The Ultimate 2023 LGBTQ+ Pride Playlist That'll Make You Want To Party
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While Pride month is in full swing come June, the LGBTQ+ community should be celebrated year-round. The best way to let the world know you're queer and you're here is by playing the best gay songs on full blast. Blasting bops made by LGBTQ+ artists like Sam Smith and King Princess, as well as icons like Whitney Houston and Madonna, make life more colorful — especially during fierce Pride events and parades. Plus, you already know we've queued up gay anthems by drag performers like Katya, Priyanka, and TikTok's fave duo, Sugar and Spice.
With federal and state governments threatening to silence queer voices through anti-LGBTQ+ "Don't Say Gay" legislation and laws limiting and banning gender-affirming care, it is a crucial time to uplift the queer community, whether it's through the songs we listen to or the movies we watch. We can celebrate the rich history of the community by brushing up on the meanings behind LGBTQ+ flags, and we can help pave a bright future by donating to queer-led organizations like GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and the Human Rights Campaign.
Passing the Pride month vibe check also extends to the aux cord. If you're headed to an event and need to throw on an epic playlist that honors and uplifts the queer community, look no further. Get ready to put viral singles courtesy of LGBTQ+ artists and producers on repeat. We can't forget about blasts from the past at the hands of music icons. Get ready to transform your playlist because here are our favorite Pride songs to get you in the spirit this month and beyond.
Dove Cameron — "Boyfriend"
Dove Cameron was inspired by a "perspective of freedom" when she penned boyfriend. She wrote the song while recapping "a crazy night" she had. According to Billboard, Dove "casually said something to the room like, "F–k, I could be a better boyfriend than this guy." And we were all kinda like, "wait, is this a good hook?" A lot of it became a report of what it felt like to grow up queer and be surrounded by all these women who were famously mistreated and under-celebrated."
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Gia Woods - "Lesbionic"
Persian pop star Gia Woods is back with another uplifting bop. After coming out with her debut single "Only a Girl" in 2016, she's just released "Lesbionic," and the title speaks for itself.
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George Michael — "Freedom! ‘90”
Although George Michael didn't publicly come out for another eight years, "Freedom! '90" became an LGBTQ+ anthem upon its release in 1990.
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Diana Ross — "I'm Coming Out"
There are anthems and then there's "I'm Coming Out." Music icon Niles Rodgers reportedly penned this iconic hit after seeing Diana Ross impersonators in the bathroom at GG's Barnum Room, a predominantly trans club in Manhattan.
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RuPaul — "Supermodel"
Sashay, Shante! Drag pioneer RuPaul's "Supermodel" is not only a Pride anthem but it's filled with the lingo that managed to transcend time. "You better werkk!"
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Saucy Santana — "Walk"
Get ready to channel your inner runway model with Saucy Santana's fierce single "Walk."
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Lady Gaga — "Born This Way"
There's not much to say about "Born This Way," Lady Gaga's empowering lyrics say it all: "I'm on the right track, baby. I was born this way!" I know that's right!
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Hayley Kiyoko — "Curious"
Is it even possible to make a Pride playlist without including a hit from Hayley Kiyoko? "Curious" is too catchy to not listen to it at least once a day.
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Sophie — "Immaterial"
This pop classic declares that gender norms are "immaterial." Sophie was a trailblazing musician and producer who celebrated diversity prior to her death in 2021.
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Sam Smith and Kim Petras — "Unholy"
Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy" made history as the first song by openly trans and non-binary artists to hit NMo. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and win a Grammy for Best Pop Duo Performance.
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Pabllo Vittar Featuring Charli XCX — "Flash Pose"
Brazilian singer and drag queen Pabllo Vittar teamed up with Charli XCX to ensure your dancefloor selfies are on point with "Flash Pose."
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Sugar and Spice — "Dingaling / Bimbofied"
These drag performers gained a dedicated following on TikTok and took their talents to season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race.
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Whitney Houston — "It's Not Right But It's Okay"
While Whitney Houston sang about being mistreated in a relationship in "It's Not Right But It's Okay," the single went on to serve as the soundtrack for marginalized communities who overcame adversity.
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Shania Twain — "Man! I Feel Like A Woman"
Whew! "Man! I Feel Like A Woman," challenges societal expectations of womanhood and delivers self-empowerment up on a fierce platter.
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Michaela Jaé — "Say Something"
Michaela Jaé, aka MJ Rodriguez has something to say. The Pose star dropped her debut single, "Say Something." The feel-good anthem serves old-school disco vibes.
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Sylvester — "You Make Me Feel (Might Real)"
Sylvester earned the nickname "Queen of the Disco," and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) is more than enough proof of why he deserved the crown.
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Gloria Gaynor — "I Will Survive"
Gloria Gaynor proved that overcoming adversity is possible with her smash hit, "I Will Survive."
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Hayley Kiyoko — "For The Girls"
Hayley Kiyoko went public with her girlfriend Becca Tilley in her Bachelorette-inspired "For The Girls" video.
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Syd Featuring Kehlani — "Out Loud"
Just in case you were in need of a few tips on how to define the relationship with your boo, Syd and Kehlani prove why it's best to just say it out loud.
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Saucy Santana — "Material Girl"
Viral sensation and emcee Saucy Santana serves opulence and luxury in the video for his hit single, "Material Girl."
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Charli XCX — "Boys"
Who said being boy crazy is a bad thing? Charli XCX dished about her fascination with boys in her hit single, "Boys," and used famous faces like Joe Jones and Charlie Puth to take on domesticated roles in the song's music video.
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MUNA — "What I Want"
Never lose sight of your dreams with this bop by queer supergroup, MUNA.
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Kim Petras — "Future Starts Now"
If you're entering a new phase this Pride, Kim Petras "Future Stars Now" is the perfect song to get you ready to start a new.
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Village People — "YMCA"
Who would've thought a song about playing basketball would go on to become one of the LGBTQ's most beloved anthems? The Village People made waves in the 1970s for having members who publicly identified as gay, and others who were cisgender heterosexual men.
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Lil Nas X — "Montero (By My Name)"
Everything Lil Nas X touches turns to gold. "Montero" is a controversial hit that set social media on fire because of its out-of-this-world music video, but it's also the perfect song to turn up to.
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Charli XCX — "Vroom Vroom"
It's always a good time with Charli XCX. The British popstar delivered the soundtrack for a good time with her single, "Vroom Vroom."
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Lady Gaga — "Free Woman" Remix with Rina Sawayama
Lady Gaga opens up about her journey towards self-assurance after experiencing sexual assault in the empowering single, "Free Woman."
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Priyanka — "Come Through"
Canada's Drag Race star Priyanka teamed with fellow contestant Lemon for the smash hit "Come Through." The video from the uptempo track was such a vibe that it paid homage to Lady Gaga and Beyoncé's "Telephone" collab.
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Whitney Houston "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"
Late R&B icon Whitney Houston delivered the ultimate song to take Pride events to the next level with "I Wanna Dance With Somebody."
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Cyndi Lauper — "True Colors"
Does it get any more unconditional than loving someone for their true colors? Cyndi Lauper's "True Colors" is the perfect song to slow dance to.
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Angel Maxine — "Wo Fie"
Ghana's first openly transgender musician Angel Maxine took on her country's anti-LGBTQ legislation with her hit single, "Wo Fie."
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The Aces — "Girls Make Me Wanna Die"
Everyone's favorite indie-pop quartet pulled out all the stops with their track, "Girls Make Me Wanna Die." The Aces recounted teenage heartbreak in the queer anthem that serves pop and alternative vibes at the same time.
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Isaac Dunbar — "Fan Behavior"
This pop banger from Isaac Dunbar's third album, Evil Twin, serves as a dance floor anthem and a message to all haters.
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Girl in Red — "Serotonin"
Norweigan alt-singer Girl in Red's "Serotonin" is an upbeat and super relatable account of dealing with intrusive thoughts.
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laura les — "Haunted"
This spooky smash makes you want to dance because of its hyper-pop tempo but it serves up eerie vibes too.
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Monique Heart — "Brown Cow Stunning"
If you don't know, now you know, RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Monique Heart landed in the Urban Dictionary with the hit phrase, "brown cow stunning." The term, which means something is extra gorgeous, extra stunning," is the inspo for the singer's song.
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The Weather Girls — "It's Raining Men"
A vintage classic, "It's Raining Men," is a feel-good jam that struck the hearts of the LGBTQ community. In 2021, more than 30-years after its 1983 release, there were calls to change the title to "It's Raining Them" to make the beloved song gender neutral.
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Demi Lovato — "Really Don't Care"
This video was shot at 2014's LA Pride so it has a special place in our hearts and on this list. Demi also came out as non-binary, so they probably feel the same way!
Read more: Demi Lovato Has Come Out As Non-Binary and Officially Changed Their Pronouns
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Shea Diamond — "I Am Her"
In the description of this song's music video, transgender artist Shea Diamond writes, "I began writing 'I Am Her' as a statement to a world that said I shouldn't exist. I wrote it as an anthem for all those that felt shunned for simply being who they were."
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Shamir — "Call It Off"
The bright colors all over this music video and synthy beat of the song will totally make you want to dance with the puppets in the video.
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Taylor Swift — "You Need To Calm Down"
How could we leave out T-Swift? This LGBTQ+ anthem not only shuts down bigotry but gives a shoutout to GLAAD. Also, the music video is clad with cameos from your favorite queer celebs like Todrick Hall, Billy Porter, Hayley Kiyoko, and the Queer Eye Fab Five.
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Miley Cyrus ft. RuPaul — "Cattitude"
Miley Cyrus is the epitome of empowerment, and what better way to celebrate Pride than with a RuPaul collab?
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Halsey ft. Lauren Jauregui - "Strangers"
We need more love songs by queer folks that unapologetically talk about their queer relationships. And LGBTQ+ icons Halsey and Lauren Jauregui are here to make that happen. We're still obsessed with this jam, even years after its release.
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MNEK — "Correct"
This song is all about being shown the respect you DESERVE!
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Against Me! — "Black Me Out"
Turn this up when your energy screams living your authentic self and saying "f*ck you" to anyone who disagrees. This song is also the last track on the band's album Transgender Dysphoria Blues, where lead singer Laura Jane Grace opened up about the aftermath of transitioning as a transgender woman.
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Scissor Sisters — "Let's Have A Kiki"
Pride is basically a huge, month long kiki so adding this dance track to any LGBTQ+ lineup is a mood.
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Domo Wilson — "Bisexual Anthem"
This song was released after Domo let the world know she's bisexual after identifying for years as a lesbian. FYI: Sexuality and gender are fluid and live on a spectrum.
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Sam Smith — "HIM"
The lyrics of this song talk about Sam's struggle with religious beliefs clashing with sexuality. It's a raw and powerful ballad in the face of self-doubt and hatred.
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Greyson Chance — "Hellboy"
Greyson skyrocketed to fame thanks to his cover of Lady Gaga's "Paparazzi," but this single sounds like it belongs at every party.
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Kehlani — "Honey"
Kehlani told MTV News that she wrote this song about a girlfriend she had. The sweet, soft guitar she sings over will have you wishing you were Kehlani's gf.
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Clairo — "Heaven"
The comments on this video all talk about the heavy gay vibes they feel from it so that says everything you need to know.
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Big Freedia — "N. O. Bounce"
If you haven't heard any of Big Freedia's music you're missing out, but this song is a great introduction to the energy Freedia brings into any space.
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Lady Gaga ft. Ariana Grande — "Rain On Me"
We blasted off to Chromatica last year, but this song was literally crafted for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Tegan and Sara — "Closer"
This bop will have you dancing both in your house and at any Pride party.
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Shea Couleé ft. Lila Star & The Vixen — "Cocky"
RuPaul's Drag Race alumni Shea Couleé and The Vixen join forces with transgender rapper Lila Star to let everyone know they have a right to be cocky.
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Frank Ocean — "Forrest Gump"
Frank Ocean takes on the role of Jenny from the movie Forrest Gump and talks about his first love, a guy.
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Panic! at the Disco — "Girls / Girls / Boys"
The last line of the chorus "And love is not a choice," says it all.
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King Princess — "Only Time Makes It Human"
It may be a breakup song, but believe us when we say, it'll make anyone want to dance.
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Janelle Monáe — "Make Me Feel"
Do we even need to recommend this one? You probably know every word already, but if you don't, stop everything you're doing and listen to all of "Dirty Computer" right now please.
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Katya ft. Trixie Mattel — "Ding Dong!"
I may not know what Katya's saying, but all I know is this song stemmed from an inside joke about the British makeup competition show, Glow Up — and it's a certified bop.
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St. Vincent — "And Then She Kissed Me"
St. Vincent always has queer bops to jam to, but this song is especially cool, since it was part of a bigger project with Bob Dylan, Kesha, and other stars to make traditional love songs queer so that LGBTQ+ couples can have fitting songs to play at their weddings.
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Troye Sivan — "Take Yourself Home"
We also couldn't make it through a Pride playlist without a Troye cameo. "Take Yourself Home" is a total bop that will definitely be making the rounds across Pride celebrations this year, so add it to your library ASAP.
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Britney Spears — "Stronger"
Britney Spears is a known ally to the LGBTQ+ community, and while "Stronger" stems from her personal experiences, it's considered a queer anthem to remind people how much stronger they've become from their hardships.
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Be Steadwell — "Sometimes"
This ballad is the ultimate love song for when your S.O. is non-binary. Singer/songwriter, Be Steadwell, is a breakout queer artist whose new album, Queer Love Songs, will blow you away. "I don't have to call you girlfriend, you gotta be my wife, maybe you could be my comrade, be my teammate for life," Be sings.
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A.W. — "Who We Are"
You may recognize this song if you listen to one of our favorite podcasts, Queery by Cameron Esposito. It's a song all about self-exploration and learning who you are and where you fit in in the world.
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morgxn — "carry the weight"
morgxn is a queer artist whose songs have a unique feel to them. This one, in particular, is uplifting — save it for if Pride gets a little too overwhelming and you need a good tune to decompress with.
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Mary Lambert — "Secrets"
Mary Lambert became a queer icon with her song, "She Keeps Me Warm." But if you haven't listened to her music beyond that, you're truly missing out. "Secrets" is just one example of how fun, bold, and unapologetically queer Lambert's style is. Plus, how can you say no to a song with lyrics like, "Can't think straight, I'm so gay"?!
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The Replacements — "Androgynous"
Another cool visibility song, The Replacements focus on two androgynous people who love each other and don't care what the world thinks.
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Hannah & Maggie — "Back To Town"
Hannah and Maggie are known catchy love songs that we can't help but fall in love with. This super-cute music video is giving us all the good Pride vibes.
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