A wide range of queer experiences is covered in music. Whether it is the complicated feeling of struggling with identity or unapologetic queer joy, songs about being openly queer and everything that comes with it are crucial. Art can give people the vital assurance of being seen and understood. With every year that passes, we can see more and more openly queer artists, an upward trend that we can only embrace and celebrate. In honour of pride month, here are some songs about the queer experience that may help people feel seen, loved and celebrated.

A song so important that Cavetown has made new versions of it, wanting to give it a new life again. With lyrics making references to both being aromantic and transgender, this song has come to mean a lot to many people. The song mentions feeling out of place and not knowing who you are exactly, but ends on a very hopeful note: “But little do we know the stars welcome him with open arms,” over beautiful strings. The song ends gently with Cavetown singing “strangely he feels at home in this place.” If you ever get the chance to hear this song live, you’ll see young kids proudly waving their pride flags, and you will understand exactly how songs like this can feel like a home full of love and acceptance.

This song covers the topic of struggling to accept one’s identity, as Chappell Roan looks back on a past relationship with a woman who was not yet ready to accept her attraction to women. The song ends with the repetition of the powerful line “You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling.” It is not only an honest testament to someone struggling with acceptance, but also simply an incredibly catchy and fun song that rightfully made Chappell Roan rise to stardom at full speed.

The lyrics in this song do not sugarcoat anything, directly addressing the anger that can come with experiencing gender dysphoria and the way one is perceived. It vocalises the frustration that comes with still being seen as a man despite not identifying as such, and the tendency to isolate because of this. This frustration can be felt in the music too, raw lyrics are scream-sang over a classic pop-punk beat with plenty of electric guitars and drums.

Amidst queer struggle, the hope for better times is hugely important to keep us afloat. ‘I Know A Place’ is one of these hopeful songs in which MUNA captures the joyful feeling of having a place where one can feel completely safe and understood. “And it’s hard to love with a heart that’s hurting, but if you want to go out dancing, I know a place we can go.” For a moment, this song itself becomes that place, offering some hope through its joyous, catchy melody.

Scorton’s Creek is a nature reserve in the place where Isaac Dunbar grew up, and in this song it is described as the place where he felt safe to show affection towards his first boyfriend. Having to keep their relationship a secret, this is where they could be together without having to fear for the eyes of those who did not accept them. The sharp vocals and slow build-up of heavy instruments align with the feeling of desperation, having to hide but still wanting to be together. 

Sometimes things just need to be said exactly as they are. girl in red singing “They’re so pretty it hurts, I’m not talking about boys I’m talking about girls” over a joyous beat can be all one needs to have their feelings put into words. The instruments quieting and then intensifying again in the bridge, repeating that you cannot choose who you love, is a great depiction of honesty and joy that many can relate to. 

Parks describes this song as one to uplift and comfort those going through hard times. ‘Green Eyes’ talks about a short-lived relationship that ended due to both societal and parental homophobic judgement. Despite the sad topic that is a painful reality for many, the song feels comforting due to its soft but uplifting drum beat with subtle harmonies and Parks’ voice reassuring “Some of these folks wanna make you cry, but you gotta trust how you feel inside.”

Asking “Where have all the good guys gone?” in this song MIKA ponders about the lack of LGBTQ+ idols for him to look up to. In the song, he names a bunch of lgbtq+ artists, writers, and scientists who inspired him when he was younger, and wonders where people like them are now. The song acknowledges a variety of important LGBTQ+ role models and references them on various levels. However, it also questions the lack of these role models for different generations. Since this song was written in 2015, one can hope we will see more and more of these role models emerging, including the artists in this list.