20 essential songs for your Pride Month playlist

“Believe” by Cher

Where do we even start with this one? It’s Cher!

Cher is the ultimate queer icon, and she is idolized and worshiped by the community for good reason. She has always been a fierce advocate for gay and trans rights, she has always embraced the community that supported her, and she has never been afraid to speak what’s on her mind.

A bold woman with a distinct voice and flamboyant style is certain to leave an impact on the LGBTQ community, and that’s why Cher was already such an icon by the ’90s. But when she released “Believe”, she reached a whole new level. There’s a reason Cher is so often referred to as the Goddess of Pop!

“Believe” was one of the first mainstream songs to utilize autotune as a vocal effect, and ushered a whole new wave of pop music into the new millennium. Cher’s distinct, low voice sounded like nothing we ever heard from her before as she sang about overcoming a broken heart and moving on with your life, stronger than ever.

Even well into her 50s at the time, Cher managed to put out a club anthem for a new generation, and it has remained a staple for Pride parties ever since. The lyrics about being strong and independent sung passionately over a club beat still resonate with members of the LGBTQ community, much like a modern version of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” for the club generation.

“Believe” is one of those songs that comes on, and everyone screams. Even 20 years later, it still has that effect on people.