10 LGBTQIA+ artists you need to add to your Pride playlist

Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae is a name you definitely recognize, and if you don’t, how did you get out from the rock you were living under to read this list? Monae first burst onto the scene over a decade ago, and soon became known for her impeccable style, which included a pompadour and perfectly fitted suits, her dance skills, and a slew of great songs. But that was only the beginning for the performer.

Fast forward a few years, and she has released three studio albums, appeared in not one, but two Oscar-nominated films in the same year, Hidden Figures and Best Picture-winner Moonlight, and came out as queer. Even though her coming out was a more recent announcement, she had already developed a dedicated LGBTQIA+ fanbase thanks to her androgynous style and her immense talent.

With the release of her album Dirty Computer in 2018, Monae solidified her queer icon status. The album was a celebration of her queerness, of female power, and of her identity as a woman of color, and that resonated with a lot of listeners. “Pynk” was praised for its feminist lyrics about, for lack of a better term, pussy power, and “Make Me Feel” was a huge hit, becoming one of those songs you couldn’t escape no matter where you went.

Whether you’re in the mood for her recent singles, or want to throw it back to her older bops like “Tightrope” or “Q.U.E.E.N.” you’re sure to get a rise out of your friends in the best possible way, because Janelle Monae has that effect on people!