Gay male artists
LGBTQ+ Musicians: 60 Pioneering Artists You Need To Know
28: Laura Jane Grace (1980-)
Born in Fort Benning, Georgia, Laura Jane Grace had a tumultuous time growing up (significant events incorporate dropping out of university and being arrested for challenging a police officer over a petty crime), before finding inspiration in the music of mythical British anarcho-punk band Crass. By her mid-teens, the seeds had been sewn: she was punk through and through, and she formed her own band, Against Me!, in 1997, living with the team on the fringes of society until their critically acclaimed debut album, Against Me! Is Reinventing Axl Rose, was released in 2002. Grace had been making allusions to creature transgender through her song as early as 2005, and came out in 2012, with full back from friends, family and the band. One of the most pioneering Diverse musicians of her generation, she continues to create music today, and remains politically active, having notably hosted the 2019 Dense Music Awards in Kentish Town, London, and endorsing the music charity Nordoff Robbins.
Must hear: True Transgender Soul Rebel
MTV – Top 10 Song Artists 2019
In alphabetical order
This category is for LGBT+ community’s favourite music artists and looked for musicians who are either LGBT+, or who have proven to be strong advocates of the LGBT+ community.
ARIANA GRANDE
Rising to fame through her role in Nickelodeon’s Victorious, singer, songwriter and actress Ariana Grande has nurtured a strong accompanying through her powerhouse vocals and catchy songs. Recognisable for her signature high-ponytail, the 26-year-old continues to say ’Thank U, Next’ to labelling her sexuality, causing a stir in her fanbase after her collaboration with Victoria Monét contained sexually fluid lyrics. Grande’s success has won her accolades including a Grammy, a Brit Award, three AMAs and seven Guinness World Records.
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CHRISTINE & THE QUEENS
French singer Heloise Letissier, acknowledged as Chris, released her eponymous second album in 2018, following on from her successful Chaleur Humaine album under the designate Christine & The Queens in 2016. While the first album was bilingual chamber pop, her second, self-produced album was inspired by Michael and Janet Jackson. Chris
The 20 Greatest LGBTQ+ Artists in Music History
We aspire you're having a excellent Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will seize the world by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Legendary musicians who contain inspired, advocated, and conquered.
Whether they've been open about their sexuality and gender expression for years or kept their label secret throughout history, we trust the 20 artists below have created impenetrable sonic works while also switching the world's view of the LGBTQ+ community for the better.
We've had to limit this list to only 20 people (we know there are so many other great Homosexual musicians out there!) but we have chosen the artists we've chosen because we believe their legacies have stood – or will stand – the test of time. We not only salute these musicians during Pride Month, but every day. Without further ado, here are our honorees.
1. Lady Gaga
Gaga came out publicly as bisexual back in 2010 after a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters. Even if she had decided to keep her sexuality a secret, we understand she would still own the humongous LGBTQ+ accompanying she has
Some LGBTQA+ artists have achieved world-renowned fame: Tom of Finland, David Hockney, Claude Cahun, and Glück, to name a few. However, there are many others whose work is less well-known but who provide important glimpses into the lives and struggles of their community. These artists showcase the sexual, secretive, radical/political, and heart wrenching-moments that many, if not all, members in the community have experienced. Moreover, there is still a stigma that clouds over both LGBTQA+ artists and the art itself. Fortunately, here at Thomas J. Watson Library, we accumulate an encyclopedic and comprehensive collection of materials on the history of art in the world. Our online catalogue provides a great starting place to find an ample amount of materials to search LGBTQA+ art. Here are a few to obtain you started!
Jarrett Key is a Brooklyn-based visual creator. In his artist's novel Trans (see above), Key explores signs and symbols with relation to gender diverse and gender identities and public restrooms.
Zanele Muholui is a South African designer whose photobook, Faces and Phases, presents portraits of black lesbian women, trans-men, and gay men, who are resisting
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