While there’s definitely plenty of heterosexual singers who write lyrics about LGBT issues – Mackelmore and Taylor Swift, to name a few – there’s something that doesn’t feel complete with me when I listen to their songs. Yes, I’m so grateful for their support and endorsement of LGBT people, but sometimes, it’s nice to hear from people who actually go through the things that you do being part of the LGBT community.
Love between two girls is different than love between a boy and a girl, or a boy and a boy, etc. Having representation for different kinds of relationships is crucial in music because it’s so important that everyone can have a song or artist they can relate to or feel a connection to in regards to crushes, hookups, love and breakups.
Below are a few artists I’ve found recently who themselves are part of the LGBT community, and who use their music to represent it and provide people with songs that aren’t 100% heteronormative. It’s not a conclusive list, but if you look these people up and check out the suggestions by their videos, you’ll no doubt delve into the magical world of LGBT YouTube. Enjoy!
1. Hayley Kiyoko
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheHayleyKiyokoVEVO
Known for her roles in Disney’s “Lemonade Mouth” as well as portraying Velma in “Scooby Doo,” Hayley Kiyoko is an openly fluid singer who does not discriminate in terms of gender when looking for love. Her songs like “Girls Like Girls” and “Sleepover,” a recent release, feature female couples and storylines relevant to LGBT love. Her music is upbeat, relaxing and fun, and is well worth a listen regardless of your sexual orientation.
2. Troye Sivan
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TroyesivanMusicVEVO
While he started out as a small cover singer on YouTube, Troye Sivan has quickly gained speed in the music industry as an openly gay artist with songs that make you want to dance, cry, reminisce and feel all sorts of emotions. His music videos often feature storylines of gay love, and he is a major activist for the LGBT community, especially with his new music video for the song “Heaven,” which honors the lives of the past and present of the community. His music will make your heart happy while also making you feel pretty hip, because a lot of it isn’t on mainstream radio yet. He’s definitely worth checking out, and he also makes non-music videos on his personal channel if you’re into that too!
3. Kehlani Parrish
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kehlanimusic
Kehlani Parrish is an openly bisexual artist who got her start on “America’s Got Talent” as part of a teen group called Poplyfe. Though they made it to the finals, the group did not win and Kehlani went on to work on her own career after that. Her mixtapes “Cloud 19” and “You Should Be Here” have both set her apart from other artists, as her sound is unique, new and original – and her music is just downright awesome. She was even nominated for a Grammy for “You Should Be Here,” which is rare because it wasn’t even a full album. Her debut album is called “SweetSexySavage,” and it’s more than fantastic. Kehlani doesn’t dodge any questions about her sexuality. She’s entirely up front and wants to be transparent in terms of who she loves. She’s definitely an artist to watch.
4. Skylar Kergil
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9vjbUYeAVYn0THfahxSltg
Though he’s a little bit smaller than the others on this list, Skylar Kergil’s music is not to go unnoticed. Skylar is an openly trans man who makes videos on his transition, covers, and on LGBT issues. His music is on Spotify and iTunes, and it’s describable as quaint, acoustic, and just straight up fun. In addition to making music, he also sells paintings and merchandise on his personal website. Skylar recently took a new job in order to have more time to focus on his creative career, so look forward to new music and a memoir from him in the near future!