.
The riots were a turning point in the conversation around gay and transgender rights, and Pride accordingly has been a month to highlight vital work: from HIV and AIDS activism in the ‘80s and ‘90s, to campaigning for legislative change through the 2000s and beyond; from anti-discrimination laws to marriage equality.
Today, the fight for equality continues, and Pride remains a milestone celebration and call for advocacy around the world. By 1971, Pride marches had expanded across the U.S. and into Europe, with London, Dublin, and Oslo hosting their first demonstrations. In the UK, Pride Month began in 2005 and is typically celebrated in early July, while Berlin marks Pride in late July to honor the 1969 Christopher Street Liberation Day.
A major element of how queer people have fought for equality and visibility has been through popular culture, particularly in music. When civil rights awareness was exploding in the mid-20th century, now-iconic individuals came to the forefront and opened the public’s eyes to LGBTQIA+ life through their music and public personas. From disco’s Sylvester and pop’s Elton John and George Michael, to rock’s Freddie Mercury, David Bowie, k.d. lang and Tracy Chapman, LGBTQIA+ artists have used their platforms to tell stories about queer life, love, struggles and perspectives.
Thanks to these trailblazing artists, others have followed in their footsteps. Today, LGBTQIA+ performers are working across the genre spectrum, making music that tells contemporary, multifaceted stories. From alt-pop breakthroughs like Billie Eilish, Kim, Petras, Chappell Roan and Troye Sivan, to R&B vocalists like Janelle Monáe and Steve Lacy, songs about LGBTQIA+ romance have dominated the charts, empowered communities and brought queer love to the cultural forefront.
In a time where transgender rights are being increasingly challenged across the globe, too, the visibility of transgender artists feels more vital than ever: from punk rock band Against Me!’s 2014 album ‘Transgender Dysphoria Blues,’ which gave a platform for vocalist and guitarist Laura Jane Grace’s transition; to Ethel Cain’s debut album, 2022’s ‘Preacher’s Daughter,’ which became the first album by a transgender artist to enter the Top 10 of the US Billboard 200 Chart in April 2025.
Gay cultural touchstones such as ballroom have broken into the mainstream, in part thanks to albums such as Beyoncé’s Grammy-winning 2022 album ‘Renaissance.’ And in genres where queer artists were rarely living out in the open, huge strides have been made; in country music, Orville Peck and Maren Morris are breaking barriers and changing perspectives for a new generation of fans, writing songs and speaking openly in support of LGBTQIA+ rights.
To celebrate Pride Summer 2025, dive into this collection of tracks — across rock, pop, country, hip-hop, dance and more — and hear how artists today are shaping the conversation about LGBTQIA+ life, culture and rights.
Chappell Roan, “Pink Pony Club”
The proclaimed Midwestern Princess has made LGBTQIA+ storytelling and rights front and center of her pop presentation. On this hit track, she tells the story of a queer dancer following their dreams.
Carly Rae Jepsen, “Cut To The Feeling”
Known for her sugar-sweet, 80s-referencing pop music, Carly Rae Jepsen’s message is one of empowerment and joy.
Troye Sivan, “Rush”
The Australian pop vocalist turned up the heat with this hit 2023 track, with its piano house riff and chanting vocal hook. It’s about “the feeling of kissing a sweaty stranger on a dancefloor,” says Sivan.
Charlie XCX, Billie Eilish, “Guess”
At the height of ‘BRAT’ summer, this hit remix of a Charli XCX track saw Billie Eilish tease her crush with her whispering, searching lyrics.
Alison Goldfrapp, “So Hard So Hot”
In her sparkling, disco style, British vocalist and songwriter Alison Goldfrapp narrates a queer dancefloor in the throes of ecstasy. This track is from her 2023 album ‘The Love Reinvention.’
Rina Sawayama, “This Hell”
“I wanted to write a western pop song that celebrated community and love in a time where the world seemed hellish,” said pansexual pop vocalist and songwriter Rina Sawayama, about this thumping 2022 track.
Janelle Monáe, Grimes, “Pynk”
Taken from avant-R&B artist Janelle Monáe’s ‘Dirty Computer’ album, this track playfully uses the color pink to tease out a sensual lesbian love story.
Shea Coulee, “YOUR NAME”
Ru Paul’s Drag Race finalist Shea Coulee dropped one of the best original tracks to come from a franchise participant, blending euphoric, classic disco with sensual vocals.
Tinashe, “Nasty”
When R&B artist Tinashe dropped this playful, slow burner of a track — taken from her 2024 album ‘Quantum Baby’ — it promptly tore through queer dancefloors worldwide. Hear more about Tinashe about the making of “Nasty” and its cultural impact, check out our exclusive interview on Sound Advice.
Kylie Minogue, “Padam Padam”
A decades-long icon and outspoken ally for the queer community, Australian popstar Kylie Minogue crafted this track to mimic a racing heartbeat.
Kevin Aviance, “Cunty (The Feeling) Club Mix”
One of the ballroom scene’s enduring icons, drag artist, vocalist and producer Kevin Aviance was sampled on Beyoncé’s 2023 homage to gay music culture, ‘Renaissance.’
Lady Gaga, “Free Woman (Honey Dijon Realness Remix)”
A Black trans woman, Honey Dijon is one of house music’s most captivating performers. Here, she delivers a Dee-Lite-esque remix of a Lady Gaga track about femme freedom.
Shygirl, “TASTY (LSDXOXO Remix)”
British vocalist and producer Shygirl has this cheeky track remixed by Berlin-based artist LSDXOXO, whose experimental beats come straight from the LGBTQIA+ club scene.
Anitta, “Girl From Rio”
Blending Brazilian funk with electronic pop and R&B, Anitta brings the heat with this sexy track about the beautiful women of her home city, Rio de Janeiro.
Remi Wolf, “Toro”
An alt-pop newcomer, bixsexual vocalist and songwriter Remi Wolf dropped her sophomore album, ‘Big Ideas,’ in 2024.
Zolita, “All Girls Go To Heaven”
“All girls go to heaven and God is gay!” sings Zolita, on this anthemic pop track; here, the singer imagines a world in which LGBTQIA+ people aren’t judged for being their authentic selves.
Maren Morris, “Push Me Over”
A vocal champion of LGBTQIA+ rights and representation, country-pop crossover vocalist, musician and songwriter Maren Morris wrote this track after coming out as bisexual.
Clairo, “Sexy To Someone”
Taken from her Grammy-nominated 2024 album ‘Charm,’ this oh-so gentle track from vocalist and songwriter Clairo sings about how sexiness is a spectrum of experiences.
Omar Apollo, Trent Reznor, “Te Maldigo”
Written for the 2024 film ‘Queer,’ Omar Apollo collaborated with Trent Reznor on this yearning track: “I spent an eternity far away from you / And my heart, without you, it doesn’t beat,” sings Apollo, in Spanish.
Kevin Abstract, Lil Nas X, “Tennessee”
On this 2024 track by Brockhampton rapper Kevin Abstract, he riffs with Lil Nas X about gay attraction and the potential of lasting love.
Lil Nas X, “DREAMBOY”
This 2025 track from the chart-topping gay performer sees him get extra sexy, dreaming of his ideal man.
Steve Lacy, “Bad Habit”
On his 2022 breakout track, queer vocalist Steve Lacy sings about the tender experience of wondering if their yearning for a crush is reciprocated or not.
Lucy Dacus, “Kissing Lessons”
A member of the band boygenius, Lucy Dacus released this solo track — about asking your best friends for advice on how to kiss a girl — in 2022.
Billie Eilish, “LUNCH”
Taken from her 2024 album ‘HIT ME HARD AND SOFT,’ this earworm track sees Billie Eilish dream about her girl crush. Hear more from Billie, including her best advice for up-and-coming artists, in our exclusive Sound Advice interview.
MUNA, Phoebe Bridgers, “Silk Chiffon”
On this bubblegum indie pop collaboration, MUNA and Phoebe Bridgers celebrate reciprocated lesbian love, and the joy of watching your partner move.
Ethel Cain, “American Teenager”
This track features on Ethel Cain’s ‘Preacher’s Daughter,’ which became the first album by a transgender artist to enter the Top 10 of the US Billboard 200 Chart.
Orville Peck, Willie Nelson, “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly, Fond Of Each Other”
Out-and-proud gay country artist Orville Peck collaborates with country legend Willie Nelson for a cover of Ned Sublette’s 1981 track.
Laura Jane Grace, “Dysphoria Hoodie”
Laura Jane Grace came out as a transgender woman during her time with the punk rock band Against Me!. On this track, she sings about finding comfort in androgynous clothing during a time of body dysphoria.
Joy Oladokun, “Pride”
Nashville-based Joy Oladokun released this gentle track about LGBTQIA+ pride on her 2023 album ‘Proof of Life.’
Kacey Musgraves, “Follow Your Arrow”
Country music crossover artist Kacey Musgraves won over LGBTQIA+ fans with this hopeful track about accepting who you are and ignoring the bad judgement of others.
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