One of the most enriching parts of being queer for me is having the privilege to celebrate my identity, connect with my community, and embrace queer joy. Music is a great way to welcome and feel this happiness. 2024 is being a big year for LGBTQ+ musicians: Miley Cyrus, Billie Eilish, Boygenuis, and Victoria Monét won major awards at the 2024 Grammys, and Reneé Rapp and Chappell Roan’s sets at Coachella were iconic. (When Rapp was introduced by the cast of The L Word, I almost died.) It’s definitely the year of the lesbian pop girlies.
Growing up, and even through most of college, I didn’t want to call myself a lesbian. I knew I liked girls but I didn’t think the label fit—after all, I was nothing like the mean, man-hating lesbians I saw in TV shows. It took me time to reject compulsive heterosexuality and stop worrying about what my label would mean to everyone around me. The word lesbian is now one I wear happily, and that makes me feel powerful—I’m a woman who loves other women, and I don’t feel the need to hide that from anyone. And I owe part of my ability to own that label to the strong queer women in the music industry who shared their experience through song—something that isn’t easy to do, even in 2024.
Music is its own language and it has long created space for creativity and freedom of expression. It can offer a haven for those who aren't out and anthems to scream at the club for those who are. It connects us together through shared experiences of love, pride, heartbreak, sex, and individuality. It makes us feel less alone. It’s the soundtrack of your first Pride party, and your favorite artist telling you that you’re not alone.
For any and everyone, happy Pride. I’m proud of you and I hope these songs make you feel proud too.
- “Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
- “Problématique” by Kim Petras
- “Nasty” by Tinashe
- “Got Me Started” by Troye Sivan
- “Red Wine Supernova” by Chappell Roan
- “Bodies” by The Knocks & MUNA
- “IDK How To Talk To Girls” by Beth McCarthy
- “Not My Fault” by Reneé Rapp & Megan Thee Stallion
- “Girl Blunt” by Leikeli47
- “Light! (feat. Lil Nas X)” by skaiwater & 9lives
- “Good Bi” by Beth McCarthy
- “Becky’s So Hot” by FLETCHER
- “HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan
- “All Girls Go to Heaven” by Zolita
- “Drain Me!” by Towa Bird
- “Pretty Girls” by Reneé Rapp
- “Bongos” by Cardi B & Megan Thee Stallion
- “Smoke (feat. Lucky Daye)” by Victoria Monét
- “Lipstick Lover” by Janelle Monáe
- “You Need Me Now?” by girl in red & Sabrina Carpenter
- “Edge of the Earth” by The Beaches
- “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
- “A Night To Remember” by girl in red
- “LUNCH” by Billie Eilish
- “Always Forever” by Romy
- “Rose Colored Lenses” by Miley Cyrus
- “Perfect For You” by Peach PRC
- “Midnight Ride” by Orville Peck, Kylie Minogue & Diplo
- “Pain” by King Princess
- “BOYFRIEND, GIRLFRIEND (2020 Demo) [feat. YG]” by Tyler, The Creator
- “Femininomenon” by Chappell Roan
Related:
- What Ali Krieger Would Tell Her Younger Self About Coming Out, Motherhood, and Getting Through Hard Times
- Mentally, We’re at This Lesbian Beach Volleyball Competition
- Learning to Swim as an Adult Feels Like Coming Home
Sign up for SELF’s newsletter to get more workout and wellness inspiration in your inbox daily.
