Pride Month is a time to celebrate equality and acceptance – whether you’re part of the LGBTQ community or not. One key component for a successful pride month? A great playlist.
We looked through all the LGBTQ anthems over the years, rounding up songs with empowering lyrics and dance-ready beats from some of music’s greats. Read on for the very best LGBTQ songs of all-time.
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The auto-tuned, club-friendly “Believe” was not what Cher fans were used to when it came out. However, the empowering lyrics and infectious beat made the song a club anthem and a No. 1 hit.
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Macklemore & Ryan Lewis pushed the often-homophobic genre of hip-hop forward by releasing the heartfelt pro-gay marriage song, “Same Love.” They ended up (rightfully) gaining widespread acclaim for the song, with critics applauding the gay rights message and fans loving every second.
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One of the more memorable LGBTQ anthems in recent years is Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” which became the 1,000th No. 1 song of the rock era on the Billboard Hot 100.
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“Come To My Window” was the first hit from Melissa Etheridge after publicly coming out. It not only became a staple in the LGBTQ community, but earned Etheridge a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance.
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“Let’s Have A Kiki” might not be as popular as the other songs on our list, but it’s just as fitting during Pride Month. The Scissor Sisters’ techno hit spawned a number of viral parodies in the drag queen community, and even got a cover by Sarah Jessica Parker on Glee.
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ABBA’s incredible hits got brought back by the movie Mamma Mia in 2008, and I think we’re all happy to be hearing the group again.
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Fun fact: this 1982 classic was turned down by Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Cher, and Barbra Streisand before The Weather Girls accepted it.
Although the others would have done it justice, we can all agree that Martha Wash and Izora Armstead sang it best.
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This LGBTQ anthem not only makes us dance, but reminds us that coming out is an occasion to celebrate and be proud of.
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Madonna’s first mainstream hit single, “Holiday” (it was released in 1983!) is still one of her best. Like all great dance-anthems, it’s simple, playful, and highly contagious.
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There are a handful of songs that can always make you feel better about yourself (no matter how down you are), and “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera is one of them.
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This Village People single was a hit back in 1978, and 40 years later it’s just as easy to move to.
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“Born This Way” is still one of Lady Gaga’s all-time greatest songs, with an infectious, dance-inducing flow and empowering lyrics that make anyone feel good about themselves.
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