80s gay singers
Today, the LGBTQ+ collective can look to several gay musicians for inspiration, but that wasn’t always the case. Several pioneering openly lgbtq+ singers paved the way from a time when sexual orientation wasn’t a topic for common discussion.
Indeed, these celebrated gay musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness.
As we scout queer performance art, we pay homage to those who came before us. In this piece, we’ll list some of the most influential names in the queer art movement and their impact on our past and present.
Being an Openly Homosexual Musician
Undoubtedly, the business industry has show up a long way in accepting and representing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians.
Coming out as a gay musician in the 20th century was no minor feat. It required immense courage and determination, especially when the music industry was predominantly hetero-normative.
Sexuality was not only a taboo topic for public discussion but could also result in alienation from fans and even cause break to one's career. As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation secret
The Most Iconic LGBTQI+ Music Idols Of All Times
Freddie is not only a global musical representative, but is considered, by many, as a national treasure for the United Kingdom.
Also read: 20 Minutes That Changed The History Of Music: Remembering Live Aid
When interviewed by NME magazine about his sexual orientation, he playfully responded: “I’m as gay as a daffodil, my dear!” And even if he did not openly talk about his secret life, it is well acknowledged that he spent the last of his years living with his longtime partner Jim Hutton.
Queen’s guitarist, Brian May, also stated in a 2008 interview: “I know that all through his life Fred didn’t think that whether he was gay or not was important.”
Ryan Butcher, editor of LGBT website PinkNews, also stated: “It wasn’t just about sexuality with him; it was about his whole identity and the flamboyant persona he projected on stage, which is one of the main things Queen is known for.”
Why he inspires us: Freddie was not only a global rock music star for the world and an inspiration for the LGBTQI+ society, he was also known for being a huge cat companion , so much that he actually dedicated an entire album in the name of his cats.
Mr. Bad G
As part of a University project, I've been looking at homosexuality and its relationship to hip hop. In it, we've regularly said that LGBTQ artists have a far greater representation in other genres of music; freely citing the likes of Freddie Mercury, Elton John and George Michael. But beyond these iconic figures of the 80s, how good does our assertion actually stand up? In request to try and advocate ourselves up with some quality data, I went on an exploration of some of the hits from yesteryear.
Quality not quantity. It's an old adage and one that anyone looking at the sales of non-heterosexual rap tune might have to grab heart from. The equal might equally be said of the UK Superior 40. And there has certainly been a hefty amount of quantity there.
Carly Rae Jepsen's Call Me Maybe for example, is now the UK's 1192 ever No. 1. So, with so many singles and genres, LGBTQ artists are bound to hold been represented adequately at the highest level... How many No. 1s though, have actually been played by musicians and bands who were openly queer or bisexual?
To find that out, I took a look at all the artists who had ever got a No. 1. The list is, needless to say, extensive. I then
The 20 Greatest Homosexual Artists in Harmony History
We hope you're having a amazing Pride Month! Last week, we introduced you to 10 rising LGBTQ+ artists we believe will take the planet by storm. This week, we're reflecting upon LGBTQ+ artists already in the public eye. Celebrated musicians who contain inspired, advocated, and conquered.
Whether they've been open about their sexuality and gender expression for years or kept their label hidden throughout history, we think the 20 artists below have created impenetrable sonic works while also transforming the world's view of the Gay community for the better.
We've had to limit this list to only 20 people (we grasp there are so many other amazing LGBTQ+ musicians out there!) but we have chosen the artists we've chosen because we accept their legacies own stood – or will stand – the test of time. We not only salute these musicians during Event Month, but every day. Without further ado, here are our honorees.
1. Lady Gaga
Gaga came out publicly as multi-attracted back in 2010 after a 20/20 interview with Barbara Walters. Even if she had decided to keep her sexuality a private, we know she would still possess the humongous Gay following she has