Top 10 Queer Anthems That Defined Generations

Top 10 Queer Anthems That Defined a Generation

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were counting down our picks for the songs that have best empowered and uplifted the LGBTQIA+ community.

Christina Aguilera

Its easy to see why this gorgeous piece was one of the most celebrated of its time. Though the lyrics of Beautiful can apply to anyone struggling with themselves, it holds a special place in the hearts of queer individuals around the world. Besides the empowering lyrics encouraging listeners to embrace themselves, the music video made it a point to highlight the bigotry experienced by many individuals, including gay and transgender people, simply for being who they were. It was a powerful political statement and has provided strength in the midst of particularly hateful climates. It proved her allyship in more ways than one, and even earned her a GLAAD Media Award.

Charli XCX

Though theyre more celebrated now, for years elements of queer culture have been stifled, and that has extended to the artists that champion them the most. Over the past few years, elements that were typically only found in underground scenes have begun to come to the mainstream and Brat summer is the peak of that phenomenon. The Brat albums release catapulted Charli XCX, an artist who was previously mostly known in LGBTQIA+ circles, to new heights, with 360 at the helm. Though not overtly gay itself, its message of unapologetic self-confidence has made it a favorite among her fans. The song embodies the themes of Brat and its accompanying season perfectly, creating an instant anthem for younger generations in the process.

ABBA

Not every anthem was necessarily created to be an anthem. ABBAs infectiously joyous hit Dancing Queen is the ultimate proof of that. Though it doesnt have an outright political message, its positivity and purely fun lyrics and sound have made it a long-lasting favorite for the community. It serves as a breath of fresh air and allows listeners to let go of the hate and strife they go through, even if only for a few minutes. It just goes to show that even songs that seem to have little substance can still hold deep meaning to whole collectives of underserved individuals.

Sister Sledge

One thing that the movement had championed across the years is the idea of a chosen family. Given how many gay and trans people have been disowned or otherwise turned away by their blood relatives, it only makes sense that many took to creating their own platonic familial units. Sister Sledges We Are Family was the ultimate way for them to celebrate that newfound sense of community. The jovial song pointed out how important the idea of family was, while also allowing listeners to interpret the definition of it to fit their own needs. Its no wonder why its been a long-standing staple of the gay scene since its release back in 1979.

Melissa Etheridge

Coming out isnt an easy thing to do, especially when your career is just starting to take off. In 1993, Melissa Etheridge shocked the world by coming out as a lesbian and later that same year, released an unquestionably queer love song about her girlfriend at the time. Her coming out took the track from a classic romantic ballad to a powerful anthem that resonated with those in the gay rights movement, with the bridge in particular serving as a proud proclamation against those with homophobic beliefs. It was also proof of LGBTQIA+ solidarity, with people coming together to uplift a fellow member and ensure her success, granting her a bona fide hit despite the societal climate of the time.

Sylvester

1978 was the year of the queer anthem. Besides Gloria Gaynors defiant and celebratory I Will Survive, it was also the year that Sylvesters You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) hit airwaves. Its considered to be a cornerstone of disco, but beyond that, it's the very essence of gay liberation bottled into song form. Its iconic enough on its own, but the singer ensured it would remain a staple for generations by using the profits to give back to the community years later at the height of the AIDS crisis. He still lived the message up until the very end and to this day, its a reminder and tribute to those the movement has lost.

Cher

Given her status as one of the most celebrated gay icons of all time, its hard to choose just one of her songs that has continuously uplifted the movement. However, its arguably the ever-enduring and groundbreaking Believe that has had the largest impact. Its message about persevering through even the hardest times resonated throughout the population. It allowed countless people to have a modicum of hope during a period of elevated homophobic violence, reminding them to stay strong even in the face of hate. With one track alone, the icon cultivated a fourth musical comeback for herself and gave her fans a moment of pure europop escapism.

Madonna

Though she has a plethora of hits that could easily qualify such as the unapologetically anthemic Express Yourself this one easily takes the cake. Madonnas Vogue is a commemoration of gay culture. Besides the pounding House production laced throughout the track, the music video shone a spotlight on the ballroom scene. This introduced a virtually unknown subculture to the mainstream, giving some people within the LGBTQ+ populace their very first taste of the culture. Beyond the visuals, the songs content encourages listeners to let go and be themselves on the dance floor, no matter who they are or what walk of life they come from. Its no wonder why this is still considered one of her gayest releases to date.

Diana Ross

For many, being open about their identity to others is the most terrifying experience imaginable. However, having a track that embraces that raw honesty can help ease the potential pain. Written for Diana Ross after seeing drag queens impersonate the diva, Im Coming Out was intended to give power back to a collective that had endlessly supported her. It did all that and more, becoming a beacon for those who felt trapped in their own lives. The message is beautiful, encouraging people to break free from societys confines and be their authentic selves, regardless of the reaction they may receive. Its an iconic piece and is considered one of the most important tracks for the LGBTQ community and it's clear to see why.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Chappell Roan

The Queer Cheer Tune Became the Y.M.C.A. of a New Generation

Kylie Minogue

Both the Coded Title & Sheer Joy It Created Made It an Anthem

Tegan and Sara

Effortlessly Captures the Essence of Young Queer Love

Queen

The Dragged-up Music Video Took It from Standard Pop-Rock to Gay Anthem

Chaka Khan

An Uplifting Bop Thats Empowered the Community for Decades

Lady Gaga

When it comes to unapologetic celebratory queer art, it doesnt get much better than this. Released in 2011, Born This Way became one of the defining anthems of the 21st century. The Lady Gaga hit is all about accepting and loving yourself the way you are even if it goes against the societal grain. The seemingly simple message resonated throughout the LGBTQIA+ community. Knowing Gaga is bi herself made the message all the more sincere, with the titular phrase still being tattooed on her today. The infectiously-positive track has inspired for over a decade now and has cemented Gagas role as a modern-day gay icon.

What song do you think exemplifies the queer community the most? Let us know in the comments below!