16 Queer Anthems To Add to Your Pride Playlist

With Pride Month now underway, we're reflecting on its activist roots and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community with a Pride playlist, filled with empowering anthems by radical artists then and now. Whether you're jamming out to these tracks on your commute, or belting your highest note in the shower, these songs are guaranteed to keep the festivities alive no matter how you choose to celebrate this June.

To give back to the LGBTQ+ community, consider supporting and donating to these charities and Black-led organizations.

Renaissance – Beyoncé

Anything Renaissance. Sorry not sorry. We couldn't pick.

"Good Luck, Babe!" – Chappell Roan

A true queer anthem, "Good Luck Babe!" has become the f-ck you to that girl you never quite got over.

"Pink Pony Club"– Chappell Roan

We know, this is Roan’s second entry on the list but… are we wrong? Much like "Good Luck Babe!"and "Femininomenon," this song has become an international banger with everyone from cis men to queer girlies loving this anthem.

"Born This Way" – Lady Gaga

Even after 10 years since its release, Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" still radiates big queer energy. The misunderstood masterpiece was and still is a hit that resonates with listeners across the globe.

"Her" – Megan thee Stallion​

The ultimate hype yourself up song, play this when you need a pick-me-up or a pre-game song.

"Vogue" – Madonna

Part of her 1990 album I'm Breathless, Madonna's "Vogue" set the tone for dance music back in the day. The singer also helped bring the underground vogueing dance form into mainstream culture by performing it in her iconic black-and-white music video.

"The Bitch Is Back" – Elton John

Written with his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin, Elton John's "The Bitch Is Back" was the first song with the word "bitch" in the title to become a hit in 1974. Initially, radio stations in the U.S. refused to play the song due to its content. "Some radio stations in America are more puritanical than others. I used to get bleeped quite a lot," the artist recalled in an interview.

"LUNCH" – Billie Eilish

Who doesn’t love a play on words? Released in 2024, Eilish's low-toned single is perfect for a Pride parade pre-game, a late-night drive or frankly… any gay activities.

"Lipstick Lover" – Janelle Monáe

A sample of Stevie Wonder's "For Your Love" this single subverts a Black cultural relic and turns it into a sensual affirmation for lovers.

"Balloon (ft. Doechii)" – Tyler, the Creator

Claimed as the bisexual anthem -- by Reddit, not us -- this single was not only fire but it was Doechii's manifestation come to life as she always wanted to work with the artist who inspired her. Anyways, don't believe it's a queer anthem? Rap that last verse out loud and check back in.

"ExtraL" – JENNIE, Doechii

An unexpected team up, Doechii slid on her first track with JENNIE delivering one of the most iconic verses that became a TikTok sound.

"MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" – Lil Nas X

Titled after Lil Nas X's legal name, Montero Lamar Hill, as well as André Aciman's novel, "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)" explores the themes of intimate relationships, sexuality and fame. The single landed first place on Billboard's Hot 100 list during its opening week.

"Chance" – Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko's dreamy synth-pop anthem "Chance" is based on those moments when the artist denied her true feelings for someone out of fear of rejection. Kiyoko's goal for her single is to help listeners push past their self-doubt, and to remind them they are worthy of love.

"Rush" – Troye Sivan

Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan dropped his viral track Rush in 2023. Much like Janelle Monaé's "Lipstick Lover," the "Rush" music video is a hedonistic dream full of queer joy.

"Chanel" – Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean's bisexual anthem "Chanel" changed the game when it dropped back in 2017. Praised for its lyrics that center on sexual fluidity and masculinity, Ocean raps and croons in the hook, "I see both sides like Chanel/See on both sides like Chanel."

"Honey" – Kehlani

Kehlani shows off her raw writing and silky vocals on her acoustic track "Honey." Written for a lover, the R&B songstress sings: "I like my girls just like I like my honey, sweet/A little selfish."

While you're here, check out this guide to blowing up on line, according to the pros.

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