Today is International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT) — a day designed to raise awareness about the struggles of the LGBT+ community.
IDAHOBIT marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental illness on May 17, 1990. However, even in the 21 years since homosexuality was no longer labeled as a mental disorder, the queer community is still facing discrimination and so, it is crucial that we don’t relent and keep fighting for equal rights, and to keep are spirits up while we are fighting against bigotry. I have created a playlist consisting of pride anthems and some of my favorite LGBT+ artists to serve that purpose.
Girls – girl in red
Norwegian singer, Marie Ulven, has been taking the internet by storm in the past couple years with her catchy melodies and personal lyrics. While every single one of girl in red’s tracks could be on this list, I have to go with Girls — a track that perfectly illustrates all the reasons as to why we love girls so much, cause honestly girls are incredibly pretty with their button-up-shirts.
Little Game – Benny
This 2014 track deserves so much more recognition than it received upon release. Little Game is about fighting against the gender roles that society frequently likes to push upon us, from the toys to the clothes we wear, up to the way we are supposed to act. Benny sings in a vulnerable and yet powerful performance that emphasizes the emotion and pain in each lyric, solidifying Little Game as an anthem for not just Benny but everybody who has felt trapped by societal gender expectations.
Boys will be Bugs – Cavetown
One of my favorite songs about gender expectations, written by Robin Skinner, a trans artist known for his incredibly chill bedroom pop aesthetic. The song Boys will be Bugs is about the way in which boys are encouraged to act in a toxic over-masculine manner once they hit their teenage years. I personally love the take on the common phrase, “Boys will be bugs” because let’s face it, regardless of gender, it is best not to act in a self-serving and narcissistic manner.
Girls Like Girls – Hayley Kiyoko
This song has a special place in my heart. I vividly remember listening to this song in 2015 when I was incredibly confused as to why I was attracted to girls in my class. This song gave me a reassurance of sorts that “Girls like girls, like boys do.” That simple sentence is something that a lot of people still don’t understand. No matter your gender, your love is valid just as any straight relationship is. Additionally this song is an absolute bop and is the perfect song to ride your bike to on a warm summer evening.
Fxxk You – Lily Allen
The pinnacle song of how to respond to homophobia and bigotry, Fxxk You is a clear and concise message to all those individuals who still are against gay and trans rights in 2021. English songtress, Lily Allen delivers each lyric with an unnerving calmness that is the perfect response to the often emotionally charged homophobic individual.
Whataya Want From Me – Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert took the country by storm in 2009 on American Idol. I remember absolutely falling in love with Adam, despite the constant rude remarks from Simon Cowell and backlash from anti-LGBT individuals. Lambert never relented or changed any aspect of him in order to fit the status quo. Although Adam didn’t win his season of American Idol, he would go on to tour with Queen for 6 years and would receive the Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance in 2009.
Mother’s Daughter – Miley Cyrus
I could listen to this song everyday. This empowering track by Miley Cyrus is a response to those that try to determine who we love and what we do with our own bodies. I personally guarantee that by the end of this track, you are going to be ready to channel your inner-Joan d’Arc.
We are Golden – MIKA
I remember running around my room belting the lyrics to this song. This song is pretty much about not taking any crap from anybody and being unapologetic in who you are. The lyrics to this song are completely and utterly fantastic. One of my favorites has to be “I live for glitter not you,” which I honestly need to induct into my vernacular.
MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name) – Lil Nas X
If you want an unapologetic song about being queer that you can dance on a pole all the way down to hell, then look no further than this song. A catchy track with Spanish flair, Lil Nas X proudly declares his sexuality while simultaneously rebutting the common religious sentiment that queer people go to hell. While offensive to some, MONTERO is incredibly empowering to those of us in the community who had to face backlash from religious friends and relatives.
Heroes – David Bowie
No pride list would be complete without the bi-icon himself, David Bowie. David Bowie will forever remain one of those lights that gives others the confidence to dream, live and love. Bowie’s flamboyant glittery persona, Ziggy Stardust unabashedly took us to the stars and beyond at a time when homosexuality was still heavily condemned in the public eye. In the fight against homophobia, there could be no better anthem than Bowie’s song Heroes which has to be one of the most empowering songs written in modern music, inspiring all of us that we can be heroes.
I’m Still Standing – Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John has faced homophobia his whole life, from the public, the music industry and even his own family. His outrageous style that he was once upon a time laughed at for, has cemented him as an icon. The song, I’m Still Standing is about overcoming the various battles he has faced in his life such as his abusive ex, John Reid, his drug addiction and of course the homophobia that was added on top of that. So just remember regardless of where you are in life, you are still standing.
Remember to be yourself regardless of what the rest of the world says, and have happy and safe Pride.