Eleven LGBTQ+ Musicians and Their Life-Changing Albums

Pride celebrations often center around a particular song that encapsulates the spirit of the season. Last year, Kylie Minogue’s “Padam Padam” dominated, and this year, Charli XCX’s “Brat” is a social media sensation. Music, irrespective of genre, fuels the creative energy within the LGBTQ+ community and assists in self-discovery and acceptance.

Pride is both a celebration and a movement for liberation, and music serves as a powerful catalyst for self-understanding. For Pride 2024, we spoke with several prominent musicians to learn about the albums that have profoundly influenced their lives and the memories associated with them.

Michaela Jae Rodriguez: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

Lauryn Hill’s narrative deeply resonated with Michaela. The album was a constant presence in her childhood home. She recalls being captivated by “Doo Wop (That Thing)” in first grade, further fueling her existing fondness for Hill from *Sister Act 2*. The album’s exploration of personal experiences—love, motherhood, and societal observations—significantly shaped her understanding of self as a queer person of color. The power of “Everything Is Everything” particularly resonated with her.

Music plays a central role in her life, a cornerstone of her upbringing and training. She believes music’s ability to uplift makes it an essential component of Pride month.

Tokischa: Rihanna’s Entire Discography

Rihanna’s musical journey has served as a constant source of inspiration for Tokischa. Each album showcases a unique artistic evolution, helping her define not only her artistic identity but her personal identity as well. The intensity of Rihanna’s performances and the emotional depth of her music led to a profound realization of her own artistic calling.

The anticipation of listening to Rihanna’s music, a process involving downloading songs from a local shop, was a significant memory. This experience highlighted for her the freedom of self-expression that music embodies, a key element of her connection to Pride.

Kehlani: Full Moon by Brandy

Kehlani views music as inextricably linked to the joy and revolutionary spirit of Pride. Brandy’s Full Moon was a transformative album for her. Brandy’s genre-bending approach, creating a contemporary and forward-thinking style of R&B, left a lasting impression.

Doechii: My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy by Kanye West

Doechii cites Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy as a pivotal album, instilling in her a belief in limitless musical potential. The album’s impact, experienced during eighth grade, remains vivid. For Doechii, music is a means of self-expression and empowerment, transcending boundaries and fostering connections among people from diverse backgrounds.

Tinashe: The Velvet Rope by Janet Jackson

Tinashe considers Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope her favorite album, serving as a model for crafting a diverse and cohesive musical project. She appreciates Jackson’s advocacy for freedom, a theme present within the album itself.

Big Freedia: The Music of Sylvester

Big Freedia’s personal identity is interwoven with her musical expression. Sylvester’s music, particularly his debut album, stands out as unapologetically gay and profoundly impactful. Experiencing Sylvester’s music in gay clubs during her youth broadened her horizons and inspired her aspirations.

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

Tayla Parx highlights Marika Hackman’s I’m Not Your Man, specifically the song “Boyfriend,” as artistically and personally influential. The album’s varied musical styles kept her engaged, while the song’s themes resonated with her experiences as a queer individual. Music, for her, provides companionship, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.

Zolita: The Fame Monster by Lady Gaga

Zolita credits music by LGBTQ+ artists with helping her understand, accept, and embrace her queer identity. Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster and its accompanying music videos significantly influenced her career. Attending the Chromatica Ball concert with fellow Gaga fans created a profound sense of community and shared experience.

Ani DiFranco: Little Plastic Castle

Ani DiFranco’s Little Plastic Castle deeply impacted Ani, particularly songs about queer love, political commentary, and self-reliance. A vivid memory of listening to the album on her commute is fondly recalled, including an instance of using the song “Fuel” to confront prejudice.

Dua Saleh: The Emancipation of Mimi by Mariah Carey

Dua Saleh chose Mariah Carey’s The Emancipation of Mimi as a defining album. The album’s impact on pop and R&B is significant, and its precision and storytelling ability are lauded. The album evokes memories of a childhood filled with authentic self-expression, a quality that continues to shape Dua’s artistry.

Dreamer Isioma: Princess Forever

Dreamer Isioma selected their own album, Princess Forever, as a defining work. Recorded during a pivotal time in their transition, it stands out for its bold exploration of queer love, particularly within a Nigerian context. The album’s release party, filled with a supportive community, created a deeply emotional experience.