Janelle Monae – Make Me Feelĭuring the campaign for her Dirty Computer album in 2018, Janelle was uncompromising in her discussion of sexuality and gender. His latest single Sun Goes Down sees him address his closeted younger self and the struggles that LGBTQ+ people face growing up. This year saw him release Montero (Call Me By Your Name) - a track named after himself and the gay romance novel/film - which became his second Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart.
Two years on, and he is now fully embracing his queerness and channeling it into his music. When Lil Nas X's Old Town Road turned him into a global superstar, he planned to hide his sexuality. His music reflects this, and 2014's Desire and 2018's Sanctify are among his most evocative tracks, but his latest single Starstruck - a shimmering slice of pure pop " about holding onto a good feeling and not letting it go" - feels more needed than ever right now. Olly Alexander is possibly one of our frankest pop stars, speaking openly about his sexuality, struggles with anxiety, and other issues affecting his generation. But while those songs have a much-deserved place in our hearts, minds and dancefloors, we take a look at some other popular LGBTQ+ themed tracks from recent years.
When you think of LGBTQ+ anthems, old-school bangers by glamorous pop divas might come to mind. June is Pride Month – a global celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and its culture – a reminder not only of how far we've come and the distance we must still travel on the road to true equality.