5 Icons Who Led the LGBTI Movement in Music

June is the month of fighting for equality and freedom of expression.

06/28/2024 , 1:05 pm

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Pride Month stands out for the advocacy of the LGBTI community in various aspects of society. Its origin dates back to 1969 in the New York neighborhood of Stonewall, where US laws punished those who had a sexual orientation different from the traditionally established one.

Rock stars, since time immemorial, have been a symbol of advocacy and the fight against social injustices. We recall several pioneering artists who fought for the community. They have managed to overcome prejudice and become icons, not only for the LGBT movement but for society in general.

Music has always been a symbol of revolution. For example, the anthem of the Italian partisans, ‘Bella Ciao,’ Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born in the USA,’ which became an anthem for war veterans, or John Lennon’s ‘Imagine.’ Songs have been driving forces behind the LGBTI movement, and tracks like Lady Gaga’s ‘Born This Way’ or Queen’s ‘I Want To Break Free’ have become generational anthems of this movement.

In LOS40, we bring you 5 of the first influential musicians from the community

David Bowie

The British artist has always been outspoken through his actions and words. In 1975, during the category for Best Female R&B Artist at the annual Grammy Awards, David Bowie presented the award and began his speech with the words: «Ladies and gentlemen… and others,» acknowledging the importance of gender diversity in the industry. He was one of the first public figures to mention genders other than the commonly established ones.

Bowie had been ambiguous about his gender from the early stages of his career. For example, he played with the sexual identity of Ziggy Stardust, his alter ego. Additionally, Ziggy was the protagonist of his album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, one of his early successes. His song ‘Rebel Rebel’ was considered a sexual liberation anthem.

Although his sexual orientation was always a mystery (he declared himself homosexual, bisexual, and heterosexual at different stages of his life), he always stood out for his attraction to androgyny, stage performance and constant support for LGBTI rights throughout the years. All of these factors made him one of the main icons.

«He represented everything a gay person was going through at the time: he was androgynous, hedonistic, almost an alien,» said singer Kid Congo Powers about him. His fluid appearance became a reference for young LGBTI individuals of that time. Later on, he had a turning point when he confessed to Rolling Stone magazine that falsely claiming to be gay had been one of his worst mistakes.

Elton John

Elton John was a child prodigy who quickly became known for his glam rock style, piano skills, and energetic personality on stage. Throughout his career, he has sold over 300 million records, making him one of the most successful artists of all time.

In addition to his success as an artist, Elton John has been a constant advocate in the fight for LGBTIQ+ rights. In 1984, he founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF), a charitable organization dedicated to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment.

Elton has always been open about his sexual orientation since the beginning. In 1988, he publicly came out as gay in an interview with Rolling Stone and since then, he has become a reference for the LGBT community.

Through his music, Elton John has used his lyrics to promote sexual diversity and love without barriers. Some of his songs, like ‘Your Song,’ ‘Tiny Dancer,’ and ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,’ have become anthems of acceptance and universal love.

Freddie Mercury

Freddie Mercury is primarily known as the lead vocalist of the band Queen, which was formed in 1970. With his exceptional vocal range, stage charisma and songwriting talent, Mercury became one of the most iconic and respected figures in the history of rock. Coming from a Parsi family, he moved to England during his adolescence, where he studied graphic design and became part of the London music scene.

Regarding his sexual orientation, Freddie Mercury identified as bisexual, although he did not publicly disclose his sexuality for a large part of his career. After his death in 1991, it was revealed that he was gay.

Mercury was an important figure for the LGBTI community due to his talent and the way he challenged gender and sexuality stereotypes at a time when acceptance of diversity was less common. His anthems like ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ ‘We Will Rock You,’ and ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’ have been adopted as chants of acceptance and empowerment.

Mercury defied norms with his extravagant fashion style and theatrical stage presence. He clearly broke traditional stereotypes of masculinity and demonstrated that gender expression has no limits.

The artist died prematurely after losing the battle against HIV. His death highlighted the homophobic terror and lack of knowledge surrounding this disease, which stigmatized and persecuted an entire community. After a trip to Switzerland, Mercury decided to take the step towards the unattainable and stopped taking the medication that helped manage his condition. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1991.

Prince

Prince is one of the biggest icons of funk, pop, rock, and R&B. He was a versatile and multifaceted musician, known for his singing, songwriting, producing, and multi-instrumental skills.

Prince was an advocate for diversity and freedom of expression. Through his music and defiant attitude, he broke traditional norms of gender and sexuality. With his aesthetics, he challenged labels and stereotypes, championed individuality, and self-acceptance.

The artist developed a female alter ego known as Camille while working on «Sign O the Times.» Through his music, he explored themes of sexuality, free love, and empowerment. Songs like «I Would Die 4 U» speak about gender and sexual freedom.

He also provided support and visibility to artists and members of the LGBT community. Throughout his career, he collaborated with various LGBT singers, showing his support, such as Wendy Melvoin, Lisa Coleman, and Sheila E. Additionally, Prince was a staunch advocate for the rights of the community and spoke out against discrimination and hate.

Madonna

Since her beginnings in the 1980s, Madonna has become one of the most representative artists in pop music.

Madonna has been a supporter and ally of the LGBT community throughout her career. Her music and image have challenged social norms and broken barriers in terms of gender, sexuality, and personal expression. Madonna has used her platform to advocatefor LGBT rights and promote equality.

From songs like ‘Like a Prayer’, ‘Express Yourself’ or ‘Vogue’ to entire albums like Like a Virgin and Confessions on a Dance Floor, Madonna’s lyrics address themes of sexual liberation, empowerment, and self-acceptance. Her lyrics have conveyed messages of love, tolerance, and diversity, resonating with people of different sexual orientations and gender identities.

In addition to her music, Madonna has used her fame and influence to support LGBT organizations and causes. She has actively participated in events and campaigns related to HIV/AIDS, youth suicide prevention, and equal rights. Her 1991 documentary, ‘Truth or Dare,’ also showed Madonna surrounded by gay dancers and friends, contributing to the visibility of LGBT relationships and identities.

These artists embraced the LGBTI movement to challenge the stereotypes and prejudices faced by this community. Thanks to their songs and messages both on and off the stage, they paved the way for oppressed generations, as well as desperate children in search of LGBTI role models. These artists became their refuge.

This article was originally published in LOS40.com by Oscar García