The music industry has elevated in its success over recent years, particularly due to social media trends, such as artists using platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to promote their music and build a following. For fans of the music industry who are members of the LGBTQ+ community, finding and celebrating queer artists can help individuals develop their identity and sense of self. Many music fans, particularly young, LGBTQ+ music fans, find a sense of belonging and community in finding an artist thar writes songs with relatable, meaningful lyrics that celebrate openness, vulnerability, acceptance and being your true self. With the rise of the LGBTQ+ pop industry, alongside LGBTQ+ online content creators creating a safe space of community for music fans, the music industry is the most welcoming place for a young LGBTQ+ individual to be. This article will discuss the upcoming LGBTQ+ artists that have not only provided a safe space for young people, but also has created inspiring, creative music for everyone to enjoy.
Chappell Roan
Chappell Roan is potentially the “most famous” LGBTQ+ artist on this list. Thanks to going viral on TikTok, with various well-known hits such as “Good Luck, Babe!” and “HOT TO GO!” hitting our online feeds as well as mainstream radio. “Good Luck, Babe!” explores themes of compulsory heterosexuality, referring to the theory that lesbians feel society has dictated them to be with men and be heterosexual, instead of doing what they want, which is to be with a woman. The lines in Good Luck Babe refer to comphet, as the protagonist in the song is in denial of her sexuality, kissing men in order to fit in with compulsory heterosexuality in society. It’s no wonder “Good Luck, Babe!” took off like a storm in the music industry, as this song is relatable for many lesbian music fans, as well as teaching allies the struggles of comphet that many people face.
Lucy Spraggan
Lucy Spraggan originally rose to fame in 2012, when she took part in the UK series of The X Factor. A particular performance which celebrated her lesbian identity during The X Factor was when Lucy sang “Gold Digger” surrounded by female dancers. Gaining a LGBT+ fanbase both before The X Factor and during the show, Spraggan performed at LGBT festivals and pride events, including Manchester Pride. Spraggan creates music that celebrates authenticity, vulnerability, body positivity and finding hope and resilience. These themes are often relatable to many of Spraggan’s LGBTQ+ fandom. Spraggan notes her music is about “being your authentic self, regardless of whether you’re queer, trans, non-binary, whatever.” (PinkNews, 2023). Lucy’s recent 2023 memoir autobiography “Process: Finding my Way Through” and the 2023 album “Balance” explored themes such as LGBT+ identity, vulnerability and acceptance, which is inspiring and validating for her LGBT+ fanbase.
CATTY
CATTY is a young, lesbian singer from Wales, who creates pop anthems that range from various themes, including break-up and coming out. The debut solo EP “Healing Out of Spite” is filled with pop music bangers, these songs are relatable with a feel-good pop anthem, inspiring individuals to heal and accept themselves. CATTY has previously spoken openly about the struggles of being an independent artist in the music industry, particularly as she juggles her part-time waitressing job with creating music and content. Despite the struggles of the industry, CATTY has built up a following of loyal fans, particularly LGBT+ fans, via platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and Twitter/X, who can relate to CATTY and her music. CATTY has supported Stevie Nicks at Hyde Park, as well as supporting artists such as Dylan and Beth McCarthy. CATTY has sold out two headline London shows, and I am positive there will be many more sold out shows to come in the future. CATTY has spoken openly about how there was minimal queer artists in the media, particularly lesbian artists, and the recent influx of LGBT+ artists has given LGBT+ fanbases and artists an opportunity to find their safe space.
Beth McCarthy
Beth McCarthy, a bisexual artist, writes candidly about her bisexuality through her music. Notable songs include “Good Bi”, “IDK How To Talk to Girls” and “All My Friends Are Hot.” The recent song “All My Friends Are Hot” includes mentions of other queer artists/celebrities, including Amy Spalding, Catty and NXDIA. This powerful pop anthem celebrates LGBT+ identity and themes of friendship, love and acceptance in a queer friend group. Beth McCarthy has also built a loyal fanbase of LGBT+ music fans, who find comfort in her songs that explore bisexuality. Bisexuality is an underrepresented sexuality, both in mainstream media and the music industry, so the importance of bisexual visibility in music is more important than ever, particularly for young music teens.
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