Angsty (Queer) Teen Playlist

June is meant to acknowledge the pride and acceptance that comes with being queer, rooted in the fight for equality and against violence

This June, we commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots as we emerge from over a year of in-home quarantine and a pandemic that deprived us of a proper Pride celebration last year. And what better way to celebrate this beautiful month than creating the perfect Pride Playlist? These artists are angels, activists, and just amazing singers. Whether you're marching through the streets, giving back to charity, or simply driving to work, celebrate what makes you uniquely you and dance while you're at it!

It's a privilege to share my own top picks for this June: some classics, some soon-to-be classics, and some "insider" picks.

THE ICONS

Lady Gaga

Perhaps you knew, perhaps you didn't, but Lady Gaga has always represented the queer community in a big way. Her distinct fashion style--capitalized by iconic meat dresses--is just one way. Her 2011 hit "Born This Way" quickly became a long-lasting anthem among any and all people, especially the queer community. She continues to sing, write, and produce music, while also speaking out and raising money for queer and mental health organizations. One of her most prominent charities is the Born This Way Foundation.

Sam Smith

Though some might not consider them an "icon," Sam Smith has become an internationally-known name for their pop ballads and soulful voice. Some of their songs include "Stay with Me" and "How Do You Sleep?" They have also opened up about their struggles with body dysmorphia and gender with Jameela Jamil, actress and head of I Weigh--a body positivity movement. I would not hesitate to add them to my own Pride Playlist to celebrate June (and possibly shed a few tears in the process).

RISING STARS

Lil Nas X

You simply cannot make your Pride Playlist without the chart-topping, rising star Lil Nas X. He made a major music debut with his insta-hit, "Old Town Road," but that's old news. He just released his single, "MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)," in May of 2021, earning him the Number One spot on the Billboards Top 100, among other national and international rankings.

Unfortunately, it wouldn’t be Pride without pushback. "MONTERO" faced widespread love and support across the world, but also intense protest. It was almost taken down from streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify after some complaints about the degree of sexual and satanic content displayed in the music video. Fortunately, there was no follow-through, so we can still get on with our satanic worship without any obstacles!

He plans to release his new album--Montero--this summer, so keep an eye out, and be ready to click that "Add to playlist" button!

King Princess

In 2018, King Princess released "1950" and "Talia" which soon became widespread hits. I would be sure to add her to my Pride Playlist, especially some of my personal favorites: "Hit the Back" and "Pussy is God." She is on the rise with many recent singles and an upcoming album. I would include a link to one of her latest music videos, "PAIN," but I am afraid of violating the Creator Guidelines! Oops!

Conan Gray

Known as a newer mainstream pop artist, Conan Gray perhaps became most well known after releasing “Heather,” highlighting his melancholy voice. Since then, Conan Gray has been rising to the top of the charts on several occasions, especially with the release of his 2020 album, Kid Krow, and his latest single, "Astronomy." I would advise all the girls, gays, and theys to add Conan Gray to their June playlist!

THE INNER CIRCLE ICONS

dodie

After initially making her mark in the YouTube community, dodie began producing her music on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify.

Perhaps she is known for her silky-soft, hush voice and lyrical compositions, but she also is an advocate for mental health. More on this in a BBC interview, in which she speaks about her struggles with Depersonalization Disorder (DPD).

MJ Rodriguez

MJ Rodriguez is known primarily for her role as Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista on the hit series Pose on FX, but she also has no issue serving us fierce, angelic talent with her new single! I'm so excited to announce MJ Rodriguez's "Something to Say," released just this June! This is a playlist essential to any Pride Playlist.

QUEER?? IDK, BUT IT FEELS RIGHT.

Cavetown

We have entered the realm of Angsty Closeted Teen, folks. Whether any of the band members are actually queer or not, Cavetown was a huge part of my queer-realization journey. Hours spent listening to "Green" and "Lemon Boy" just made something feel right. More on my own journey, inspired by "Green," in my poem: "Greene." I'm also happy to announce their latest album--Man's Best Friend--was just released this June as well!

Ricky Montgomery

Queer or not, Ricky Montgomery's songs have been very popular among queer youth ever since the release of his 2016 album, Ricky Montgomery. He has since then done collaborations with queer artists, like mxmtoon. He also gained much popularity among queer youth through the popular social media app, TikTok, in which music creators began singing lesbian/queer versions of one of his most famous songs, "A Line Without a Hook."

One of my favorite "covers" of this song is sung by the social media creator Bo Mercer. Check out their cover below!

AND EVERYONE ELSE??

So there you have it: several of my favorite artists that I included on my Pride Playlist. I could have gone with the true classics, like Freddy Mercury, but alas, I am a product of the 21st century and pop culture. And, of course, I chose a select few of the possible songs and artists you could include on your own playlist, so feel free to add and subtract at your leisure. If you're looking for more, girl in red, Frank Ocean, Claud, Kehlani, Hayley Kiyoko, Troy Sivan, Arlo Parks, and Ben Platt are some other pop artists to look into as well.

So turn up the volume, press play, and enjoy your June! Happy Pride!