LGBTQ+ Music Is Making a Mark

boygenius playing at PRYZM Kingston in August 2023. Photo by Raph_PH via Wikimedia Commons

With new and budding artists on the rise, many are confident to embrace their identity. LGBTQ+ musicians are sharing their craft not only for other people in the community to feel seen, but also for those to enjoy outstanding tunes. Artists like alternative supergroup boygenius and pop star Reneé Rapp have been exploding in the music industry as of late, and these artists are unapologetically open about who they are as musicians and as people.

Singer-songwriters Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker make up the fun and gender-defying band boygenius. They were nominated for six Grammys and took home three at the past ceremony on Feb. 5. Their Grammy wins for Best Alternative Music Album for their 2023 album “The Record” and Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song for “Not Strong Enough” marked a big achievement for those in the LGBTQ+ community, especially since each member of the band is openly queer.

To many, this was not a surprise, considering the band played a sold-out headline tour this past summer. They also featured in the “Re:SET Concert Series” and toured with other openly queer artists like Clairo, Bartees Strange and Steve Lacy, all who have also risen to popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, boygenius announced they are currently taking a hiatus due to each band member’s personal music career.

Another big win for the queer music community comes from none other than Reneé Rapp. Known for being proud and unfiltered, Rapp got her start at the age of 19 on Broadway in the stage musical “Mean Girls,” playing the sassy and iconic character Regina George. Since being on Broadway, she has starred in the HBO coming-of-age series “The Sex Lives of College Girls,” expanding her image even more so. But 2023 was a huge year for Reneé. Her debut album “Snow Angel” was released, she starred in the blockbuster movie-musical version of “Mean Girls” (reprising her role of Regina George) and also headlined a sold-out tour. Along with these accolades, her album became the biggest solo debut album by a female artist in 2023. This is impressive and empowering for the music industry, and many of her songs reveal sapphic storylines and speak about attraction to other women.

Troye Sivan is another queer artist who has made a major comeback this year with his newest album “Something To Give Each Other.” Sivan has been claimed as one of our generation’s most notable queer artists. Writing music about his sexuality and his fearlessness since 2014, Sivan has always been a top pick for those in the community. When Troye’s two hit singles “Rush” and “Got Me Started” were released in 2023, the world obsessed over him once more. His most popular songs date back to 2016 with tracks like “Youth” and “Bloom,” so he is no stranger to the music industry, and it is no shock that he is back and better than ever. Sivan was also noted at the Grammys this year with two nominations for Best Music Video and Best Pop Dance Recording.

Music is a universal language, and it is so important that everyone finds a place of comfort within it. When musicians feel as though they can break the chain, be transparent about their identity and generate a passionate product of their pride, it becomes a striking power of force. Queer artists are finally finding a place, and representation has never felt this good.