10 Queer Love Songs for Valentine's Day
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. With artists like Miley Cyrus, Sam Smith, Kim Petras and Lil Uzi Vert dominating the Billboard Hot 100, LGBTQ+ voices are amplified through music. Whether you are running toward or away from cupid’s arrow this year, these queer songs, and the artists behind them, should make their way to your playlist.
Lola - Maude Latour
Most romantic lyric: “So I watch you do your magic. You’re so cool, so charismatic. Supernova, sip your soda. Yeah, I really think I love you, Lola.”
Maude Latour perfectly encapsulates the tricky friends-to-lovers trope with the electrifying “Lola.” Syncopated verses lead to an explosive, no-holds-barred chorus. Identifying as a fluid bisexual girl, Latour noted on TikTok that the pop track was created for the girls and the Queer people that she loves.
Pretty Boy- Omar Apollo
Most romantic lyric: “Pretty boy. Pretty like the ocean and the sky at night. And I fell in you.”
“Pretty Boy” is rumored to be about Grammy-nominated Omar Apollo’s years-long relationship with fellow queer RnB artist Frank Ocean. The stripped-back track was featured on Apollo’s deluxe edition of his 2022 album entitled Ivory (Marfil). The acoustic sound pairs marvelously with Apollo’s angelic falsetto, creating a successful, sensual gay love song.
Crumbs - Rebecca Black
Most romantic lyric: “There's nothing you could do to make me love you less. At your worst, you're still my best.”
Although Valentine’s Day does not fall on a Friday this year, Rebecca Black should still be on your streaming rotation. Black reintroduced herself as a full-fledged pop star in 2021 with the EP “Rebecca Black Was Here,” with the sapphic song “Girlfriend” as its lead single. After coming out as queer, Black embraced her submission, dominance and sexuality with “Crumbs” from her debut album, Let Her Burn, released last week.
Thunder- Madison Rose
Most romantic lyric: “I felt your body and heaven made way. Come into my pearly gates.”
Inspired by 2010s fun-loving pop anthems, Madison Rose brought nostalgic Cobra Starship and David Guetta vibes with “Thunder.” Rose has gained success through drag queens like RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Morgan McMichaels performing her song “ICONIC” and performing herself at DragCon in 2022. “Thunder” will make you want to fall in love this Valentine’s Day.
Crush - Ethel Cain
Most romantic lyric: “He looks like he works with his hands, and smells like Marlboro Reds. It makes me so, uh, and I can't get enough of it.
”The mythical character Ethel Cain is the moniker for Hayden Anhedönia, a Florida-raised singer that turned to her gothic, dominant woman character as a release. Anhedönia grew up heavily influenced by the church before leaving at 16 due to being ostracized for being gay and later coming out as transgender. In “Crush”, the character Ethel Cain recounts her infatuation with a bad boy in her high school years.
Away From You - Zach Campbell
Most romantic lyric: “I can't get away from you. Every little thing you do keeps me coming back to you.”
From reviewing pop stars to becoming one himself, YouTuber Zach Campbell surprised fans with his debut single during Pride Month 2022. The track describes a semi-toxic relationship with a loving twist and house-pop-perfection production. While Campbell has not revealed his future music plans, he continues to tweet, share and create reaction videos for pop culture moments and music videos.
mom i think im gay - Boyish
Most romantic lyric: “You'd look just like heaven if I ever get to go. So be my bread and body. Take me as I am. A lady, I'll be your tramp. Don't wanna be your friend again.”
One of our Artists to Watch this year, the band Boyish personifies yearning through the vulnerable, ethereal lyrics of “mom i think im gay.” The song lyricizes young love along with the struggles of coming to terms with sexuality and revealing identities to important life figures. Boyish released their newest single, “Girls Are Mean,” last week and plan to drop a new project in the spring.
Perfect for You - Peach PRC
Most romantic lyric: “I'm in your sweater, don't wanna upset her. But I can do what she can do so much better.”
Peach PRC’s Instagram bio is simply “lesbian singer.” With two killer Paris Hilton samples in one chorus, Peach is elevating the pop girl game. The sexy “Perfect For You” draws inspiration from Hilton’s “Stars are Blind” and “Nothing in This World” off her 2006 debut album Paris. Babygirl Y2K meets a romantic homewrecker on the Australian singer’s WLW song.
Can Ghosts Be Gay? - carpetgarden
Most romantic lyric: “I love the taste of his pretty red lipstick. I love the taste of his pretty red tongue.”
Bedroom-pop artist carpetgarden reveals their struggles of self-acceptance in a heteronormative society within the love song “Can Ghosts Be Gay?” The relatable California-based singer wears their heart on their sleeve through their loving, introspective songwriting. The 2020 song was just the start of carpetgarden’s music journey, as they released two albums since The Way He Looks, and WTF is even going on?
Her Body is Bible - FLETCHER
Most romantic lyric: “I found God the moment that I put my lips on yours I thought, ‘This is what they're talkin' 'bout.’”
After performing a steamy cover of “Midnight Sky” with Miley Cyrus at Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party, FLETCHER has solidified herself as an LGBT icon. As she is furthering her break into the mainstream, FLETCHER is a Queer artist to watch. In “Her Body is Bible,” FLETCHER compares her relations with another woman to that of a life-changing, religious experience.
WORDS BY BRADY JAGER