Songs Of Pride Your Mum Will Love

The time of year to celebrate our inner queens has finally come around again. With lockdown in England coming to an end the same month as pride it is cause for being more than just extra. We can finally see our fellow LGBTQIA+ and it definitely calls for a celebration. I compiled a list of lesbian/queer musicians who I feel are not as recognised as they should be.

ABISHA

She grew up in the same area as me. Devon. Around here, you’ll find a lot of retirees and elderly who aren’t as open minded to the whole spirit of the LGBTQIA+ nature. Although nowadays it’s a lot better, ABISHA has said herself “I used to cry to my mum and ask her to straighten my hair because I wanted to look like everyone else.” Her song ‘Love Like This’ can be enjoyed by any sexuality and is a summer bop I would love to hear on the radio.

Gia Woods

Gia has been taking the LGBTQIA+ community by storm. She embraces her identity through her music and encourages others to do the same. She was recognised and involved in The Calvin Klein Pride Campaign which she said “In 2019, I released a song called ‘New Girlfriend’ and when we were brainstorming, we were really inspired by the casual feel and black and white aesthetic of Calvin Klein ads, it’s crazy that a year later, I’m in my own campaign...I feel like it manifested in some weird way. It’s also so cool to be in a campaign with so many badass trailblazers. Like Pabllo Vittar, are you kidding me? He’s a drag queen in the most dangerous country to be openly gay, and here he is thriving and playing huge festivals. That’s so inspiring, I’m still waiting for someone to pinch me and wake me up from this dream.”

Blithe

Gaining some fame in 2019, she is unapologetically herself. She has released many songs that are definite head boppers. Talking about her music she explained “The subject matters can be quite hard hitting but the music sounds quite fun.” Looking through a playlist of her songs I found her single ‘Bad’ to be the one I was dancing in my chair with my headphones on the most. She is definitely one to be keeping an eye on for the future.

Hayley Kiyoko

I couldn’t write a playlist article without mentioning ‘lesbian Jesus' herself. Whether you know her from her role in Wizards of Waverly Place or from the Disney Movie Lemonade Mouth you should be pleased to find out she has released many dance worthy songs which all embrace who she is and with a tone of ‘I don’t give a shit’ to her. Her song Gravel to Tempo is one I’ll be blasting through the speakers not only this month but all year round. When asked what pride month meant to her, she answered graciously with “I think it changes every year. Currently, pride, for me, is a celebration of where you are and where you’ve been. I think it's just a moment of acknowledgement of your journey in life and loving yourself. It's so cliché, but it's so hard to love yourself. It's so challenging. I don't know why we make it so hard for ourselves. It's so hard to be truthful to yourself, and then on top of that, share that with the world, and then fight for that equality.”

KiNG MALA

She has been compared to Billie Eilish and has even worked with the same producers which may explain where the similarity in sound comes from. Describing her own music, she said “It’s soulful, powerful and honest.” Her song ‘She Calls Me Daddy’ is a fierce anthem that plays with sexuality and leaves you wanting more. The combination of her sultry vocals and the dark-pop beat has an inspirational sass we should all embrace. The song narrates being in a gay relationship and her experience of men always trying to steal her girlfriend. Something she describes herself as “the sucky reality of being in a queer relationship.”

GIRLI

North London female musician, GIRLI, released a song called ‘More Than A Friend’ which resonates with not only me, but a lot of people in the LGBTQIA+ community. When asked about the origin of the song she replied “Falling for your friend can happen to anyone but I think it’s a feeling that’s particularly poignant with the queer community. Falling for a friend who perhaps isn’t the same sexual orientation as you and not being able to express those feelings for fear of being judged or losing that friendship. It’s sticky.”

Emily Burns

Writing songs about same-sex love, it’s hard for me to pick one song to showcase for her and I haven’t. I have been able to pick two of her songs that I’m surprised have as little views as they do. Her song ‘Bitch’ talks about a break up with a girl who isn’t sure in herself and goes back to dating a guy and pretending to be straight. Talking about the process of writing this song, Emily said “it was a long time ago that relationship, and I’ve fully, well and truly got over it. But I guess it’s kind of my first love, and she was very much not up for being out and loud and proud about it. So, when we broke up, she immediately got a boyfriend and it felt like I was eradicated from her life entirely.” The other song I have to mention is ‘I love you, You’re the Worst.’ This song isn’t just one that the gay community can relate to but everyone on the earth can resonate with the lyrics. When asked about the song Emily replied “I Love You, You’re the Worst is about chasing after someone who doesn’t want you back… It was so fun to play all the different characters in this video, I might actually keep the pink gloves. I’m so grateful to the team who pulled this together.”

This month is about celebrating and embracing who you are, no matter what that may be. After listening to all this LGBTQIA+ anthems I’m sure you are wanting more. Luckily for you, I left some gems out and made a playlist on YouTube you can check out.