The Best LGBTQ+ Musicians

From stadium-filling legends to boundary-pushing innovators, LGBTQ+ musicians have shaped every corner of popular music. This list gathers artists whose songwriting, performances, and visibility changed the industry, spotlighting milestone albums, record-breaking singles, and cultural impact. You will find chart kings and queens, experimental producers, and fearless front-people whose voices helped audiences feel seen and heard. Here are twenty five standouts whose work continues to resonate around the world.

Elton John

Elton John has sold hundreds of millions of records worldwide and earned multiple Grammys, an Oscar, and a Tony. His classic run of seventies albums produced enduring hits while later collaborations introduced him to new generations. He founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation, raising significant funds and awareness for HIV prevention and care. His multi year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour became one of the highest grossing tours in history.

Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury fronted Queen with a four octave vocal range and commanding stage presence. He co wrote global anthems that have remained staples of sports arenas and radio. Queen delivered historic concerts at venues like Wembley and Live Aid that showcased his showmanship. Mercury’s public acknowledgment of his illness helped change conversations about HIV and AIDS.

George Michael

George Michael first rose to fame with Wham before launching a blockbuster solo career. His album Faith topped charts internationally and earned major awards. He became known for powerful ballads and sophisticated pop production. Michael also supported numerous charities and later spoke openly about LGBTQ+ issues in interviews and public appearances.

Melissa Etheridge

Melissa Etheridge broke through with raspy vocals and confessional rock songwriting. Her album Yes I Am delivered radio staples and multi platinum sales shortly after she publicly came out. She won Grammys and an Oscar for music featured in documentary film. Etheridge has long advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and cancer awareness through tours and benefit work.

k.d. lang

k.d. lang blended country, pop, and torch song influences with striking clarity of tone. Her album Ingenue brought international attention and won multiple awards. She collaborated with icons across genres and contributed to major tribute records. Lang is also known for activism supporting LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare.

Sam Smith

Sam Smith’s debut era delivered global hits and multiple Grammys. They later won an Academy Award for a James Bond theme song. Their records have explored soul, pop, and dance with a focus on emotive vocals. Smith has openly discussed identity and mental health, helping broaden mainstream understanding of nonbinary artists.

Lil Nas X

Lil Nas X set streaming records with Old Town Road and disrupted genre boundaries. He followed with high concept visuals and chart topping singles from a platinum debut album. His award show performances and music videos became cultural talking points. He has used his platform to celebrate queer joy and challenge industry expectations.

Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean’s mixtape and debut album redefined contemporary R&B with narrative storytelling. His visual album release strategies influenced how artists drop new projects. He is known for meticulous production and intimate writing. Ocean’s open letter about his first love marked a pivotal moment for queer visibility in hip hop and R&B.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan transitioned from online creator to internationally touring pop artist. His albums blend synth pop with tender lyrics about youth and identity. He has collaborated with top producers and appeared in fashion campaigns and film. Sivan’s music videos often center queer romance with wide mainstream reach.

Janelle Monáe

Janelle Monáe built a sci fi inspired musical universe across concept albums and acclaimed singles. Their work spans funk, R&B, pop, and hip hop with intricate arrangements. Monáe has earned Grammy nominations and major film roles while maintaining a strong visual identity in videos. They speak openly about pansexuality and nonbinary identity in media and on stage.

Brandi Carlile

Brandi Carlile rose from indie circles to Americana and mainstream acclaim. Her album By the Way, I Forgive You earned multiple Grammys and boosted her profile. She co founded the Highwomen supergroup to elevate women in country and roots music. Carlile also organizes benefit concerts and supports LGBTQ+ youth causes.

Tegan and Sara

Tegan and Sara started as indie rock favorites before crossing into synth pop. Their catalog includes alternative radio hits and collaborations with major producers. They founded the Tegan and Sara Foundation to advance economic justice and health for LGBTQ+ girls and women. The duo also authored a memoir that documented their early years and creative partnership.

Rufus Wainwright

Rufus Wainwright is known for baroque pop songwriting and classical influences. He has released studio albums, composed an opera, and staged orchestral performances. His recreation of Judy Garland’s Carnegie Hall concert became a celebrated live project. Wainwright frequently appears at benefit events supporting arts and LGBTQ+ organizations.

Adam Lambert

Adam Lambert gained international attention on television before releasing platinum selling music. He became the touring lead vocalist for Queen, headlining arenas and stadiums worldwide. His solo work spans glam rock and pop with wide vocal range. Lambert also launched a foundation to support human rights and arts education.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin helped globalize Latin pop with chart topping singles. His performances at major award shows and world tours drew massive audiences. He has served as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and supported disaster relief initiatives. Martin publicly came out in 2010 and has since spoken about family and advocacy.

Halsey

Halsey combined alt pop production with diaristic songwriting to build a large fanbase. Their albums debuted at number one and produced multi platinum singles. Halsey has collaborated across genres from K pop to rock. They advocate for reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ issues through public campaigns and charitable work.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga’s debut era reshaped mainstream pop with avant garde visuals and dance anthems. She has earned Grammys, an Oscar for songwriting, and headlined the Super Bowl halftime show. Her jazz collaborations and piano ballads highlighted versatility beyond electronic pop. Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation supports youth mental health and empowerment.

Kim Petras

Kim Petras emerged with catchy dance pop singles and later released a full length major label album. She became one of the first openly trans artists to win a Grammy in a major category for a pop duo performance. Petras tours internationally and collaborates with high profile producers and artists. Her tracks frequently chart on dance and pop playlists worldwide.

SOPHIE

SOPHIE pioneered a hyperpop sound marked by bold textures and precise sound design. She produced for major artists while releasing experimental singles and an acclaimed album. Her work influenced a wave of electronic and pop producers. SOPHIE became an important figure for trans visibility in electronic music.

Christine and the Queens

Christine and the Queens blends French and English lyrics with artful pop arrangements. Chris has released concept driven albums that explore identity and transformation. The project is known for kinetic live shows with choreography and theatrical staging. Chris speaks publicly about gender fluidity and creative freedom.

Anohni

Anohni first gained recognition with a chamber pop project before releasing a politically charged solo album. Her voice and songwriting have been praised for emotional intensity. She has collaborated with visual artists and presented multimedia performances. Anohni addresses climate change, surveillance, and trans rights in her work.

Orville Peck

Orville Peck brought a masked persona to contemporary country while centering queer narratives. His baritone voice and classic arrangements reference golden age influences. Peck has performed at major festivals and collaborated with country and pop names. His videos and artwork present a distinct western aesthetic.

Laura Jane Grace

Laura Jane Grace is the founder and songwriter of the punk band Against Me and a solo artist. She publicly came out as a trans woman in 2012 and documented the journey in memoir and music. Her albums address identity, politics, and resilience. Grace continues to tour and support grassroots causes.

Big Freedia

Big Freedia popularized New Orleans bounce music for mainstream audiences. She appeared on charting singles with global reach and brought bounce to festival stages. Her television projects introduced the culture and choreography to wider viewers. Big Freedia advocates for LGBTQ+ communities and the preservation of New Orleans music traditions.

Olly Alexander

Olly Alexander fronted Years and Years before releasing music under his own name. He has delivered UK chart hits and headlined major venues and festivals. Alexander starred in a celebrated television drama about the AIDS crisis that boosted awareness and conversation. He openly discusses mental health and LGBTQ+ issues in interviews and at events.

David Bowie

David Bowie challenged rock norms with theatrical personas and adventurous albums that shifted sounds across decades. He spoke publicly about sexuality in a way that widened conversations around identity in mainstream music. His collaborations brought art rock into pop spaces and influenced fashion and performance. Major tours and videos helped redefine what a global rock star could be.

Boy George

Boy George led Culture Club with soul inflected pop and striking visual style that stood out on early music television. The band delivered international hits and headlined major venues. He later maintained a solo career as a singer and DJ. His openness about identity made him a touchstone for gender expression in pop.

Pet Shop Boys

Pet Shop Boys blended literate lyrics with lush electronic production that shaped synth pop. Their singles filled dance floors while albums explored storytelling and social themes. The duo collaborated with opera houses and theater productions alongside chart work. They continue to tour with elaborate stage design and orchestral reimaginings.

Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls built a devoted audience with harmony rich folk rock and constant touring. Their activism includes environmental and LGBTQ+ causes tied closely to their concerts. The duo’s catalog became a staple of adult alternative radio and college circuits. They mentor younger artists and support nonprofit initiatives through benefit performances.

Ani DiFranco

Ani DiFranco released music through her own label and helped define the modern indie model. Her songwriting mixes confessional lyrics with political commentary and spoken word. She built a touring community that emphasized grassroots venues and festivals. DiFranco supports reproductive rights and LGBTQ+ organizations through regular benefit shows.

St. Vincent

St. Vincent pairs intricate guitar work with art pop arrangements that push sonic boundaries. Her albums explore character driven narratives with strong visual identities. She collaborates with producers and filmmakers to expand each era beyond audio releases. Festival sets and late night performances highlight precision and showmanship.

Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko earned the nickname Lesbian Jesus from fans for centering queer romance in pop videos. Her singles became staples on youth oriented playlists and television performances. She engages directly with fans through touring and social platforms. Kiyoko uses partnerships and campaigns to support LGBTQ+ youth initiatives.

Kehlani

Kehlani blends R&B and pop with autobiographical storytelling and strong vocal arrangements. Mixtapes and albums built a sustained presence on streaming charts. Collaborations span hip hop and dance and reach international audiences. Kehlani discusses identity and mental health openly in interviews and on stage.

King Princess

King Princess brought classic rock textures into modern pop with candid lyrics about queer relationships. Early singles grew through streaming momentum and festival appearances. She collaborates with established producers while keeping a raw live band feel. Music videos emphasize intimate storytelling and strong art direction.

Perfume Genius

Perfume Genius crafts chamber pop and art rock that addresses body, identity, and resilience. Albums often pair intimate piano pieces with expansive arrangements. His live shows combine lighting and choreography to heighten emotional impact. He contributes to film scores and multimedia projects that extend his sonic palette.

Arca

Arca reshaped experimental electronic music with visceral production and boundary pushing visuals. She has produced for major pop and hip hop artists while releasing solo albums. Performances incorporate fashion and performance art in immersive settings. Arca speaks about gender and creativity in ways that influence younger producers.

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama fuses Y2K pop, rock, and club sounds into big chorus anthems. Her records tackle identity, family, and industry dynamics with sharp hooks. She advocates for fair artist policies and broader representation. High energy tours feature choreography and live band arrangements that match the scale of the recordings.

Ezra Furman

Ezra Furman writes cathartic rock songs that mix garage energy with tender ballads. She composed for television and contributed songs that reached wider audiences. Furman speaks about trans and Jewish identity at shows and in essays. Touring bands and rotating arrangements keep her catalog evolving on stage.

Mykki Blanco

Mykki Blanco helped carve space for queer voices in hip hop with fearless performances. Releases blend rap, punk, and experimental electronics. Blanco tours internationally and collaborates with producers across scenes. Visual art and poetry projects run alongside the music to build a multidisciplinary career.

Sylvester

Sylvester brought gospel trained vocals to disco and hi energy dance music that filled clubs worldwide. His singles became anthems for liberation on dance floors. He supported AIDS awareness at a time of limited public understanding. Sylvester’s influence lives on through constant sampling and tribute performances.

Peaches

Peaches combined electroclash beats with confrontational lyrics that challenged gender norms. Her live shows used provocative set pieces and interactive staging. Albums and installations appeared in galleries and theaters alongside clubs. She mentors younger artists on touring craft and self produced visuals.

Scissor Sisters

Scissor Sisters updated glam and disco with arena sized choruses and flamboyant stagecraft. Their albums produced international hits and headlined large festivals. The band’s visuals and costumes celebrated queer culture in mainstream pop spaces. Members continue to write for film, theater, and other artists.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto fronted Gossip with powerhouse vocals that drove dance punk into charts and festivals. She later released solo work and collaborated in fashion and photography. Ditto advocates for body positivity and LGBTQ+ rights through campaigns and interviews. Her stage presence remains a benchmark for rock front people.

LP

LP is known for whistle tone hooks and anthemic songwriting that crosses pop and rock. Their songs have been covered widely and placed in film and television. LP maintains a strong touring base across Europe and the Americas. They speak openly about identity and creative independence in media appearances.

Pabllo Vittar

Pabllo Vittar is a Brazilian pop star who brought drag performance to mainstream Latin charts. Collaborations bridge Portuguese, Spanish, and English language markets. Music videos rack up massive views and feature elaborate choreography. Vittar uses high profile appearances to support LGBTQ+ rights in Brazil and beyond.

MUNA

MUNA is a queer pop trio whose guitar driven dance tracks became festival favorites. Their albums focus on friendship, healing, and community. The band tours relentlessly and builds a supportive fan culture around shows. Collaborations with pop icons expanded their reach across radio and streaming.

girl in red

girl in red turned bedroom pop into global indie hits with candid lyrics about queer love and mental health. Early releases spread through social media before festival debuts. Albums introduced fuller production while keeping intimate vocals. She speaks directly to fans about wellbeing and creative growth.

Syd

Syd emerged from the Internet collective with silky R&B rooted in minimalist production. Her solo records highlight quiet vocals and detailed beats. She writes and produces for other artists and supports new talent. Syd’s work broadened visibility for queer women in modern R&B.

Shea Diamond

Shea Diamond brings gospel power to soul songs centered on trans experience and justice. Her breakout tracks became staples at pride events and advocacy gatherings. She collaborates with producers who foreground live instrumentation. Diamond appears at conferences and community events that connect music with policy change.

Tove Lo

Tove Lo built a global pop presence with confessional songwriting and club ready production. Albums and EPs explore desire, heartbreak, and autonomy with blunt honesty. She directs and stars in her own visual projects and short films. Tove Lo supports LGBTQ+ rights through partnerships and pride performances.

Share your picks for the best LGBTQ+ musicians in the comments and tell us who else belongs on this list.