Gay Pop

Gay pop has been setting waves on social media recently. From Chappell Roan’s iconic Coachella performance to Jojo Siwa claiming she invented gay pop. There was a significant backlash against this claim on TikTok and X/Twitter, with many queer people claiming Siwa is ignorant of the rich history of gay pop. Although the claim was bold, it has brought to light the importance of the genre and its history. Gay pop is more than just the music; it is a safe space for queer people where they can be themselves and learn more about the community. Queer musicians are slowly taking over mainstream platforms and social media. However, these artists would not be where they are today if it weren’t for the original creators of gay pop. But really, who started gay pop and where did it start?

David Bowie applying his Ziggy Stardust makeup in May 1973 Credit: REX/REX via Medium

The Early Glam Rock n’ Roll

So, when you think of gay pop, you might picture David Bowie rocking those sparkly jumpsuits or Freddie Mercury belting out anthems. And you’re not wrong - The '70s glam rock scene was like a glitter bomb exploded in the music world! Flamboyant artist-personas, outrageous outfits, and killer tunes; it was all there. Gay pop strutted onto the mainstream stage, and we’ve been dancing ever since.

Rewinding to the 1920s, before Bowie and Mercury sashayed into the limelight, there were some unsung heroes—the queer blues singers of the 1920s.

Why “Blues” Music Matters

Okay, let’s talk about blues. It started in the steamy southern American areas of Texas and Mississippi. Blues is like a musical gumbo—it blends jazz, rock-and-roll, rhythm and of course—Blueness. But here’s the secret sauce—it draws inspiration from African-American work songs and chants. It’s raw, personal, and a safe space to sing about everything from heartbreak to police brutality. Something like the “Ginga style” of Brazilian football.

The Queer Black Spaces

Here’s the tea: without these queer Black artists, gay pop wouldn’t be the fierce force it is today. They paved the way, honey! And those drag ballrooms and club scenes in Los Angeles and New York? They birthed dance music and modern gay pop. So next time you’re voguing to a catchy beat, remember Ma, Bessie, and all the fabulous trailblazers who made it possible.

Meet the OG Gay Icons

These fierce women were the OG queer Blues queens. Ma Rainey, aka the ‘Mother of Blues,’ didn’t just sing; she roared. Her lyrics hinted at her queerness, even if she never shouted it from the rooftop. Check out her song “Prove It on Me Blues”—it’s a sassy ode to her love for women.

And then there’s Bessie Smith, Ma’s protégé. Rumor has it they were more than just musical soulmates. Bessie was unapologetically herself, challenging gender norms and belting out blues like nobody’s business.

Madonna, yep, the Queen of Pop herself. Madonna has been waving the rainbow flag since the '80s. She didn’t just have gay dancers; she practically built them a glittery castle. Her videos and performances were like Pride parades on steroids. And guess what? She learned her craft from gay folks and never forgot to thank them for their fabulousness.

Kylie Minogue, the Aussie pop princess, has been a long-time supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. She’s graced pride events, featured gay dancers, and made us all want to spin around like disco balls. Kylie knows that her queer fans are the wind beneath her wings (and her sequined outfits).

Gay-Pop Cultural

A gay pop song is a vibrant and effective style that’s about so much more than catchy tunes and flashy performances. It’s a cultural movement that has carved out a space for LGBTQ voices in an industry that hasn’t always been the most welcoming. This genre isn’t only a playlist of hits; it’s a lifeline for many queer individuals who are trying to find stories like their own in the music they listen to.

At its core, gay pop is a celebration of diversity and identification. It’s where lyrics meet life experiences, and melodies become anthems for those who’ve often felt marginalized. Artists like MUNA, Boygenius, Reneé Rapp, and Chappell Roan aren’t just making waves with their music; they’re building bridges for recognition and understanding. They’re showing the world that there’s immense beauty and power in being true to who you are.

These musicians also are role models for countless fans. They show that success doesn’t require conformity; it can be achieved by embracing one’s unique identity. Their visibility in the mainstream is a beacon of hope, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive music industry where the next generation of queer artists can shine.

Moreover, gay pop is reshaping social norms. It challenges the status quo and encourages conversations about equality and rights. The genre’s rise in popularity is a testament to society’s growing recognition of the importance of representation in all forms of media.

In essence, the cultural significance of gay pop extends far beyond the realm of entertainment. It’s a movement that fosters community, champions authenticity, and inspires change.

The New Wave of Gay Pop

The rise of LGBTQ artists has sparked a new wave of gay pop in the music industry in recent years. Leading musicians in the effort to represent society in the mainstream pop-rock game include Boygenius, Renee Rapp, Chappell Roan, and MUNA. For years, straight musicians have dominated the music industry, with little to no representation from the LGBTQ+ community.

Later, when gay music became popular, the majority of local performers were Gay. Queer women were rare in the industry, especially when it came to appreciating their queerness. But in the last few years, even this has changed radically.

Wins and Losses

Gay pop artists have navigated a landscape marked by both triumphs and trials. Their success is significant: they broke into mainstream music, brought the LGBTQ+ cause to a wider audience, and inspired a generation with their integrity. Personal struggles are transformed into powerful songs that resonate with many and create a sense of community and belonging.

But the loss is a stark reminder of the challenges they still face. Despite the progress, prejudice and discrimination persist in the industry. Many artists have fought, and continue to fight, to be recognized; to combat stereotypes and sometimes even to be heard and accepted by their communities. But it is through these struggles that they forge a path for future artists.

Losses are lessons learned, and they open the way to a more inclusive career.

Despite successes and setbacks, gay pop artists continue to create, inspire, and evolve. They don’t just make music; they are shaping culture, challenging norms, and leaving their mark on history. Here, then, is to celebrate their victories and acknowledge their battles—because every lyric and every song is a step toward a more inclusive world.