Angelo Ruelan
Table of Contents
LGBTQ+ singers have made a significant impact on music for decades. Their fearlessness and massive talent have been influential and inspiring, leaving a permanent mark on music history. Discover the best gay singers of all time in this article.
1. Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury, the iconic lead vocalist of the rock and roll band Queen, was always open about his sexuality. “I’m as gay as a daffodil, my dear,” Mercury told Rolling Stone in a 1985 interview.
The lead singer on all of Queen’s biggest hits, from “Bohemian Rhapsody” to “Another One Bites the Dust,” Mercury sadly died from an AIDS-related illness.
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2. Elton John
Sir Elton John is undoubtedly one of the most famous gay singers ever. The “Rocket Man” singer has been openly bisexual since 1976 and later came out as gay.
“There’s nothing wrong with going to bed with somebody of your own sex. I think everybody’s bisexual to a certain degree. I don’t think it’s just me. It’s not a bad thing to be. I think you’re bisexual. I think everybody is,” he said in a cover story with Rolling Stone.
3. Lil Nas X
One of the most recent coming out stories is that of “Old Town Road” singer Lil Nas X. After the hip-hop artist amassed substantial commercial success, he came out during Pride Month of 2019.
It was groundbreaking, as there’s a lingering issue of homophobia within the hip-hop industry. Lil Nas X has been using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility since he came out.
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4. Doja Cat
Doja Cat has also been known to celebrate her sexuality. The iconic singer and rapper officially came out during an Instagram live, where she openly discussed her bisexuality.
5. Frank Ocean
Next on our list of best gay singers is Frank Ocean. Who could forget his emotional, tear-jerking coming out letter? He identified as gay in 2012 through a letter posted on his Tumblr account, in which he shared a very personal look at his thoughts and experiences related to his sexuality and music.
6. Lady Gaga
Grammy-winner and superstar Lady Gaga is undoubtedly one of the earliest and most steadfast allies of the LGBTQ+ community. Her song “Born This Way” has achieved anthem status, serving as a powerful message of self-acceptance and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. Lady Gaga has consistently identified as bisexual and actively used her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights.
7. Sam Smith
British singer and songwriter Sam Smith has publicly identified as non-binary and has been open about his sexuality through interviews and music. He first came out during an interview with British newspaper The Sun. The artist since then has used his platform to spotlight LGBTQ+ acceptance and visibility.
8. Troye Sivan
Next on our list of best gay singers is pop phenomenon Troye Sivan. He came out as gay during a YouTube video in August 2013, openly discussing his sexual orientation and sharing how he came to terms with his identity.
9. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is another famous singer who has been open about their sexuality. The singer labeled herself as pansexual during an interview with Rolling Stone, where she revealed how she came to terms with understanding pansexuality.
10. Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus has faced her fair share of challenges in the music industry, including coming to terms with her sexuality. Though her most publicized relationships have been with famous men, Miley Cyrus publicly came out in a cover interview for Elle UK in 2015 as pansexual.
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11. Kehlani
R&B superstar Kehlani has always been an ally for LGBTQ+ individuals, and in 2021, she came out as a lesbian on TikTok. She said, “I finally know I’m a lesbian. I am gay, gay, gay.” She’s certainly one of the best gay singers.
12. Ricky Martin
“La Vida Loca” singer Ricky Martin is next on our list of the most famous gay singers of all time. He came out in March 2010 through his official website, discussing his happiness and relief to discuss his homosexuality openly.
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13. Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert is arguably one of the most successful singers to emerge from American Idol. Lambert courageously came out as gay in an interview with Rolling Stone shortly after finishing as the runner-up on the show.
His announcement was met with love and propelled his career to new heights, establishing him as a prominent figure and advocate within the LGBTQ+ community. No list of the best gay singers would be complete without him.
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14. Tyler, the Creator
Next on our list of famous gay singers is the hip-hop artist Tyler, the Creator, a somewhat controversial figure in the music industry.
Known for his hit songs like “See You Again,” Tyler initially gained a lot of backlash for making homophobic remarks. However, on his album Flower Boy, the rapper hints that he may not identify as straight and grapples with the stigma surrounding LGBT identities in the hip-hop industry — a stigma he also played a role in shaping.
In the track “Sorry Not Sorry,” Tyler, the Creator apologizes to his family, friends, lovers, and fans for keeping his sexuality hidden. Since then, he has garnered significant support from fans and the LGBTQ+ community.
15. Omar Apollo
Grammy-nominated artist Omar Apollo has long been open about being queer. In a recent interview, he candidly discusses the “heartbreaking” experience of Catholic guilt he endured while growing up as a gay individual.
Throughout his career, he has used his music to express his identity and share his personal experiences.
16. Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz is one of the artists who, after achieving fame, later came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. The “I’m Yours” singer initially came out as bisexual in 2018 and has now openly expressed his readiness to embrace his queerness.
“I will admit that I probably spent the first close to 20 years of my career just broadcasting as hetero. You know, saying ‘girl’ in my songs, and a lot of that is growing up on a conservative street. And growing up around homophobia and feeling like I needed to protect some secret,” he said in an interview with The Advocate.
17. Megan Thee Stallion
The iconic rapper from Houston, Texas, Megan Thee Stallion has also opened up about her bisexuality through numerous interviews.
Though she has continuously hinted at her bisexuality in songs like “Captain Hook” and some freestyles, Megan Thee Stallion officially came out during an interview with Yung Miami, where she was asked if she liked girls. She responded, “I like what I like.”
18. Madonna
Madonna has been recognized as one of the early pioneers who played a crucial role in developing New York City’s ballroom culture and raising awareness about HIV. In a surprising turn of events in 2022, Madonna publicly came out as gay through a TikTok video.
While Madonna had hinted at her sexuality in the past, her TikTok video announcement created a tremendous buzz among her fans. However, some were confused by it and wondered at its sincerity.
19. Demi Lovato
Former Disney star Demi Lovato has also expressed her sexuality, revealing to the world that she is pansexual.
The star said she had to suppress a lot growing up in Texas as a Christian and found it challenging to process her feelings with girls.
Nevertheless, Demi Lovato has supported the LGBTQ+ community throughout her career.
Related: 17 Cool Facts About Demi Lovato
20. Halsey
Pop star Halsey has long been publicly identified as bisexual. She has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform for the community.
In one interview, she expressed difficulty navigating her career after coming out, as some people deemed her not gay enough.
21. Hayley Kiyoko
Last but not least on our list of gay singers is the dashing Hayley Kiyoko. The American singer, songwriter, actress, and director identifies as a lesbian.
She made the announcement through an Instagram post, where she opened up about her sexuality and fighting for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility in the entertainment industry.
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