10 queer anthems to get you in the Pride spirit

Celebrate pride month with a selection of upbeat songs that have been deemed great queer anthems.

Dublin pride parade

Whether you’re getting ready for a pre-pride party or just want to inspire the themes of pride in everyday life, there’s a song for you. Check out 10 of the best queer anthems to help you get ready, dance and boogie your way into pride season.

10. “First Time He Kissed a Boy” by Kadie Elder

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=et8R5fZOARo[/embedyt]

The Danish trio released this song shortly after the Pulse nightclub shootings which helped start conversations about homophobia in America. This funky pop song tells the story of discovering your sexuality.

Lyrics we love: “Feeling stuck, set him free/ First time he kissed a boy, he had never never known.”

9. “Boyfriend” by Tegan and Sara

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJOHoiPGpac[/embedyt]

Pop-duo Tegan and Sara’s song “Boyfriend” is relatable for many queer people. The identical twins are both gay and speak openly about the LGBT+ community. It’s hard not to dance with this song on.

8. “Follow Your Arrow” by Kacey Musgraves

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQ8xqyoZXCc[/embedyt]

Musgraves song is all about embracing your individuality. It’s a song for the underdogs. The catchy beat will have you singing along in no time.

Lyrics we love: “Kiss lots of boys or kiss lots of girls if that’s something you’re into/ When the straight and narrow gets a little too straight”

7. “Grace Kelly” by MIKA

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CGVgAYJyjk[/embedyt]

MIKA is a multi-talented queer performer. MIKA steers clear of labels and is nonconforming- just like his music. This song is all about expressing yourself and being whoever you want.

6. “I Like That” by Janelle Monáe

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uovntV3ZMDc[/embedyt]

Monáe has been active in the music scene for the past 15 years but has only recently gained the spotlight. She is regarded as a strong, queer black woman. This song encourages self-love to anyone who has ever felt like an outcast.

Lyrics we love: “Little rough around the edges, but I keep it smooth/ I’m always left of center and that’s right where I belong.”

5. “I Want To Break Free” by Queen

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4Mc-NYPHaQ[/embedyt]

Surprisingly, Freddie Mercury didn’t pen this song but it’s still a queer hit. The members of Queen are seen dressed and dancing in women’s clothing. The main message behind the song is to “break free” in regards to the expectations and norms of society.

4. “What I Need” by Hayley Kiyoko (feat. Kehlani)

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YynKelHGhNc[/embedyt]

Kiyoko has been proclaimed “lesbian Jesus” by fans worldwide. She is unapologetically queer in her music, videos and life. This pop song is all about embracing your sexuality and living an authentic life. Don’t forget to watch the sexy, girl power music video!

Lyrics we love: “When we’re all alone, girl, you wanna own it/ When you’re with your fam, you don’t wanna show it.”

3. “Daddy” by SAKIMA

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYn_U8TBPls[/embedyt]

Inspired by Fifth Harmony’s “Work From Home”, SAKIMA wanted to make his own version of the sexy pop hit but turn it a little queer. This electro-pop song is one of the first that gives LGBT+ people a song about pure sexual expression.

2. “Bloom” by Troye Sivan

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41PTANtZFW0[/embedyt]

Sivan is openly gay and often sings songs about love and romance. “Bloom” is about finally finding love that makes you feel comfortable, alive and being willing to share it all with that person. The music video keeps the queer themes alive with plenty of androgyny. This upbeat pop hit is a great way to get ready for pride.

Lyrics we love: “(I bloom) just for you/ Come on, baby, play me like a love song/Every time it comes on I get this sweet desire.”

1. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-mjl63e0ms[/embedyt]

Diana Ross? Rainbow lights? Coming out? No queer anthem list would be complete without this iconic song. Celebrate your identity and encourage others to do the same not just for pride, but every day.

Like what you hear? Listen to the full playlist here:

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