Spring has sprung, which can only mean one thing. Actually, two things: rainbows are about to be very in and Pride is right around the corner. This year, celebrating queer sexuality, identity, and expression is even more important, as the government works to strip the LGBTQ+ community of its autonomy. With homphobic legislature popping up left and right, it’s imperative to remember how far we’ve come while still fighting against oppression.
Now, before you double-check which article you clicked on—yes, you’re in the entertainment section (politics is just one few clicks over), and yes, we know a compilation of music can’t fix systemic hate. But one thing music can do is make you feel something. It can spark joy, strike a nerve, and even provide common ground for two people with absolutely nothing in common. Outside of its head-bopping appeal, music provides a euphoric understanding that no one can take away.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to turn to music as a means of self expression. This year, Esquire has you covered. The following list contains 50 unabashedly queer songs to listen, cry, dance, or even scream to. From The Aces' funky, “Always Get This Way,” to Fletchers' envious “Becky’s So Hot,” to Lucy Dacus’s heartbreakingly beautiful “Night Shift,” this playlist will have you feeling loud and proud from start to finish.
The Aces - "Always Get This Way"
When You Should Play It: "Always Get This Way" is The Ace's latest single—and it's the perfect soundtrack for your next existential crisis. Press play and let lead singer Cristal Ramirez's woozy vocals lead the way.
Girl In Red - "Bad Idea"
When You Should Play It: Are you about to message that person labeled "Don't Text" on your phone? Listen to this song first, then reconsider.
Lucy Daucus - "Night Shift"
When You Should Play It: "Night Shift" is perfect if you're heartbroken, or looking to scream-sing a chorus at the top of your lungs. Think of it as free therapy.
Sam Smith - "Unholy"
When You Should Play It: All the time. Anytime. It's a hit for a reason.
Dove Cameron - "Boyfriend"
When You Should Play It: If you want to make a certain someone jealous, this is the song for you.
Ruel - "Younger"
When You Should Play It: If you're trying to get over someone, "Younger" will provide the closure you need.
King Princess - "Pussy is God"
When You Should Play It: The title say it all. Play this one when you want to heat things up.
Chikka - "Songs About You"
When You Should Play It: "Songs About You" was made for gloating. Grab a pair of sunglasses and press play if you want to feel like your best self.
Dua Saleh - "Sugar Mama"
When You Should Play It: If you want to show off your aux skills, play this track. Duah Saleh's unflinching monologue layered over a taunting metronome is sure to impress.
Omar Apollo - "Tamagotchi"
When You Should Play It: With lyrics like "I wan't your body, you want me too," Apollo's "Tamogotchi" will shake things up. Play it at your next party and see what happens.
Orion Sun - "Ne Me Quitte Pas (Don't Leave Me)"
When You Should Play It: You know what's hot? Affection! If you need to show someone how much you care, play them this song. Thank us later.
Fletcher - "Becky's So Hot"
When You Should Play It: What's gayer than wanting to sleep with your ex-girlfriend's new girlfriend? If the feeling strikes, listen to this song and save yourself the trouble.
Kevn Abstract - "Empty"
When You Should Play It: There comes a time in every queer's life when they begin to question everything. If you've reached that phase, listen to "Empty"—and know that everything will be OK.
Avenue Beat - "Woman"
When You Should Play It: If you're wondering what's more beautiful than a woman, allow Avenue Beat to explain.
Christine and the Queens - "To Be Honest"
When You Should Play It: Are you looking for a whispy, nostalgic song that you can also dance to? Congrats, you've hit the jackpot.
Lil Nas X - “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)”
When You Should Play It: Every hour on the hour, if not more. Bonus points for incorporating any pole dancing or lap dances on Satan.
SOPHIE - “Immaterial”
When You Should Play It: There will likely be (and should be!) plenty of SOPHIE tributes in Pride playlists this year. This transcendent track feels especially meaningful, as the hyperpop pioneer sings, “And, no matter where I go, you’ll always be here in my heart.”
Princess Nokia - “Tomboy”
When You Should Play It: When you or any friend feeling like a tomboy wants an introductory walk-up anthem.
Remi Wolf - “Photo ID”
When You Should Play It: When you’re going through your phone-wallet-keys check before heading to the venue. (Seriously, don’t forget your ID.)
Hayley Kiyoko - “Girls Like Girls”
When You Should Play It: When you need a way to “tell the neighbors you’re not sorry if you’re breaking walls down.” Hopefully in, like, a subversive, metaphorical way, though… Not literally.
Steve Lacy — "Like Me"
When You Should Play It: Whenever you want to lament about your pre-coming out angst without spoiling the mood. This grooving track is a celebration of solidarity in queerness and in stanning Steve Lacey. (The song is nine-minutes long, but the transitions are worth it.)
Mitski — "Nobody"
When You Should Play It: Even the queen of yearning needs a bop in her discography, and you need one in your rotation, too. You yearner, you. (Bonus points if you use this one to soothe any single friend sorrows into a desperation dance party.)
Frank Ocean — "Chanel"
When You Should Play It: When you’re looking for an R&B track that keeps up the stamina, “Chanel” is sure to set it off from its opening line.
Rostam — “Bike Dream"
When You Should Play It: When you want to debate whether Rostam’s lyrics are actually an artistic exploration of duality in one’s identity, or just your fantasy love triangle. Hey, all dreams are up for interpretation.
The Psychedelic Furs —"Love My Way"
When You Should Play It: Ideally, at an Italian rave in the 1980s, dancing your heart out while your admirer, Timothée Chalamet, looks on in awe. Otherwise, when you need a New Wave kick to get things weird.
Whitney Houston — “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
When You Should Play It: At the start of the party. No one gets the party started like Whitney.
Lady Gaga — “Born This Way”
When You Should Play It: Anytime, really. If an attendee doesn't at least admit that the Gaga song is a defining Pride song, then you can usher them out of your function.
Elton John — “The Bitch Is Back”
When You Should Play It: "Bitch" is a great throwback. It's also a really great way to troll someone by turning it on when they re-enter a room. DJ'ing is a sport.
Betty Who — “All Things”
When You Should Play It: When someone in the room mentions that they're an ally and loves to watch Queer Eye.
Dolly Parton — “Baby I’m Burnin’”
When You Should Play It: Dolly's short-lived disco period was a strange one, but it produced "Baby I'm Burnin'" which is practically designed to liven up a room.
David Bowie — “Rebel Rebel”
When You Should Play It: When you want to remind everyone that the best of the '70s didn't just belong to disco.
Queen — “Radio Ga Ga”
When You Should Play It: Pull this out when you need to remind the room that one of the best rock bands to exist was fronted by a wildly talented vocalist who happened to be a gay icon.
Kacey Musgraves — “High Horse”
When You Should Play It: Anytime you want a bit of a country influence. "Rainbow" is a bit too slow for a Pride dance jam and "Follow Your Arrow" has been worn out. Give this a try.
Madonna — “Vogue”
When You Should Play It: This is a Pride playlist staple. Play it whenever you want.
Lizzo — “Phone”
When You Should Play It: When you've lost your phone. AKA, the end of the night.
RuPaul — “Sissy That Walk”
When You Should Play It: When the same person who mentioned being an ally announces to the room that they also watch RuPaul's Drag Race.
Carly Rae Jensen — “Julien”
When You Should Play It: Play this when someone is reminded of their ex, but you don't want to bring the room down with those emotions.
Scissor Sisters — “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’”
When You Should Play It: Turn to this one when someone mentions that they wish there were still good glam rock bands putting out music today.
Janelle Monae — “Make Me Feel”
When You Should Play It: Play this when you want to amp up the sex appeal of the party without losing any of the upbeat vibes.
Cher — “If I Could Turn Back Time”
When You Should Play It: Like Madonna, Cher is a Pride playlist staple. Play this at any time.
Trixie Mattel — “Break Your Heart”
When You Should Play It: Set this one up when you want to infuse some country music into the list, but also want to shock half the room when you reveal the singer is actually a drag queen.
Mika — “Grace Kelly”
When You Should Play It: Like the Scissor Sisters, Mika is excellent glam rock. When you're inundated with the same synth pop vibe that's dominating radio right now, set the room up with some Mika.
George Michael — “Freedom! ‘90”
When You Should Play It: Listen. "Freedom! '90" is a nearly seven minute song. That's a lot of auditory real estate, so don't be afraid to play this between two solid jams when you need a come down period.
The Village People — “YMCA”
When You Should Play It: When an unnamed construction worker shows up to your event.
Prince — “Kiss”
When You Should Play It: If a few songs have gone by without a dead ringer, put "Kiss" on. Everyone loves Prince.
Kylie Minogue — “Love at First Sight”
When You Should Play It: Have this at the ready when your token English/Australian attendee grabs their third vodka soda and asks "Where's Kylie?"
Todrick Hall — “Nails, Hair, Hips, Heels”
When You Should Play It: If the party is missing a strong beat, whip this one out. It's also an instruction song, so everyone can get involved. There might be some education needed though.
Dianna Ross - "I’m Coming Out"
When You Should Play It: This song should always have a spot on your Pride playlist. How can you not dance to the tune of Dianna celebrating self-acceptance?
When You Should Play It: This is a newly minted crowd pleaser. If the party hits a lull, whip this out. Everyone wants to scream with Gaga.
Troye Sivan — “Bloom”
When You Should Play It: Google the meaning of the song. That should answer the question.
Tegan and Sara — “Closer”
When You Should Play It: When the night is coming to a close. It's the most upbeat way to start winding the evening down.
