Pride Essentials: 31 LGBTQ+ Anthems From Troye Sivan, Janelle Monáe, Kim Petras & More

Mike Nied | June 16, 2018 10:35 am

As we celebrate Pride this year, it is worth noting that we are in the midst of an explosion of queer pop. It seems as though every week we are introduced to a new artist intent of sharing their personal experiences with love and acceptance through music. Considering this, it is hardly surprising Hayley Kiyoko dubbed 2018 #20gayteen. In the last few months alone, we have received incredible releases from a slew of LGBTQ+ artists. And we decided to highlight these new anthems and some additional classics.

Hayley delivered one of the first spectacular songs of the year with her pop masterpiece “Curious.” Better known as Lesbian Jesus to her dedicated fanbase, she linked up with Kehlani on the equally evocative “What I Need.” Armed with one of the strongest videos of the year, it could prove to be a massive hit. Troye Sivan is also on fire right now. The 23-year-old teamed up with Ariana Grande on “Dance To This,” but his euphoric and tongue-in-cheek “Bloom” (which many think is an ode for bottoming) is an essential on any Pride playlist. And frequent collaborator Leland has a hit of his own with his danceable “Run Into You.” Janelle Monáe also returned to the dance floor on her funky “Make Me Feel.”

After working on hits for the likes of Madonna and Beyonce, MNEK took the world by a storm with his own blisteringly romantic “Tongue.” Over swirling synths and a driving bass he finds himself on the brink of admitting his feelings to a partner. On the flip side, Love, Simon actor Keiynan Lonsdale made a sweet statement on his summery anthem, “Kiss The Boy.” His message is a simple one: “If you wanna kiss the boy, then you better kiss the boy right now.” Kim Petras continues unleashing some of the best pop music in recent memory. Her newest anthem, “Can’t Do Better,” is a surefire hit. But I had to highlight her bombastic “Heart To Break,” which was accompanied by a fairy tale-inspired visual. King Princess earned the title of One To Watch with her hopeful “1950,” and Shea Diamond dazzled on her sing-along “Keisha Complexion.”

Meanwhile, Aussie up-and-comer Starley makes a statement on her powerful “Love Is Love.” Documenting her coming out experience, it features a message of unity. “We’ve got to hold one another. We’ve got to hold them real tight. You know we only have each other. As long as you open up your eyes. Cause love is love.” Taylor Bennett delivers a similarly timely message on “Be Yourself.” “You know, deep down we’re all our own kind. You know, diamonds take pressure,” he and collaborator Bianca Shaw announce, adding “deep down, we’re all a gold mine.”

Check out a playlist of all the songs mentioned above plus others from the likes of Christine and the Queens, Wrabel, Years & Years, Big Freedia, ALMA, Frank Ocean and more!

Did we miss any essential anthems? Let us know below, or by hitting us up on Facebook and Twitter!