Queer people consistently challenge the structures of politics, culture, and music. This playlist highlights artists who are utilizing their music to explore the diverse and complex facets of contemporary queer life.

Story by Henry Youtt and Ryan Wellman

In the LGBTQ+ community, the music that has helped remedy its losses and celebrate its victories consistently remains in the realm of just a few high-tempo, heart-heavy tracks. Not to mention, many of these are sung by non-queer people, though oftentimes allies nonetheless. Songs like “Believe” by Cher, “It’s Raining Men” by the Weather Girls and “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross have been gilded into golden permanency (and overplayed into the ground).

Don’t get us wrong – we’re not here to say that nothing gold can stay. And, of course, the preservation of music produced and released during the height of one of the queer community’s most tragic and ignored times in history is an unquestionably worthy cause. However, this can still be done while continuing to discover and empower the queer artists advancing that history.

Here we have curated a playlist with some fresh faces now vying for their own pride parade playtime. Listen below to our “New Queer Essentials” playlist: