This Pride Month, we're turning up the volume on something close to our hearts: Inspirational songs about the LGBTQ+ experience. 

Music unites people from all walks of life and can help you celebrate love in all its forms. Whether you're hitting a Pride parade in a perfect rainbow outfit, hosting a fabulous party, or just need some fun tunes to play, we've curated a playlist of LGBTQ+ songs that's as vibrant as the queer community. 

20 anthem songs for gay Pride  

From songs about community to songs about gay love, music is a powerful medium for exploring queer identities, challenges, and relationships. 

To help you celebrate Pride Month, we've compiled a list of new and classic LGBTQ+ songs for your June soundtrack. While we couldn't fit all the songs we love on this list, check out artists like Cher, Donna Summer, and Hayley Kiyoko if you want to listen to more queer tunes. 

1. “LGBT” by CupcakKe (2016)

Is it a little on the nose? Absolutely. But is it an iconic song? Absolutely. “LGBT” by CupcakKe is a dance banger for queer folks and allies alike — especially if you love to flex your British accent while rapping along. If you’re not convinced, just check out the music video, which features everything from colored smoke to drag queens making out.

2. "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor (1978) 

Gloria Gaynor's disco hit "I Will Survive" is an emblem of endurance in the face of hardship. The powerful lyrics — which speak to overcoming heartbreak but can apply to anything you’re going through — have undoubtedly inspired countless people of all identities. The encouraging song's message of defiant resilience makes it a staple of many LGBTQ+ celebrations. 

3. "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga (2011) 

Lady Gaga is a queer icon, and this song is an anthem for diversity and self-acceptance. Its catchy beat and empowering lyrics speak directly to the LGBTQ+ experience: You're beautiful just the way you were born. Lady Gaga, who is pansexual, crafted this song as a love letter to individuality, and we can't get enough. 

4. "Dancing Queen" by ABBA (1976) 

ABBA's timeless track captures the joy of youth and freedom. This classic old tune (which your parents probably know and love, too) invites everyone to dance their hearts out. The song symbolizes liberation and the joy of living authentically, no matter who you are. 

5. "We R Who We R" by Ke$ha (2010) 

Ke$ha is another icon in the gay community. This dance bop is a bold declaration of self-expression and unity, written in response to LGBTQ+ teen suicides. Yes, it’s a classic party tune, but it's a beacon of hope in a world where being different can lead to discrimination and erasure — encouraging listeners to fly their Pride flags proudly. 

6. "The Story of Us" by Brandi Carlile (2007) 

Brandi Carlile's raw emotional delivery makes "The Story of Us" a profound song about life and love as a homosexual woman. Carlile, an out lesbian, explores themes of identity and belonging in her music that many in the LGBTQ+ community see as reflections of their own stories. 

7. "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera (2002) 

Aguilera's classic ballad promotes self-acceptance and resilience in the face of judgment. The music video — which features LGBTQ+ stories — sparked conversations about inclusivity and love, making "Beautiful" a powerful ballad for queerness. 

8. "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X (2021) 

Lil Nas X broke barriers as a young, Black, queer artist, and this song is an instant classic. It uses biblical and historical imagery to challenge religious hypocrisy and homophobia and celebrate queer sexuality. Its provocative video and the artist's coming-out story make this a groundbreaking track in mainstream music. 

9. "Freedom" by George Michael (1990) 

This tune is a soulful declaration of liberation from the constraints of fame. With themes of self-expression and being true to yourself, which echo the struggles of many in the LGBTQ+ community, "Freedom"’s compelling lyrics make it powerful, as does George Michael's journey with his sexuality in the public eye. 

10. "Same Love" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert (2013) 

"Same Love" is a hip-hop love song for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights. This song, which calls for understanding, acceptance, and love, brought the conversation about LGBTQ+ rights into mainstream music with unprecedented openness. While it became a meme in later years, it’s still a beautiful song with a meaningful message. 

11. "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross (1980) 

This disco classic, co-written by Nile Rodgers, is a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ culture. It symbolizes the act of coming out to be who you are for Pride with uplifting vocals and an infectious beat. Its straightforward title and lyrics encourage openness and visibility for the queer community.

12. "Bloom" by Troye Sivan (2018) 

Australian artist Troye Sivan's "Bloom" is a pop anthem celebrating the joy and vulnerability of queer love. With a catchy melody and candid lyrics, this tune's look at identity and desire resonates deeply — as do many of Sivan’s later songs, like “Rush” and “One of Your Girls.”  

13. "Come to My Window" by Melissa Etheridge (1993) 

Melissa Etheridge's raspy vocals and heartfelt lyrics make "Come to My Window" an emotional song about love. A popular tune by an openly lesbian artist, this song was released in the 1990s and became a symbol of queer desire. It's raw and authentic and stands the test of time for LGBTQ+ music. 

14. "Chanel" by Frank Ocean (2017) 

Frank Ocean's "Chanel" weaves sleek beats with lyrics challenging traditional notions of sexuality and masculinity. The song's refrain, "I see both sides like Chanel," is a powerful metaphor for Ocean's bisexuality, and his smooth delivery is stunning. 

15. "I'm Ready" by Sam Smith feat. Demi Lovato (2020) 

In "I'm Ready," Sam Smith and Demi Lovato duet about feeling ready for love and acceptance. The song's gospel-infused sound and triumphant lyrics celebrate the strength found in identity, and it encourages the LGBTQ+ community to stand proud and fight homophobia and erasure.

16. "Closer" by Tegan and Sara (2013) 

"Closer" by Tegan and Sara is an upbeat bop that captured audiences when it was first released. It's about the excitement of a budding romance, and its relatable lyrics made it an instant hit within and beyond the queer community. 

17. "Smalltown Boy" by Bronski Beat (1984) 

This song tells the story of a young man being rejected by and leaving his hometown because of his sexuality. A semi-autobiographical story of openly gay lead vocalist Jimmy Somerville, this tune describes the search for acceptance, making it a seminal track in LGBTQ+ music. 

18. "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper (1986) 

Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" is all about acceptance and the beauty of being yourself. This song — a classic you still hear on the radio today — offers hope to people feeling marginalized, including the queer community. It's a timeless option for your Pride playlist. 

19. "Follow Your Arrow" by Kacey Musgraves (2012) 

"Follow Your Arrow" is a country song with a twist, advocating for living on your own terms. This song's lyrics, which encourage listeners to love who they love and be who they are, challenge the norms of today's country music. Its message of acceptance and self-expression has made it significant in the country genre's evolution. 

20. "All the Lovers" by Kylie Minogue (2010)

"All the Lovers" is a dance-pop tribute to love and connection by gay icon Kylie Minogue. This track's inclusive message makes it a favorite in clubs and Pride celebrations, and fans worldwide see it as a banger celebrating gay identities.

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