It's LGBTQA+ History Month, so check out these 5 musicians to listen to for their enjoyable tunes and to learn more about the experiences of the community. All genres from country to hip-hop to folk music are covered in this list, so you're sure to find something you love.
Shea Diamond
Shea Diamond is a trans soul singer who found her voice after being incarcerated after an attempt to acquire money for a gender-affirming surgery. Diamond sings about her life experiences, but in a way that allows them to resonate with people of all identities, from all walks of life. One outstanding Shea Diamond song is American Pie, which talks about breaking old beliefs and transforming into something new and truthful.
Claud
A non-binary melancholic pop artist, Claud, has reinvented the indie genre. Claud began making music in college when they met their best friend, eventually releasing their first EP in 2018. Claud has since released a full album, and many other stand-alone songs or clips of songs on their Youtube channel. From Wish You Were Gay to Miss You, Claud’s music is paving the way for more LGBTQA+ representation in mainstream music spaces.
Kevin Abstract
Kevin Abstract began as a solo artist who then went on to found Brockhampton, an alternative hip-hop boy band. He began producing music at age 11, and debuted with his first full album at 18. Abstract came out as gay in 2016 and is very open about the matter on his records, saying he'll rap about being gay as long as he can imagine a fan in need of a voice.
Mal Blum
Mal Blum is a Jewish, non-binary songwriter, musician, and performer from New York. Their folk-rock spin on queer music is refreshing, touching on serious/more difficult topics while intertwining a dry sense of humor.
Orville Peck
Peck is a masked country singer who writes music that will break down stereotypes that are often found in country music, usually songs coming from the perspective of a straight white male. Peck acknowledges that he isn't doing the trailblazing all by himself, though, and recognizes the great performers who came before him, noting Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, and Patsy Cline. Dead of Night is one of his best performing songs, telling the story of a lonesome cowboy traveling the west.