Gay r&b singers
Therehasto be some significance in the proof that June is the month to honor both the LGBTQ community and black music.
As festivals are creature held throughout the world this June in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, homage is simultaneously being paid to black music pioneers in acknowledgement of Black Music Month.
While already facing the ever-present challenges inherent to blackness, a number of black musicians own still been gallant enough to claim sexual identities that could hamper their success.
So in honor of these black artists who are boldly standing in their truthfulness, we’ve rounded up 15 musicians of color who are unapologetically here and queer.
1. iLoveMakonnen
Randy Shropshire via Getty Images
The Atlanta native who emboldened us to think clubbing on “Tuesday” was acceptable in 2014 performed a bolder act this January when he announced that he was gay.
Given the hip-hop community’s reputation of homophobia, which is particularly geared towards gay men, iLoveMakkonen’s decision to come out to the public was commendably unapologetic.
2. Mykki Blanco
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The one thing rapper and poet Mykki Blanco isn’t lacking
Today, the LGBTQ+ people can look to several gay musicians for inspiration, but that wasn’t always the case. Several pioneering openly homosexual singers paved the way from a time when sexual orientation wasn’t a topic for common discussion.
Indeed, these well-known gay musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness.
As we search 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 Same-sex attracted Musician
Undoubtedly, the fun industry has appear 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 compact 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 injury to one's career. As such, many gay musicians chose to keep their sexual orientation concealed
Think about how many mainstream hits from the last few years you can easily recall.
Now, how many can you name that were created by openly ebony LGBTQ+ artists?
Sadly, that number is likely much smaller.
This stark difference highlights the ongoing struggle for true representation and visibility in the music industry. Black LGBTQIA+ artists offer unique sounds and stories that should be at the forefront of popular song – not relegated to the sidelines.
Yet even with this imbalance, groundbreaking queer musicians are out there rewriting the rules. These artists aren't just shaping the future of music, they are inspiring activism, fostering community, and embodying the transformative power that music holds. They are taking matters into their own hands, showing the world just how vibrant and vital their voices are.
It is time to not only support the brilliant jet queer singers who have carved and are carving their track today but work actively to dismantle systemic biases so that the next generation of artists can take center stage without boundaries.
It's not enough to simply admire their talent – we must also become active in their support. That me
6 LGBTQ+ Hip-Hop and R&B stars paving the way
Lil Nas X
Chart-topping rapper Lil Nas X, who catapulted to stardom with his viral hit 'Old Town Road', publicly came out as gay in June 2019.
On the last sunlight of Pride Month, he tweeted, "some of y'all already know, some of y'all don't care, some of y'all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y'all to listen closely to c7osure."
The rapper has been start about feeling uncomfortable with his sexuality growing up, but remains determined to inspire his LGBTQ+ fans to live their truth.
Following the controversy surrounding his 2021 single 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)', Nas tweeted, "y’all told a 19 year mature who had just escaped the lowest point of his life that he would never have a hit again.
"you told him to stop while he’s ahead. he could’ve gave up. but 4 multi platinum songs and 2 #1’s later, he’s still here. thank you to my team and my fans! ily".
Kehlani
Kehlani came out as gay in April 2021, proudly declaring in a TikTok video, "I am gay, homosexual, gay. I finally realize I’m a lesbian."
The Platinum-selling Oakland n