Pride Month Spotlight: 7 Queer Artists Taking The World By Storm
Each year, during the month of June, people around the world celebrate their identities and the numerous contributions that members of the LGBTQ+ community have made to the world around us. As the month of June slowly comes to a close, it’s important to remember that Pride Month is about more than exhilarating parades. Pride is about love, equality, and acceptance. Pride is now and forever.
Here are seven queer artists whose music has amassed immense popularity and who are shepherding in an unprecedented era for the LGBTQ+ community in pop culture.
Remi Wolf
This artist has made multiple appearances in the public eye throughout her life, beginning with her two-time stint as a Junior Olympic skier and her season thirteen audition for American Idol. Her first viral hit, “Photo ID” was extremely popular on TikTok in 2020, and the funky but vibrant sound was only a glimmer of the projects to come. Since then, 28 year-old creative, Remi Wolf, has cultivated a spectacular atmosphere of uniquely vibrant sounds through her albums and EPs. Her unforgettable work is a perfect reflection of her bubbly and eye-catching persona which only adds to her appeal. Her newest album “Big Ideas” is set to release on August 12th, as she rounds out her time opening for Olivia Rodrigo.
Arlo Parks
English artist, Arlo Parks, has gained international acclaim for her mellow sound that has speckled Bedroom Pop playlists since early 2019. Songs such as “George”, “Eugene,” “Blades,” and “Hurt,” emanate relatable feelings of heartbreak and yearning through warm and comforting melodies that are bound to stick in your head. She won the award for Best New Artist at the 2021 Brit Awards and was nominated for the same award at the 64th Grammy Awards. Parks is unapologetically herself, and her music stands out among the crowd.
Reneé Rapp
You may know her because of her impeccable vocal skill on her latest album, Snow Angel, but many true fans will recognize this artist from her several viral videos and winning performances at the 2018 Jimmy Awards (IYKYK). This queer theatre kid turned superstar has skyrocketed into the mainstream not only because she is a generational talent, but also because her raunchy and charismatic personality have made her a staple in pop-culture. The 24 year-old artist, Reneé Rapp, has had a dedicated following since her days as Regina George in Mean Girls The Musical on Broadway, but she has more recently gained widespread attention because of her downright hilarious online presence. Reneé excels in every avenue and her fame is only on the rise. She is a bastion of confidence for queer youth everywhere.
Sufjan Stevens
While some may not recognize his name, I can almost guarantee that everyone has heard this artist’s music. Sufjan Stevens has created several career defining and world-renowned albums throughout his career. Stevens’ “Mystery of Love” was widely popular because of its wistful yet melancholy appearance in the 2017 film, Call Me By Your Name. His song “Chicago” also notably appears in season two of The Bear and it remains the calling card of the ever-popular All Things Go music festival. In addition to his timeless sound, Stevens is also a standout role model for queer youth who are also active in their faith, as he is a staunch activist for queer rights and faith as they coexist and intertwine.
Connie Sgarbossa - SeeYouSpaceCowboy
The lead vocalist of sasscore punk band SeeYouSpaceCowboy, is Connie Sgarbossa, a proud trans-woman. The band has released an amalgamation of futuristic and mosh-friendly sounds while standing steadily on their core facets of queer representation and unfiltered emotion. Connie deserves this spotlight because she dances in the face of the hatred and bigotry that she (and many other trans people) have been subject to simply because they exist. Connie, and SeeYouSpaceCowboy is a force to be reckoned with, bringing a fiery passion for music and pride to every interview, show, and song that they produce.
KAYTRANADA
Louis Kevin Celestin, or KAYTRANADA as he is more commonly known, has made vast waves in the house and dance music scene for many years now. He has a distinct touch that draws his audience in, which is expertly coupled with unique pulsating beats that keep his audience on their feet for hours on end. The current uptick in popularity for house music is only bolstered by the release of his latest album, TIMELESS.
Chappell Roan
Last, but certainly not least, is Chappell Roan, who has taken the nation by storm in recent weeks. Her music has been popular in queer spheres for some time, but her song “Good Luck Babe” has recently garnered significant traction on TikTok. This song, along with her breathtaking drag wardrobe and several other hits are championing in her rapid ascension. Her music is especially relatable to the women loving woman community as her lyrics encapsulate the feelings that queer girls know all too well when it comes to pursuing relationships.
