Pride, Power, Purity Playlist

For this playlist, I'm departing from my comfort zone. As a queer woman, I tend towards Musical Theatre bops like "Tonight Belongs to You" from PROM and "Take Me or Leave Me" from RENT and most songs from KINKY BOOTS. But for this PRIDE playlist, I'm breaking down my favourite party/dance and chilled/feels Pride songs!!! For this list, each artist will only have one song, even though some of the artists that I've listed are well-known Queer Advocates.

THE PARTY/DANCE SONGS

You Need to Calm Down by Taylor Swift

This one is not only a top dance tune, but the entire music video is also dedicated to PRIDE. With the abundance of celebrity cameos (Ellen Degeneres, Laverne Cox, Billy Porter, RuPaul) Taylor Swift manages to speak up for Queers against the haters.

Firework by Katy Perry

This is the perfect motivational pump up to listen to before you hit that PRIDE PARADE! Not only does this song speak to the Queer community, but everyone from any community can also relate to it. This song will appeal to your deepest insecurities only to elevate you to an intense buzz, channeling your best self inside-and-out. And who doesn't want to feel like a sparkly, rainbow firework?!?!

Vogue by Madonna

Madonna had to make this list. She is a gay community icon! This song is all about moving to the music no matter who you are. After all, no matter who you love, you can always "strike a pose!"

Raise Your Glass by P!nk

"We will never be, never be anything but loud." LOUD AND PROUD. This song is the ultimate anthem for promoting self confidence. The music video depicts P!nk as Rosie the Riveter, a symbol for female empowerment, and there are also snipets of a gay wedding! The song shows that being perfect is boring. P!nk celebrates everyone who may feel different. "Raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways!"

Born This Way by Lady GaGa

Does this one even need an explanation? The music video even starts with an image of a unicorn, the iconic symbol for gayness! If you would like to skip the intro, go to 2 minutes 30 seconds. Not only is this song an anthem for loving yourself, but it's also about loving everyone, no matter which way they were born. The bridge of the song literally says, "No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgendered life, I'm on the right track baby, I was born to survive." Can you get any more PROUD?

I'm Ready by Sam Smith and Demi Lovato

This song had to make the list! It's one of my personal favourites. It was originally written for the 2020 Tokoyo Olympics, which are now this year, 2021. The music video is full of rainbows, and intimate and sexy gay scenes! Also, both Demi and Sam identify as non-binary, so not only is this the best song for hyping up, but also it is sung by two amazing Queer artists.

I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston

This should be on every PRIDE playlist because it's fire! The beat is amazing. The words are amazing. Whitney Houston is AMAZING! Enough said.

I'm Coming Out by Diana Ross

This disco dance song celebrates coming out, and like a lot of other songs on this list, highlights the importance of being who you are. Who doesn't want to start singing at the top of their lungs when this song comes on? Even if you don't identify as Queer, this song celebrates everyone's individuality.

Strangers by Halsey feat. Lauren Jauregui

This song is performed by two strong Queer women and activists. Not only will the beat be sure to hype you up for the PRIDE parade, but also the lyrics are empowering to anyone listening.

We R Who We R by Ke$ha

For Ke$ha's song choice I was between this one and Blow, which is another great PRIDE playlist choice. This song is the ultimate party dance song about just being yourself and having a good time. Ke$ha is the Queen of glitter, so listen to this song while you're getting pumped and prepped for PRIDE and get that glitter on your eyes!!!!

I'm Still Standing by Elton John

Not that a song by Elton John needs justification for adding it to a PRIDE playlist, however, the entire music video is also full of men dancing! The song says that no matter what is thrown your way, you will continue to be who you are ... still standing!

THE CHILLED OUT PRIDE SONGS

Same Love by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert

This song gives me an obscene amount of feels. It's about being who you are and being kept warm by the one you love regardless of their gender. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are also commenting on the political institutions, and society who have oppressed Queer people throughout history. Be proud and stand up.

Only You by Little Mix and Cheat Codes

I had to include a song by Little Mix, since they took home the Honorary Gay Award at the Attitude Awards in 2018. They have shown tremendous support of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout their careers. This song came out in 2018, during Pride Month. The video shows two young women falling in love at a pool party. It's wholesome, chilled and has a great beat for any after-PRIDE-parade-party.

Chance by Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko is a gay singer who writes and performs love songs about her female lovers. The words are so beautiful that it really gets the feels going. Listen to this post PRIDE parade, staring at the stars or looking into a lover's eye. Her voice is soothing and calm, making this the perfect song for the chilled feels!!

Somebody to Love by Queen

This song is iconic for most people. Many of Queen's songs have been considered anthems for the LGBTQIA+ community, such as Bohemian Rhapsody and Don't Stop Me Now. But Somebody to Love won the prize for this list. It's a song about wanting love, and PRIDE is all about celebrating love and identity!

The Climb by Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus is such a Queer icon who is unapologetically herself, and that's what makes The Climb the perfect addition to your PRIDE playlist. This song is all about coming into yourself and persevering through tough times to be stronger on the other side. It's such a good feels song.

Beautiful by Christina Anguilera

My final addition to this PRIDE Playlist is Christina Anguilera. Beautiful is all about loving yourself for who you are, no matter what anyone else says. Listen to this at the end of your PRIDE festivities to wind down with a beautiful message!

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All these artists each have lots of songs that could work for your ultimate PRIDE playlist, so if one of these songs don't work for you, check out the artists' other songs! And if you're not participating in Pride events, then listen to this PRIDE playlist while you work out, while you paint, walk, dance at home, ANYTHING!! Channel your inner PRIDE!!!!