She & Her

Alison by Megan Lenius

This was the first song that popped in my head when I thought about what I'd be listening to during Pride month. Through my other favorite LGBTQIA+ and allied artists, I decided to tell a story through songs about what led to the breakup shared in this song. The beginning, the middle, and the end of a relationship.

Before She met Her

Invisible Monster by Billy Carter

In movies, before we get into the meat of the story, we often find out what type of person the main character is. This song, by the South Korean band Billy Carter, captures the sentiment of overcoming something that was holding them back and becoming liberated.



Rebel Rebel by David Bowie

This song shows how our protagonist has fully embraced herself, proudly expressing all aspects of her identity even at the risk of cofusing her parents. David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” specifically emphasizes conflict between the speaker and their mom.

Paradisin’ by Rina Sawayama

“Parsidisn’” by Rina Sawayama is a continuation of the freedom and feeling like you’re on top of the world now that you confronted and embraced yourself as the previous two songs show. These three songs are the backstory critical to our main character.

The Start of She & Her

Celine by Amaarae ft.Kyu Steed & 6IX

This song by the Ghanaian singer Amaarae conveys initial attraction. She says “I don’t really do feelings yet” however, the chorus “Celine you don’t know just what you do to me/any time I see us in my dreams/I’m just trying to make you mon ami” definitely shows interest.

Crush by Emily King

Emily King’s “Crush” is then the natural stage where her initial attraction has solidified into a legitimate crush and the giddiness that comes with it.

the stage by Shura

Shura’s album foreverher, which was inspired by her relationship with her girlfriend, has many songs that beautifully capture the how, when, and what of a loving relationship. This song expresses the beginning of a relationship where the crush has been reciprocated, manifesting into the joy of going on dates.

Ignited by Mumbi Kasumba

This song was featured in Rafiki, a movie about two Kenyan women falling in love. The acoustic guitar paired with the calming voice is a shift compared to the previous songs since there is just a voice and one instrument. The production, alongside the lyrics, feels like a couple settling down. It's the stage in a relationship when getting to know each other has grown into love.

Anything by Adrianne Lenker

“Anything” is probably the most poetic song on this playlist. She speaks about meeting her significant other’s family and highlights the comfort you can get from the simple, intimate things about each other.

Beginning of the End

Come Around by 070 Shake

The tone of this song sounds like the beginning of an ending due to the somewhat ominous guitar-like synths and the raw emotion coloring the words “Come around with your love / oh baby I’m in need”. It’s the perfect segue to the start of the decline of the relationship first expressed in the song “Alison”.

Watching My Phone by King Princess

King Princess’s song “Watching My Phone”, gives more context to the emotion that was present in the previous song.

Don't Break the Silence by 070 Shake

This song begins the artist vocalizing over a solemn soundscape. It aurally illustrates the ending of the relationship and the feelings that accompany its aftermath.

The Aftermath

My Girl (cover) by Joy Oladokun

This cover of “My Girl” by Joy Oladokun takes the upbeat, jovial sound of The Temptations' original version and flips it into a tender croon. Now, the first line “I've got sunshine on a cloudy day” brings to mind someone reminiscing the warmth they once had. I felt this rendition matched the idea of the line in “Alison” when Megan sings “Everything that I once felt sometimes comes back to linger”.

Stare by Tayla Parx

I’m a sucker for happy endings, or at least leaving on a high note, so I thought this song was perfect. The production of the song feels upbeat and club-like, truly bringing to life the sentiment of the song. It sounds like she’s out dancing, living her best life, while also acknowledging the fact that she’s trying to get over a heartbreak as the pre-chorus suggests. Despite this, she doesn’t let the heartbreak keep her weighed down. I thinks it’s a wonderful ending for the story of she and her.

Love is Never Wrong by Barbra Streisand

If She & Her were a movie, this song would be played during the ending credits. This song emphasizes the beauty of love in all its forms, perfectly summarizing the essence of Pride. In the wise words of this anthem “Be true to you, be proud, be strong,/ ’Cause love's never wrong”.

Happy Pride Month!