Eleven LGBTQ+ Musicians Share the Albums That Defined Them

Pride celebrations often center around iconic anthems. Last year, Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam” dominated; this year, Charli XCX’s “Brat” captivates audiences. Music fuels the creativity within the LGBTQ+ community and fosters self-understanding and acceptance. Pride is both liberation and celebration, and music serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery.

In honor of Pride 2024, several prominent musicians, including Kehlani, Big Freedia, and Tinashe, shared the albums that profoundly impacted their lives and the memories associated with them.

Michaela Jae Rodriguez: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998)

Lauryn Hill’s music deeply resonated with Michaela. The album was constantly played in her home. She remembers being captivated by “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in first grade, further fueled by her earlier love of Sister Act 2, featuring Hill.

Hill’s honesty about life’s complexities, motherhood, and societal issues profoundly impacted Michaela. The album provided insights into her identity as a queer woman of color and how the world might perceive her. The song “Everything Is Everything” particularly resonated; its message about the world’s persistence regardless of individual actions deeply moved her. Music plays a crucial role in Michaela’s life, making it central to her Pride celebrations.

Tokischa: Rihanna’s Entire Discography (2005–present)

Rihanna’s entire musical catalog has inspired Tokischa. Each album represents a unique artistic phase. Listening to Rihanna helped Tokischa understand herself as both an artist and an individual. Rihanna’s powerful performances and emotional music deeply impacted her.

Tokischa recalls the excitement of acquiring Rihanna’s music and deeply engaging with it. Music symbolizes freedom and self-expression for Tokischa. It allows her to be authentic and connect with others sharing similar feelings.

Kehlani: Full Moon by Brandy (2002)

Kehlani believes music is integral to Pride because it embodies joy, a key element in revolutionary and liberating art. Brandy’s Full Moon significantly influenced her. Brandy’s genre-bending approach to R&B, which was both contemporary and forward-thinking at the time, greatly impacted Kehlani.

Doechii: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West (2010)

Doechii considers My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy a pivotal album, fostering her belief in limitless musical potential. She vividly remembers hearing it for the first time in eighth grade. Music, for Doechii, represents self-expression and empowerment, connecting people through shared experiences. It embodies the spirit of Pride through authenticity and individuality.

Tinashe: The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson (1997)

The Velvet Rope is Tinashe’s favorite album, serving as a model for crafting a diverse and cohesive musical work. The album’s focus on freedom deeply resonates with her.

Big Freedia: Sylvester’s Music (1977–1988)

Big Freedia’s identity is deeply intertwined with her music. Sylvester’s music, particularly his debut album, stands out for its unapologetic gayness, profoundly impacting Big Freedia. Her early experiences in gay clubs in the 1990s, hearing songs like “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” and “Dance (Disco Heat),” inspired her career.

Tayla Parx: I’m Not Your Man by Marika Hackman (2017)

Tayla Parx cites Marika Hackman’s I’m Not Your Man, specifically “Boyfriend,” as influential. The song’s lyrics resonated with her experiences as a queer person. The album’s diverse influences also captivated her. Music provides comfort and understanding, particularly for queer individuals.

Zolita: The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga (2009)

Listening to queer artists helped Zolita embrace her identity. Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster profoundly impacted her career, demonstrating the possibility of mainstream success while embracing queerness. A memorable experience for Zolita was attending the Chromatica Ball with fellow Gaga fans.

Shea Diamond: Little Plastic Castle by Ani DiFranco (1998)

While familiar with Ani DiFranco’s earlier work, Little Plastic Castle especially resonated with Shea Diamond. The album’s diverse songs, including those about queer love, political themes, and self-reliance, deeply impacted her. She remembers listening to the album during her daily commute, and a particularly memorable incident where she and her friends chanted “Fuel” in response to hostile passengers.

Dua Saleh: The Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey (2005)

Dua Saleh considers Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi a defining album, highlighting the shared appreciation within the gay community for Carey’s music. The album’s influence on pop and R&B is undeniable, showcasing Carey’s storytelling abilities. Dua Saleh connects the album to her childhood experiences and the importance of honesty and self-discovery.

Dreamer Isioma: Princess Forever by Dreamer Isioma (2023)

Dreamer Isioma highlights their latest album, Princess Forever, as a significant work created during a transformative period of their transition. The album’s queer love songs, especially bold for a Nigerian artist, express personal freedom. A memorable moment was the album release party, where the artist witnessed the positive impact of the music on the Black queer community. Music and Pride, for Dreamer Isioma, represent freedom and self-expression.