When most of us think about the rock music industry we tend to associate it with attributes such as being hyper-masculine, rough cut, and of course very hetero. Until the last couple of decades the assumption was that LGBTQ musicians were limited to clubs in San Francisco or performing in Broadway shows like West Side Story.
Many may even claim that openly gay rock musicians are simply the result of “woke” culture. But this thought process is completely false! In reality as long as rock has existed, so have gay rock stars! Let’s take a moment to celebrate pride month by giving these openly gay rockers the love and recognition that they deserve!
Openly Gay Rock Musicians – Who Qualifies as Being One?
One rule that we believe should be followed, is that you should not out anybody. This means that in this article we are only going to list musicians who are openly gay. There will be no speculations based on certain behaviors certain musicians exhibit. We are also including openly gay musicians who are no longer with us. This means that musicians who have been openly been out as gay in their lives will be counted on this list.
It should also be noted that the term gay musicians will be used on a broad scope. This means that our list will also include those who are openly part of the LGBTQ community. Finally, even though we are labeling these gay musicians as “gay rock stars” we are not including only those who have had a career in the rock music industry. We are including all forms of musicians from rap and hip hop, to pop and punk. Here we are going to give these gay musicians the love and recognition that they deserve.
Queer Musicians in Rock Music industry
This list is in no particular order or ranking as each of these musicians have contributed greatness in both the lgbtq community and the music industry. Here are just some of the amazing queer musicians who have created great strides in the music industry.
Sir Elton John
This man is one, if not the most prominent figure in the music world on our list. Having risen to fame in the early age of rock stars he is considered one of the prototypes for gay rock stars to this day. Popularized by his flamboyant flair he has become more open and queer as time has gone by. Today, he is beloved by many LGBTQ musicians acting as a mentor and father figure to artists in the rock n roll sphere and beyond. He also won an academy award for his work on The Lion King.
Elton Joh is currently working on an album with another queer musician, Brandi Carlile. While Elton John may no longer tour or be up for giving dynamic performances, he is still making amazing music.
Songs He is Known For
Throughout his musical career Elton John produced over 460 songs, just a couple of his most notable are;
Rocket Man (I think it’s going to be a long long time)
Inspired by the book written by “Ray Bradbury”. This song tells the story of an astronaut who experiences feelings of loneliness and homesickness while traveling to mars.
Funeral For a Friend/ Love Lies Bleeding
This song acts as one but is actually two songs both with different meanings. The first part “Funeral for a Friend” is an instrumental piece written by Sir Elton John as he considered what kind of music he would want to be played at his funeral. The second part “Love Lies Bleeding” is essentially a way to sum up the feelings of wanting to love and be loved.
Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
There are many different interpretations to the meaning of this song. The expression of his desire to get back to his roots. How he wasted time and energy going to OZ, and simply wanted to return home. This song is also seen as Sir Elton John’s final goodbye before he retired from live touring at the age of 71.
Tiny Dancer
Although the song was written by an openly gay man and his lyricist partner, it was deeply influenced by the women they encountered in California. The song was even dedicated to Bernie Taupin’s wife who was literally the seamstress for the popular music singer and is band.
Rob Halford – Judas Priest
As the lead singer for the popular heavy metal group “Judas Priest”. It can definitely be said that it shook things up in the metal community when Rob Halford came out as gay in 1998. Despite what you might think he received very little backlash for his choice to come out, and his courage and honesty helped him garner praise and acceptance from many. By coming out he opened a whole new chapter of LGBTQIA+ acceptance to the music world.
Songs He is Known For
As the lead singer for one of the most prominent metal bands in existence, Judas Priest has been the main frontliner for many iconic songs. These are just a couple of his most notable music pieces.
Resurrection
This song is a powerful story about uncertainty and success in the music industry after going solo. The first part is about Halford’s music career after he left the band “Judas Priest”, and the regrets he feels after leaving the band to create his own music. The second and third verses are about the start of his solo career and his desire to be a solo musician.
Battle Cry
A song that is a loud and proud statement that tells the story of a prominent figure coming home after a victorious battle.
Painkiller
The story of a cyborg who saves humanity from an unyielding destructive force.
Laura Jane Grace
Having struggled with her gender identity from a young age, Laura Jane Grace openly came out as a trans woman back in 2012. To this day her bravery in coming out as well as her time with the band “Against Me!” has helped her gain a lot of respect and visibility from the queer and punk scene.
Songs She is Known For
As a punk musician, many of the songs that Laura Jane Grace sings are highly emotional in ways that can only be truly expressed through music. Here are just a couple of her most notable songs.
Tonight We’re Going to Give it 35%
While rising to popularity the band “Against Me!” experienced a lot of alienation from other bands in the punk scene. This song is about the experiences all members of the band dealt with while dealing with this.
Black Me Out
A song about the anger one feels when they have the compromise their own identity in order to be accepted by others. How feeling inauthentic can make a person just want to be blacked out from the existence of others.
Androgynous
A tale of romance between two gender non-conforming people. This song is an expression of hope that relationships and romances like this will be accepted more and more throughout future generations.
Chappell Roan
A relatively new artist compared to many on this list. Chappell Roan’s music has gained a strong following in the LGBTQIA+ community. Openly out as a lesbian woman, most of her music celebrates being queer. While her performances emphasize theatrical endeavors and lots of commitment to her craft.
Chappell Roan combines musical talent and drag to create a drag persona – one that contradicts the strict religious beliefs she was raised with. She has often said that her stage persona and her own personality are very different. Still, she encourages the “girls gays and they” to live as their authentic selves.
Songs She is Known For
Despite being relatively new to the music scene in comparison to many of these other artists, Chappell Roan has become an icon in the music scene. Here are just a couple of her most iconic pieces of music.
Hot To Go
Although not explicitly queer, this upbeat song is about yearning for another, and being frustrated in the process. Roan herself has described it as her cheerleader anthem. It has become known as one of the most energetic performances in her live shows. The Hot to Go dance has gone viral on social media, and Chappell has been known to playfully call out audience members who are too cool to participate.
Pink Pony Club
This catchy ballad features a story with many layers to it. It was actually written about Roan’s first experience at a gay bar, and is about finding a safe place where she feels acceptance.
Femininomenon
A song that celebrates women for dealing with mediocre men who do the bare minimum in the bedroom.
George Michael
Singer songwriter George Michael is one of the most prominent names when many think of famous gay musicians. The pop-rock star got his start as half of the pop duo Wham!, and eventually developed a successful solo career. His music features many overtly gay themes, and as far as we see it he is one of the pioneering figures of the gay music.
Songs He is Known For
As one of the most prominent figures in pop music, George Michael has produced many songs that have left a lasting impact on the world of music. Here are some of the songs he is best known for.
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go
This song tells the story of a man who is head over heels in love with a girl. That girl, rather than waking up the man chooses to go to the club instead.
Praying For Time
In this chilling song filled with despair and woe, George reiterates that sometimes only the passage of time can heal and bring relief to those who are suffering from poverty and injustice.
Jesus to a Child
A touching tribute to his lover, Anselmo Feleppa, who tragically passed away from a brain hemorrhage in 1993. At this time his relationship with Anselmo was shrouded in secrecy as he did not come out until 1998.
Lzzy Hale
As someone who is openly bisexual Lzzy Hale is not only proud of her identity. She also makes sure that the music she creates helps to empower other members of the community whether they are out or not. “Unapologetically Bisexual” is one of the key ways she chooses to describe herself and openly embraces her identity. As the lead singer and guitarist for the band Halestorm, she is seen as a beacon of recognition to her fellow bisexuals on social media. From her platform she makes sure to encourage her fanbase to be unapologetically themselves.
Songs She is Known For
As a beacon for many other bisexuals, as well as someone who is unapologetically bisexual, many of her songs reflect her struggles through her personal life. As she opens up about her experiences of being apart of the queer community through music here are a couple of her most notable songs.
Wicked Ways
A song about embracing one’s dark side, it can also be thought of as an innuendo to accept your own sexual orientation even if you were taught to reject it.
Here’s to Us
The band’s personal anthem celebrates not only the high points of their career but the low points as well. It took them a long time and a lot of trial and tribulation to get to where they are. So who wouldn’t want to celebrate that?
Do Not Disturb
A true story, this song was written about a sexual encounter Lzzy had with 2 other people in a Dutch hotel room.
David Bowie
David Bowie has left a sizeable impression on both the rock music world, as well as the gay community. To this day, many queer artists continue to reference him as one of the most influential musicians to their music and style. Despite his sexual orientation claims changing over time, his queer leanings, as well as his androgynous aesthetic helped to bring many aspects of gay culture to mainstream media.
Songs He is Known For
From his music career to his appearances in movies and television. The Chameleon of rock is one of the most influential figures in the classical world of rock. These are just a couple of his most notable songs.
Starman
A song written by the alter ego of David Bowie, “Ziggy”, this song was supposed written as he was told in his dreams that a Starman planned to come to earth in order to save it.
Sound and Vision
A song about the struggles with depression, isolation, and lack of inspiration that Bowie faced after dealing with years of drug addiction. It actually ended up being a good peek into the personal life of the star as well as the struggles one tends to face when dealing with the stress of being in the music business.
Ashes to Ashes
There are a couple of different interpretations to this song. Some listeners believe that it is a song detailing Bowie’s own self reflection in relation to his drug addiction in the 1970s. Others believe that it is merely an acknowledgment of his past as a whole as well as a way to look hopeful toward the future.
Billie Joe Armstrong
The lead vocalist of the popular rock group “Green Day” came out as bisexual during an interview in 1995. It was during this time that the world started to become more and more accepting of the LGBTQ community. However it was also still extremely rare for people in the public eye to be openly out of the closet. Armstrong’s coming out was a huge win for the representation of the bisexual community. He has even said he thinks all people are born bisexual.
Songs He is Known For
Billie Joe Armstrong has helped produce some of the top hit songs that are still enjoyed to this day. Here are just a couple of his most notable ones.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
This song focuses on the loneliness and desolation one sometimes feels when they move from a small town to a big city.
Wake me up When September Ends
A song written in memory of his father, who passed away when he was only 10 years old. This lead to the month of September becoming synonymous with feelings of grief and longing that are associated with mourning the loss of a loved one.
American Idiot
This song became an anthem that was used to criticize the way the government handled the aftermath as well as the fear-mongering media which spread xenophobic propaganda after the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nax X was born Montero Lamar Hill. He is a queer rapper, singer, and songwriter. He has disrupted music by blending in-your-face queerness with rap, hip hop, country, and pop. His viral hit Old Town Road topped the Billboard charts in 2019. He continues to break boundaries and represent gay black men.
Songs He is Known For
Nas has several popular songs. His awarding winning discography has earned critical acclaim along with fan popularity.
Old Town Road
This genre defying song mixes country and hip hop. It tells the story of a cowboy riding through the countryside while also infusing the lyrics with typical hip hop references. After the song went viral, a remix was released that featured a country music artist.
Montero (Call me by your name)
Old Town Road earned mainstream success, even attracting the attention of country fans. His follow-up, Montero showed that Nas is an unapologetically queer artist. The visually compelling and controversial video led to delightful levels of offense among conservative Christians.
Industry Baby
This 2021 hit includes a feature by Jack Harlow. It proudly celebrates Lil Nas X’s triumphs while calling out his critics and the industry. This song about confidence and resilience cements Nas’ place in hip hop culture while making a powerful statement about his identity.
Frank Ocean
While he doesn’t choose to label his sexuality, singer songwriter Frank Ocean has had romantic relationships with men and is part of the LGBTQIA+ community. He began his rise to fame with Channel Orange in 2012. Since then, he has consistently released music that changes and influences genres. This includes his willingness to explore queer themes.
Songs He is Known For
Ocean has a catalog of music that is known for insightful lyrics, soaring vocals, and amazing production values.
Pink + White
Frank Ocean teamed up with Beyonce to make Pink + White. This, poetic, musically nostalgic track is all about love, loss, and mortality.
Lost
Lost is an emotionally compelling song with Ocean’s signature, introspective style. It speaks of longing and emotional vulnerability.
Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin got his start as a member of Menudo in the eighties. This Latin American boy band with an ever-changing lineup led to a career as a Soap Opera actor and eventually the birth of new music career. Martin came out as gay in 2010 and has been an advocate since then.
Songs He is Known For
Martin makes Latin infused pop music. While he is openly queer, many of his early songs reflected hetero relationship dynamics. As his music evolved, he has been more reflective in his songs.
Livin La Vida Loca
This party pop anthem is the song that launched Martin to international stardom. The song’s infectious beat and Latin energy made it a hit in dance clubs too.
She Bangs
She Bangs has an upbeat, catchy chorus that caused it to very nearly match La Vida Loca. This highly-danceable pop songs remains one of Ricky’s most enduring.
Tegan & Sara
Tegan and Sara are a duo of indie pop twins who got their start in Canada. Both queer, the two women have been vocal advocates for queer rights since they hit the scene,
Songs They Are Known For
Tegan and Sara has seen their sound evolve from acoustic folk pop to a more produced, electric sound.
Closer
This is a synth pop bop that is Tegan and Sara’s biggest mainstream hit to date.
Walking With a Ghost
This compelling hit is a stripped down masterpiece. It was even covered by legendary alt-rock band the White Stripes.
Freddie Mercury
There’s simply no way to discuss LGBTQIA+ giants in popular music without paying homage to the late Freddie Mercury. The openly bisexual singer with an unforgettable voice was the lead singer of Queen and was recently featured in a biopic.
Songs He is Known For
As a solo artist and part of Queen, Mercury is known for a discography of songs that reflect his theatrical style and dramatic lyricism.
Another One Bites The Dust
This song features one of the most recognizable basslines, aggressive lyrics, and a posturing vibe. It also shows off Mercury’s unmatched vocal stylings.
Bohemian Rhapsody
This is a rock opera all within a single song.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga was born Stefani Germanotta. She has achieved the status of queer icon, pop legend, singer, songwriter, and actress. Her songs and performances push boundaries. Gaga isn’t just bisexual, she is an active supporter of the LGBTQ community. She advocates for queer rights and has publicly spoken up for the trans community as recently as the 2025 Grammys. She even began the Born This Way Foundation to support queer youth. Known affectionately as Mother by many gay people, she continues to challenge norms about gender identity and sexual orientation.
Songs She is Known For
Gaga’s discography is a literal treasure trove of hits that showcase her amazing vocal talents and artistry.
Bad Romance
Rolling Stone readers voted Bad Romance the best video of the 2000s. It’s also a hell of a song.
Alejandro
Born This Way
Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert first came into the public eye on the American Idol stage. He took the runner up spot in that competition, but was widely considered to have the most superior voice of that season. The singer songwriter was also forced to come out as gay when pictures of the soulful voiced singer were released with another man. Since then, he has become an icon in the gay community.
Adam Lambert’s theatrical nature made him a hit on American Idol. It also made him a natural choice to stand in for late, legendary rock n roll singer Freddy Mercury. It’s easy to see why the living members of Queen chose him given his powerful voice and dramatic flair.
Songs He is Known For
Lambert has a soaring voice that works well in everything from mainstream pop music to orchestral works. As a proud member of the queer community, he even made his Broadway debut as the Emcee in Cabaret in 2024. Here are a few of his most well-known songs.
For Your Entertainment
In this song, Lambert embraces his own sexuality. The lyrics here hint at domination and power play. This is him at his theatrical best being unapologetically gay.
Ghost Town
This song explores themes of brokenness and loneliness. In the lyrics, Adam compares his heart to a ghost town. It also references vamires which could speak to his complicated relationship with fame.
Whataya Want From Me
This is one of his mainstream hits. The lyrics seem to be from the perspective of a man in a relationship who is asking his lover for patience while he gets his act together. At the same time, he’s stringing him along and gaslighting him by saying, whataya want from me?
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