Gay pop artist
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Well..mission accomplished. Despite being outed as bisexual by Spin magazine early in her career, the artist has since become an open book on the subject. He has put out four studio albums and a whopping 11 EPs. (-Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya)
Elton John is a pioneer in the gay pop conversation — a Legend who came out as bisexual in 1976 and then as gay in 1992.
That’s not being grandiose for the sake of simile, like Picasso working through his various periods, Meg and Cardi have found a new way to twist and turn each of their lyrics, no two ever alike, in love letters to women’s sex and empowerment. The Chicago native and recent Island Records signee has been anything but quiet about his queerness, encouraging folks in the community to own their identity even in the hyper-masculine world of hip-hop.
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In a genre not always known for taking strong political stands, she really stands out as a pop artist and activist. His legacy lives on as one of music’s greatest champions of individuality and queer expression.
Demi Lovato
After coming out as non-binary and later embracing both she/her and they/them pronouns, Demi Lovato has used her platform to speak on mental health, queerness, and empowerment.
Divine
The outrageous drag icon of John Waters films also had a string of dancefloor hits in the ’80s.
In a 2014 interview with Rolling Stone, the singer stated: "I believe in gender fluidity and sexual fluidity. Her embrace of queer fans is matched by her dedication to mental health and equality.
Laura Jane Grace
As the lead singer of Against Me!, Laura Jane Grace was one of the first high-profile punk rockers to come out as trans.
He mentored Elton John and lived his truth during a time when few dared.
Luther Vandross
While he never came out publicly, Vandross’ legacy as a queer soul icon remains significant. He’s long been embraced by LGBTQIA+ fans for his outsider appeal.
Mykki Blanco
A fearless voice in queer hip-hop, Mykki Blanco brings poetry, politics, and performance art into every track.
"I like 'queer,'" DiFranco said. The most famous of her songs to reference her sexuality, "Prove It on Me Blues," proclaims: "I mean to follow everywhere she goes/ Folks say I'm crooked/ I didn't know where she took it/ I want the whole world to know."
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Lady Gaga
Quickly becoming a gay icon for her pop hits about self-love and sensuality, Lady Gaga came out as bisexual in a 2009 interview with Barbara Walters.
He’s proudly lived his truth since the ’80s and supported HIV awareness throughout his career.
Marina Diamandis
Marina’s music often speaks to misfits, including queer fans who connect with her themes of self-discovery and rejection of social norms. His brash flow and lyrical confidence belie his young age, yet the 20-year-old rapper-singer is making quick work of the charts, and he’s just getting started.
Her voice brought trans identity into the mosh pit with power and purpose.
Leonard Bernstein
One of the 20th century’s most acclaimed composers, Bernstein lived much of his life in the closet. While being awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, she thanked her "love," Eboni, and her son, Rebel.
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Frank Ocean
As his debut "Channel Orange" was the best-reviewed album of 2012, it's safe to say Frank Ocean was destined for greatness.
While she identified as bisexual in 2022, she came out as a lesbian in a 2024 interview with Andy Cohen and has been out and proud since.
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