LGBTQ+ artists have been at the forefront of pop culture for over two decades. From major label pop albums to introspective indie projects, the last year has provided a plethora of groundbreaking music from those within the community. In 2023, LGBTQ+ artists have pushed the boundaries of music even further, creating some of the most innovative and inspiring works of art to date.
The past year saw a multitude of LGBTQ+ artists take the charts by storm. Billie Eilish’s “Therefore I Am” was an instant hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks. Taylor Swift released her Lover album to massive success, with her first single “Me!” becoming the first LGBTQ+-themed song to debut at the top of the chart. Other chart-topping hits from LGBTQ+ artists included Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now” and Troye Sivan’s “My My My!”
On the indie side of things, artists such as Japanese Breakfast, King Princess, and Kehlani released some of the most introspective and captivating music of the year. Japanese Breakfast’s Jubilee was a stunningly beautiful collection of dreamy and airy indie rock, while King Princess’s Cheap Queen showcased her impeccable songwriting and production skills. Kehlani’s It Was Good Until It Wasn’t was an emotionally charged R&B album that highlighted her songwriting talent.
The LGBTQ+ community made an impact on popular culture in a variety of ways in 2023. Several artists, such as Lil Nas X, Janelle Monáe, and Hayley Kiyoko, used their platforms to speak out about important issues facing the community. Lil Nas X made headlines when he came out as gay in a series of tweets, while Janelle Monáe released a powerful song about police brutality called “Turntables”. Hayley Kiyoko’s “Girls Like Girls” was an anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, showing her commitment to creating empowering music for her fans.
The last year also saw the emergence of numerous LGBTQ+-focused festivals. Festivals such as Pride in London, Queer Fest in Brooklyn, and the Queer Music Festival in Los Angeles all provided a safe and welcoming space for queer artists to showcase their talents. These festivals provided a platform for LGBTQ+ artists to express themselves freely and be celebrated for their artistry.
The 2023 music landscape was also marked by the rise of emerging LGBTQ+ artists. Artists such as Orville Peck, Kim Petras, and Tommy Genesis all made waves this year with their unique and captivating sounds. Orville Peck’s music is a mix of country, folk, and rock, while Kim Petras’s catchy pop tunes are destined to become classics. Tommy Genesis has been making waves in the hip-hop world with her unique and mesmerizing style.
The last year was a triumphant one for LGBTQ+ artists. From major label pop albums to introspective indie projects, LGBTQ+ artists have brought their artistic visions to life throughout 2023. Their music has inspired, empowered, and captivated audiences all over the world, and they are sure to continue to do so in the years to come.
