Queer music is not a new phenomenon but has been fundamental to the progression of LGBTQ+ representation and recognition for decades. Take, for example, David Bowie’s exploration of fashion and gender in the 1970s which helped to bring queer culture to mainstream music. However, the presence of Queer artists, writing about issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community, and telling stories that resonate with their lives is still crucial in order to grow an inclusive and accessible, musical safe-space within the industry. Queer artists aren’t too gay or making their sexuality or gender identity their only personality within their music, they are putting their feelings, experiences, trauma and life-story into art, so stop criticising authenticity and self-expression.
Now onto some artists that you should be adding to your playlists this year: