June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate LGBTQIA+ culture, honor the history of the movement and support LGBTQIA+ people and organizations. The monthlong observance honors the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, widely considered a turning point in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement in the United States. The first Pride march in New York City was held June 28, 1970, on the first anniversary of Stonewall.
Music has a long history of being part of that celebration. Across R&B, hip-hop, pop and alternative music, LGBTQIA+ artists continue to use their platforms to tell personal stories, push for representation and connect with fans. This Pride Month, artists including Kehlani, Doechii, Tyler, The Creator, Arlo Parks, Durand Bernarr, Haley Kiyoko and Lady Gaga are some of the many artists that are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community and are releasing new work, touring or receiving major recognition.
Kehlani
Kehlani is an R&B singer, songwriter and performer who uses she/they pronouns and has publicly discussed their queer and nonbinary identity. Their music and public platform often connect personal storytelling with advocacy, including support for LGBTQIA+ rights, voting rights and other social justice issues.
At the 2026 Grammy Awards, Kehlani won best R&B performance and best R&B song for “Folded.” The wins marked a major career milestone for the artist, who also released their self-titled fifth studio album, “Kehlani,” in April and announced the Kehlani World Tour.
Doechii
Doechii, a rapper, singer and songwriter, has become one of hip-hop’s most visible queer artists. She has spoken publicly about her sexuality and her attraction to women, bringing more visibility to Black queer women in mainstream rap and pop culture.
Doechii won best music video at the 2026 Grammy Awards for “Anxiety.” She also released “girl, get up.” featuring SZA, a reflective track that addresses public criticism, industry pressure and the work behind her rise.
Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator is a rapper, producer, fashion designer and singer that has shown ongoing support of the LGBTQIA+ community and whose work has expanded the emotional range of contemporary hip-hop. His music has explored vulnerability, masculinity, love and identity, and he has often resisted simple labels while addressing sexuality through lyrics and interviews. He has shared his passion for inclusivity and creativity by creating “GOLF le FLEUR* Converse One Star Collection,” released in June 2019.
Tyler, The Creator is a three-time Grammy Award winner in categories for Best Album Cover for his 2025 released album “Chromokopia,” Best Rap Album for his 2021 released album “Call Me If You Get Lost," and Best Rap Album for his 2019 released album "Igor." He is currently touring for his most recent albums, “Chromokopia” and “Don’t Tap The Glass,” which he will be performing in Lollapalooza.
Arlo Parks
Arlo Parks is a British singer-songwriter known for intimate lyrics about identity, mental health, desire and self-discovery. Parks has been highlighted by Spotify’s GLOW program, which celebrates and amplifies LGBTQIA+ artists and creators.
Parks released “Ambiguous Desire” on April 3. The album blends alternative pop, soul and dance-inspired sounds while drawing from nightlife, queer community and emotional vulnerability.
Durand Bernarr
Durand Bernarr is a singer, songwriter, and producer that has shared his identity as queer, Durand Bernarr communicates his passions in the LGBTQIA+ community by providing continuous representation in his music and performances. He has performed at historic music halls and theaters showcasing his talents for the music industry. He vocalizes his praised solidarity for LGBTQIA+ rights in uplifting African American queer spaces.
Durand Bernarr is a Grammy Award winner for Best Urban Contemporary Album for his album "BLOOM" and amongst other awards, his albums centers the support systems he has had in being a queer artist.
Durand Bernarr has performed for LGBTQIA+ festivals including South LA Pride and Chicago Pride Fest, while also collaborating with other artists in the LGBTQIA+ community. He is performing together with Kehlani, Isaia Huron, THEARTI$T and WASEEL on the Kehlani World Tour.
Haley Kiyoko
Haley Kiyoko is a singer, songwriter, actress and LGBTQIA+ activist who publicly announced her lesbian identity in her single “Girls Like Girls” in 2015. Haley Kiyoko shares her support and advocacy in her music, alongside her single she had released a “Girls Like Girls” music video that has accumulated 163 million views on youtube. Haley Kiyoko is a prominent advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community in educating, protesting for the liberation of marginalized communities and becoming a pioneer for more LGBTQIA+ representation. She has won notable awards from MTV, Billboard, New York Times and more for her artistry and creativity in her career.
Haley Kiyoko is releasing her coming-of-age romance film, "Girls Like Girls" adaption of her 2015 music video and book that was released in 2023. Her film is set to release June 19, 2026, where Kiyoko is credited as director and co-writer, all while releasing new music for the film's soundtrack.
Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga is a singer, songwriter, actress and director that has openly identified as bisexual throughout her career. Lady Gaga has also been known as a pioneer for the LGBTQIA+ community in showing representation throughout her music and performances. Her 2011 song "Born This Way" centered LGBTQIA+ culture in having acceptance and making the song a global anthem for individuality and diversity. Lady Gaga is an advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and shows her support towards these influences on her career.
Lady Gaga is a 16-time Grammy Award winner alongside winning awards from the Academy Awards, BAFTA and Golden Globes. Gaga is widely known for her contributions and representation for her queer audience and fan base and shows support in her speeches, performances and music.
Lady Gaga has just wrapped up her tour “The MAYHEM Ball” and has released new projects including her sixth album “MAYHEM," and her 2026 concert film that was released May 14, 2026.
Pride month is a time in which many celebrate and support diversity locally, aiming to shine light on challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces. For those who want to show their support this Pride Month, highlighting and listening to artists that help shape and continue the representation for the LGBTQIA+ community is an easy and effective way to do so. Other ways include bringing more awareness to the policies and legislation changes affecting this community, attending your local Pride Month events and supporting LGBTQIA+ owned businesses.
Zariya Burnes is an undergraduate student majoring in applied theatre, film and television with a minor in journalism and is a writer for The Campus Citizen. In her field, she has a focus towards film production and entertainment journalism.
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