PLAYLIST: PRIDE BEYOND BEYONCĒ!

Music has made a huge impact in the history and culture of love and gender equality. These anthems have been a part of our lives in uplifting our freedom together with passion, poise, and pride. As music holds our hopes together for a never-ending pride parade, here are our Top 10 pacesetting records that every pride playlist should have:

1. Born This Way - Lady Gaga (2011)

It would be an embarrassment if this most fearless song were not at the top of the playlist. A timeless hit that advocated the embracing of flaws and loving oneself. As Gaga always tells us, be proud of who you are regardless of your sexuality, race, gender, and what society thinks. No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian or transgender, you’re on the right track, baby!

2. I’m Coming Out - Diana Ross (1980)

After Niel Rodgers saw how Diana Ross was loved and looked up to as a real icon by the gay community, he wanted to “translate” that love into a song. Since its release, this pride anthem has been an empowering record for the LGBTQIA+ community perceived as one's coming-out-of-the-closet or revealing their sexual orientation.

3. YOUTH - Troye Sivan (2015)

A perfect record to prove that dropping everything, running away, making mistakes, and too much love is okay! This could be the best song to play in your Friday night sleepovers when the heart-stopping moments of your youths are getting hyped up. Featuring queer youthful celebration in the MV, Troye angel-babied us all in this song!

4. FANCY - TWICE (2019)

Who doesn't lift their pride flags when TWICE hits your playlist? This K-POP powerhouse record makes all gays fancy their ways out of the room. Transitioning the girl group’s breakthrough, this multi-million-streamed single has been the face of K-POP in the global music industry performed by 9 stunning talented ladies from Korea.

5. You Need to Calm Down - Taylor Swift (2019)

Unleash your gay spirit and wave your pride flag because The Music Industry herself is here to save the day! This anthem fiercely calls out bigots and homophobes to be GLAAD, instead of being mad. Deafening the loudness of negativity, its star-studded music video featured our favorite queer and drag celebs along with bright colors as if it were a Pride fest.

6. I Kissed A Girl - Katy Perry (2008)

After Taylor, let's hear it from someone she had beef with. This #1 hit debut single was slightly inspired by Scarlett Johansen showing off ‘magical beauty’ that every woman can hold, according to Katy herself. A nostalgic anthem with vibes of pride and beyond as to how every cherry chapstick is meant to be tasted within our lips—as long as we like it and consent is there.

7. Cool for the Summer - Demi Lovato (2015)

The most trending TikTok sound at the moment is actually about a deeper intimacy between homosexual experimentations and sexual fluidity. Demi Lovato, as a multi-platinum recording artist and a non-binary gender equality advocate, never hesitated to use their talent in performing such pride masterpiece not only for the summer but for any weather possible.

8. I Want To Break Free - Queen (1994)

Your pride playlist wouldn't be complete without this timeless record. The music video that featured the band dressed as drag queens speaks a lot. It was a classic emancipation song about living within the frame of cultural norms, standards, and tightening influences empowering the idea that you can break free and be whoever you want to be.

9. Everyone Is Gay - A Great Big World (2014)

If you are looking for an uplifting song to add to your playlist, well, this one's for you! According to the Grammy award-winning duo, they aim to offer guidance to youth who are struggling with their sexualities. As we listen to this song, may it make you feel valid no matter who you are and who you love.

10. I Found A Girl - The Vamps

It may be painful to find your girl in love with another girl but what's more painful if she didn't actually confess it? That's how important pride is! Here's a little secret: there were rumors that Brad Simpson, The Vamps frontman, wrote this song for Lauren Jauregui of Fifth Harmony. Who knows, right?