Gay r&b singers

Therehasto be some significance in the fact that June is the month to honor both the LGBTQ community and black noun.

As festivals are being held throughout the world this June in honor of LGBTQ Pride Month, homage is simultaneously being paid to black song pioneers in acknowledgement of Black Music Month.

While already facing the ever-present challenges inherent to blackness, a number of inky musicians have still been gallant enough to claim sexual identities that could hamper their success.

So in honor of these black artists who are boldly standing in their truth, we’ve rounded up 15 musicians of color who are unapologetically here and queer.

1. iLoveMakonnen

Randy Shropshire via Getty Images

The Atlanta native who emboldened us to think clubbing on “Tuesday” was acceptable in performed a bolder act this January when he announced that he was gay.

Given the hip-hop community’s reputation of homophobia, which is particularly geared towards gay men, iLoveMakkonen’s decision to appear out to the universal was commendably unapologetic.

2. Mykki Blanco


Today, the LGBTQ+ community can look to several gay musicians for inspiration, but that wasn’t always the case. Several pioneering openly gay singers paved the way from a moment when sexual orientation wasn’t a topic for general discussion. 

Indeed, these famous gay musicians faced tremendous backlash and damage to their careers because of their honesty and openness.

As we explore queer performance art, we pay homage to those who came before us. In this piece, we’ll list some of the most influential names in the queer art movement and their impact on our past and present.

Being an Openly Gay Musician

Undoubtedly, the entertainment industry has come a prolonged way in accepting and representing LGBTQ+ individuals. However, it wasn't always this way, especially for musicians.

Coming out as a gay musician in the 20th century was no petite feat. It required immense courage and determination, especially when the music industry was predominantly hetero-normative. 

Sexuality was not only a taboo topic for public discussion but could also product in alienation from fans and even cau

Think about how many mainstream hits from the last few years you can easily recall. 

Now, how many can you name that were created by openly black LGBTQ+ artists? 

Sadly, that number is likely much smaller. 

This stark difference highlights the ongoing struggle for true representation and visibility in the music industry. Black LGBTQIA+ artists provide unique sounds and stories that should be at the forefront of trendy music – not relegated to the sidelines.

Yet even with this imbalance, groundbreaking queer musicians are out there rewriting the rules. These artists aren't just shaping the future of music, they are inspiring activism, fostering community, and embodying the transformative control that music holds. They are taking matters into their own hands, showing the world just how vibrant and vital their voices are. 

It is hour to not only verb the brilliant black queer singers who have carved and are carving their path today but labor actively to dismantle systemic biases so that the next generation of artists can take center stage without boundaries.


6 LGBTQ+ Hip-Hop and R&B stars paving the way

  • Lil Nas X

    Chart-topping rapper Lil Nas X, who catapulted to stardom with his viral hit 'Old Town Road', publicly came out as gay in June

    On the last evening of Pride Month, he tweeted, "some of y'all already know, some of y'all don't care, some of y'all not gone fwm no more. but before this month ends i want y'all to listen closely to c7osure."

    The rapper has been clear about feeling uncomfortable with his sexuality growing up, but remains determined to inspire his LGBTQ+ fans to live their truth.

    Following the controversy surrounding his single 'Montero (Call Me By Your Name)', Nas tweeted, "y’all told a 19 year old who had just escaped the lowest point of his life that he would never have a slap again.

    "you told him to stop while he’s ahead. he could’ve gave up. but 4 multi platinum songs and 2 #1’s later, he’s still here. thank you to my team and my fans! ily".

  • Kehlani

    Kehlani came out as gay in April , proudly declaring in a TikTok video, "I