13 Highly Engaging QUEER Songs → Playlist

13 Highly Engaging QUEER Songs features songs by Arca & Planningtorock, Dog Park Dissidents, Louis Dunford, McCafferty, Ryan Cassata, and The Irrepressibles.

Wise words from alternative singer-songwriter Louis Dunford addressed to a friend who experienced some bad things because of his sexuality. Quite a bummer. Dog Park Dissidents have something to say about the word queer: “Not gay as in happy but queer as in fuck you!” Wow! As for The Irrepressibles, their queer 2025 anthem, “What I Am! Queer,” continues to encourage and uplift: “[We stand with] all of the queers who can’t express their truth /…It’s time! Time that we all see / That freedom is for everyone, every color be free.” The common thread between Louis, Dog Park Dissidents, and The Irrepressibles is Q-U-E-E-R, QUEER.

For the most part, 13 Highly Engaging QUEER Songs examines queerness from a sexuality perspective. Sometimes, it’s controversial – looking at you, Ruth Wallis 👀. HOWEVER, there are also a couple of exceptions, including a banger from defunct boy band BROCKHAMPTON, and a ‘90s alternative rock gem from Garbage. Never forget, queer also refers to something odd, strange, or unusual. 13 Highly Engaging QUEER Songs features songs by Arca & Planningtorock, Dog Park Dissidents, Louis Dunford, McCafferty, Ryan Cassata, and The Irrepressibles. So, without further ado, let’s dive into these highly engaging Q-U-E-E-R songs!

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~ Table of Contents ~
1. The Irrepressibles, “What I Am! Queer”	2. McCafferty, “Queerball”	3. Ryan Cassata, “Queer Love Outlaw”
4. Louis Dunford, “Queer”	5. Erica Mason & Jai Black, “Queer Christian”	6. Arca & Planningtorock, “Queer”
7. Lazarus Lynch, “Black Queer Anthem”	8. BROCKHAMPTON, “QUEER”	9. Dog Park Dissidents, “Queer as in Fuck You”
10. Bloodhound Gang, “I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks”	11. Garbage, “Queer”	12. Josie Cotton, “Johnny, Are You Queer?”
13. Ruth Wallis, “Queer Things”

 

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1. The Irrepressibles, “What I Am! Queer”

Yo Homo » Of Naked Design » 2025

Amen! “All of the women fighting against the oppression from men.” Amen! “All of the queers who can’t express their truth.” Amen! And everyone who’s afraid of rejection for being themselves.” And again, I say, amen! Those of us who identify as queer want to live our lives freely, without being accosted, bullied, disrespected, or repressed. The Irrepressibles released the moving “What I Am! Queer”, which celebrates queerness and looks forward to a better, more promising tomorrow. Jamie McDermott says it best himself: “Freedom is for everyone!”

“What I Am! Queer” begins minimally, with McDermott singing authentically, beautifully, and honestly. Supported by bass and finger snaps, Jamie hauntingly recollects a rough and tumble past: “As a teen, I felt alone, no one to understand aloneness that I felt /… We were led to fear all the color in the night!”  Soon enough, he puts that ugly, repressed past behind him, accompanied by a grander soundscape, including chilling background vocals. Embracing his queerness, he sings out and proudly:

“Don’t expect me to apologize!

Who I am is painted in the skies

You think I’m wrong? I know I’m right

But through love, we’ll all make it.”

Jamie and the Irrepressibles are 1000% correct! They tell the truth as they preach about that “life and it’s waiting for you,” and “a time where you won’t feel shame.” Sadly, many don’t see the pain inflicted upon queer individuals. They are stuck in holier-than-thou, narrow-minded ways. But, this song is not about wallowing in pain or sorrow – it’s about living life proudly! Beyond its marvelous vocals and pitch-perfect songwriting, the musical arrangement is EPIC. There are layers of striking rhythmic strings and choral vocals that elevate the musicianship to a whole other level. When all the parts, including string and choral parts, are put together, “What I Am! Queer” is breathtaking. This is an awesome, uplifting song that everybody needs to hear!

Appears in 🔻:

The Irrepressibles, What I Am! Queer: Beaming with Pride No. 66 (2025) Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 5 (2025) Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs (2025) 60 Best Songs of 2025 Am: 5 Gems (2026) An LGBTQIA+ Slang Soundtrack That #Slays (2026)

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2. McCafferty, “Queerball”

“Queerball” » Queerball » 2021

Most of what is said here, I cosign. If he’s cute and hot, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging this.  We all have feelings. That last line, however, gets a big thumbs down. Why? It reeks of homophobia, specifically internalized homophobia.  Yuck! McCafferty delivers a compelling single about football players falling for one another on “Queerball”. The chorus continues, “Cuddle his chest / Kiss on his ear / What will the team think if they know we’re queer.” Again, we had something going here, until homophobia crept in, once again.  Nick Hartkop, the founder, singer, and guitarist, wrote “Queerball.” Jado Styles produced it.  Hartkop approaches the song sort of like an alternative/emo-rap record; it’s unpitched with plenty of rhythmic lyrics.

Throughout “Queerball,” our closeted football players are secretive about their relationship. Why? “Ohio’s homophobic / It’s a small town with conservative views.” McCafferty is not off base.  The state was a swing state politically for years but has settled into its redness over the last couple of election cycles 👎. Nothing about it screams progressive, particularly regarding the LGBTQ+ community. Also, there is still the matter of that girlfriend, too.  That said, she’s not the focal point of the song, so we’ll just mention her in passing.  Our narrator is enamored, physically and emotionally, even if they are forced to fool around in the backseat instead of freely, sans fear of being caught, judged, or outed.  Keeping the same energy as the recurring chorus, he describes his boy as having “Nice eyes with a kind face / And a strong chest / Man, you are beautiful.”  Hot 🥵! As the song progresses, the narrator doesn’t want to hide: “I’m sick of hiding these things that we do in bed / If we just tell them, I bet that they’ll stay our friends.” It is always a risk, and in some places, unfortunately, it’s not safe to come out.  That shouldn’t be the case for anybody, but it’s true. Also, support for queer individuals is not universal, differing from family to family and beyond. All told, McCafferty delivers an ear-catching, thought-provoking alternative record with “Queerball”.  We still don’t think of football as queer, but something tells me there are far more gay or bi football players than Carl Nassib, Michael Sam, or R. K. Russell.

Appears in 🔻:

McCafferty, Queerball: Beaming with Pride No. 40 (2026)

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3. Ryan Cassata, “Queer Love Outlaw”

Greetings from Echo Park » Kill Rock Stars » 2025

As it should, Ryan Cassata. Of course, haters are gonna hate, namely conservatives, homophobes, and narrow-minded folks 😏.  Progressives and open-minded folks have far more fun… tolerance… acceptance… inclusivity… Anyways, despite the myopic yapping by judgmental folks, characterizing Ryan and other nonbinary, queer, and/or trans musicians as ‘unholy,’ ‘Godless love,’ and ‘Something corrupt,’ he embraces being a “Queer Love Outlaw”.  An acoustic version of the song was released in 2021, with the studio version released in 2023. “Queer Love Outlaw” ultimately appears on his 2025 album, Greetings from Echo Park.  With his authentic and sincere singing, and a fantastic backdrop, led by those epic-sounding guitars, “Queer Love Outlaw” rocks 🤘!

In the second verse, Ryan Cassata counters the damned to hell arguments, singing, “I’ve already been.” Amazingly, so many people don’t see that hell endured by queer folks that he speaks of, particularly from the T(s) in LGBTQ+. Furthermore, Ryan speaks of the harsh critiques and words, that ultimately, “This pain has made me wiser, and I swear I’m better.” 👏 👏 👏! In the chorus, he asserts proudly, “I’d rather be a rebel for romance / Than please your beliefs.” Now that deserves a resounding AMEN! HALLELUJAH! Adding to his queer story, Ryan mentions “Scars on my chest,” and the fact that “We shave our head,” both significant parts of the trans experience.  The bridge, excerpted above, perfectly captures pride in the queer experience, instead of doom, damnation, fire and brimstone, and perhaps, most egregious, ultra-conservative, myopic views. Yuck 🤢🤮! The ending is particularly grand, as Cassata beams with pride singing, “Oh, all my friends are outlaws / And all my friends are in love.” Cassata delivered a meaningful, queer-affirming gem with “Queer Love Outlaw”.

Appears in 🔻:

Ryan Cassata, Queer Love Outlaw: Beaming with Pride No. 68 (2025) Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs (2025) A Quirky Collection of Q Songs (2025) Intriguing Songs Fueled by LOVE, Vol. 6 (2026) A Memorable Song From Each Letter of the Alphabet (2026)

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4. Louis Dunford, “Queer”

Be Lucky » Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited » 2025

Sigh, just because someone is creative doesn’t necessarily mean they are queer. English singer-songwriter Louis Dunford commences “Queer” with a bang.  The thought-provoking lyricism is one of many selling points of the fifth track from his 2025 album, Be Lucky. Dunford composed the song, while James Mellor produced it. Of “Queer,” Dunford asserts in an Instagram post:

I’ve thought long and hard about what to say about this tune [“Queer”], but I think the lyrics speak for themself. I can’t listen to this song without feeling like I’m gonna have a panic attack, I doubt I’ll ever sing it again, but I’m glad I wrote it… For my friend, for his bravery, for his nature and for the monster of a father who hated him for it. 

“Queer” features moody piano accompaniment (Dunford), which is fitting given a heavy theme.  Beyond his beautiful work on the keys, Louis delivers expressive, nuanced vocals. His tone is radiant as he conveys the clever, emotional, and again, thought-provoking lyrics. “Your father thinks you’re strange cause you like boys and girls / There’s no room for change in his little world,” Dunford sings in the second verse, and concludes, “And I’ve seen the bruises on your skin, but you say that you’re okay / I’m going to fucking kill him someday.” Being abused because he’s queer? Not cool in the least 😡. It gets worse, after the father discovers a text from a boy the friend Dunford sings about: “You say he nearly killed me today.” Terrible! Beyond the top-notch songwriting, “Queer” is melodious throughout. The crème de la crème is the chorus, where Dunford brings it with his powerful vocals.  In this particular section, you truly buy what he is selling – the authenticity and sincerity are through the roof.

“If I buy a gun, I’ll shoot him through the heart and run

Away from here

With you my dear

There ain’t nothing wrong with being Queer.”

His final lyrics are not only the big takeaway for “Queer”, but also for anybody who identifies as queer: “There ain’t nothing wrong with being queer.”

Appears in 🔻:

Louis Dunford, Queer: Beaming with Pride No. 70 (2026)

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5. Erica Mason & Jai Black, “Queer Christian”

Queer Christian » Erica Mason / RUN Inc. » 2023

rapper Erica Mason reflects in the intro of “Queer Christian”. I concur that that is crazy, but not far-fetched.  Mason adds, “Meanwhile God, you see me the whole time / You know the good, the bad, the ugly and everything in between.” Amen 🙏. On “Queer Christian,” Mason shares the story of self-acceptance of her queer identity, also identifying as a Christian.  In the opening track from her 2023 album, also named Queer Christian, she concludes, “Everybody who loves God and struggles with being queer / Just know you not alone in God, there’s no fear / And no matter what they say, know that God is still here.” That deserves another amen 🙏 despite what the non-queer Christians might say.  Mason taps Jai Black for the assist in this rare, thought-provoking cut that approaches being both queer and Christian.

Accompanied by a warm, gorgeous backdrop, Erica Mason has lots to say. If you have followed a pathway where faith and sexuality conflicted, many of her experiences are relatable.  First and foremost, the ineffective praying the gay away.  Her pastor advised her, “You keep praying, serving God, these feelings will go away.” Of course, that wasn’t the case for Mason, who asserts, “I just learned to  suppress / And bottle up all my shame,” and adds, “Long as you don’t talk about it, we’ll keep handing you this mic / We don’t wanna hear about that struggle keep it private.” In the black church, there are queer parishioners.  However, it’s more of an open secret and don’t ask, don’t tell, as Mason raps about.  Of course, Erica tries to do everything to stop her desire, hoping, “You’ll stop wanting women when you go through some deliverance.” Wrong, wrong, wrong.  Ultimately, after being told what to do and how she’s wrong, Mason realizes she must be true to herself because her suppression didn’t allow her to be free, despite trying everything to free herself from homosexuality.

“But look, suppressing who you are doesn’t mean that you’re free

And a lot of y’all are gay, but you won’t say anything

But yet you quick to tell somebody how they need to be free

And if you never had that struggle

Put your feelings aside

Because the word without love is really nothing but pride.”

Erica’s letter is a powerful one filled with truth, something so many members of the LGBTQ+ community struggle with, particularly those who are Christian or part of some faith.  Beyond a terrific performance by Mason, Jai Black lends his gorgeous vocals in the background and following Mason’s meaningful verses. “We celebrate you ‘cause you are truly amazing,” he sings, and continues, “So, who are we to judge?” Again, amen 🙏. “Queer Christian” is a song that every queer person of faith needs to add to their playlist.  Non-queer Christians should listen, too.

Appears in 🔻:

Erica Mason & Jai Black, Queer Christian: Beaming with Pride No. 74 (2025) A Quirky Collection of Q Songs (2025) 11 Church-Related Songs Not Intended For Church (2026)

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6. Arca & Planningtorock, “Queer”

kick iii » Arca / XL Recordings Ltd. » 2021

Noted, though the English translation might provide clarity: “Oh, I’m already taking away all your pain / Don’t complain when he doesn’t do the same for you, whoa.” Gotcha! Nonbinary and trans Venezuelan, Barcelona-based musician/record producer Arca (Alejandra Ghersi Rodríguez, she/her, they/them pronouns) collaborates with English, Estonia-based nonbinary and trans electronic musician and record producer Planningtorock (Jam Rahuoja Rostron, they/them and he/him pronouns) on “Queer”. “Queer” is the fourth track from Arca’s 2021 album, kick iiii. It was written and produced by Arca and Safety Trance (Cardopusher).

“Queer” is ear-catching from the get-go. That is an understatement. It features a robust, vibrant, and warm sound palette.  Those creative synths hit and truly pop out of the production. So does the beat, providing a firm anchor. Like the excerpted lyrics from earlier, Arca performs the first verse in their native Spanish [English translation]: “Desde que te vi no he visto a nada igual [Since I saw you, I haven’t seen anything like it] / Lo juro que lo único que quiero yo es vibrar [I swear, all I want is to feel the vibe].” Planningtorock performs the chorus in their native English:

“I got tears, but tears of fire

Tears of power, tears of power

I got tears like a queer

Queer power.”

The vocals feature various effects, adding more richness and intrigue to the sound. Arca and Planningtorock both perform the second verse. Arca draws first blood (Spanish), while Planningtorock performs most of it, in English, concluding powerfully, “Queer life, queer fire, shower in power line.” Right on 🌈! Planningtorock also performs the bridge (“Desire for tears”), the chorus, once again, and the outro, where they proclaim, “I will shower, I will shower, I will shower you in tears of fire.” Ultimately, the sleekly produced “Queer” is a powerful queer anthem that acknowledges the hardships experienced by the queer community and overcoming them.

Appears in 🔻:

Arca & Planningtorock, Queer: Beaming with Pride No. 71 (2026)

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7. Lazarus Lynch, “Black Queer Anthem”

“Black Queer Anthem” » Lazarus Lynch » 2021  

Lazarus Lynch is fearless. More people should have the fearlessness and bravery of this self-described black gay artist, intellectual, and activist.  A prime example of his fearlessness is his assertive, bold single, “Black Queer Anthem”.  The title alone is enough to make conservatives, homophobes, and racists cringe in sheer ire.  I’m pretty sure Lynch is like, ‘bring it on.’ “Black Queer Anthem” runs just two minutes and change, but that is ample time for Lynch to share both black and queer pride alike.  Honestly, it is an intriguing listen that latches instantly.  The vocals are distorted intentionally, adding a gritty tone to support Lazarus’ cause – a thoughtful musical, activist move.  Furthermore, the production is anchored by hard, pummeling drums that scream and incite a march for justice.  The groove is enough to feel this track, sparking body movement but also passion. Lyrically, Lynch keeps it repetitive and simple, constructing a surefire vibe, call for action, and empowering the black, queer army.  Hopefully, allies join the cause as well, as Lazarus is preaching good stuff. 

Appears in 🔻:

Awesome Songs: June 2021  13 Q Songs: No Rhyme or Reason (2021)  15 Gay Anthems That Exude Joy (Vol. 1) (2021) 11 Sensational Anthem Songs (2023) Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs (2025)

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8. BROCKHAMPTON, “QUEER”

SATURATION II » QUESTION EVERYTHING, INC. / EMPIRE » 2017

Noted, BROCKHAMPTON, specifically, Kevin Abstract singing alongside the former ‘boy band’s’ frequent associate, Ryan Beatty in the chorus.  The song at hand, “QUEER,” is the second track from the collective’s second studio album, SATURATION II.  While it fits the bill of this queer list because of its queer title, the song is NOT about sexuality, nor is the word ever mentioned.  Go figure! Ameer Vann, Kevin Abstract, Dom McLennon, Merlyn Wood, and Matt Champion composed “QUEER.” Jabari Manwa and Romil Hemnani produced it. The production shines, fueling the band’s fire. A hard-nosed beat and colorful keys/synths allure.  A production switch keeps things engaging.

With the production’s excellence established, it’s time to dive into the bars and see what they’re giving! Matt Champion draws first blood on the first verse. “Skinny boy, skinny boy, where your muscles at? / Used to walk to work, eight hours, take the bus back,” he raps at the beginning, and concludes, “I get in a rut, I feel depressed, I bang on my chest / I say, ‘Fuck ‘em all’ ‘til I’m dead.” Merlyn Wood takes the reins in the second verse, opening with a bang: “First off, fuck Dolce & Gabbana /… Racist mothersuckers tryna be my pana.” Context: slave sandals controversy.  Champion returns for the pre-chorus (“Don’t go runnin’ your mouth”) with ad-libs by Kevin Abstract (“Watch your lip, baby”). Abstract and Beatty perform the chorus, excerpted earlier. Dom McLennon arrives for the first time and performs the third verse. According to him, “I’m everything they fearing / I’m black and smart and sexy, universally appealing / Genius what I’m dealing, something they ain’t stealing.” Word.  Former BROCKHAMPTON member Ameer Vann performs the fourth and final verse, where, “My whole life slowly turned into a daydream,” and “Pretty women always pullin’ at my waistband / Used to get arrest, all I get is checks now.” All told, “QUEER” by BROCKHAMPTON is a B-A-N-G-E-R, BANGER!

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9. Dog Park Dissidents, “Queer as in Fuck You”

The Pink and Black Album » Say-10 Records » 2023

Now that is a banger of a line if I do say so myself 🔥! Released as a single in 2017, the Dog Park Dissidents’ “Queer as in Fuck You” appears as the third track on their 2023 album, The Pink and Black Album. Backtracking, Dog Park Dissidents identify as a queer punk rock band.  How cool is that?! The band comprises Zac Xeper /(hey/they, lead vocals), Jon Greco (he/him, guitar), Joe Bove (he/him, bass), Zeke Xander (they/them, drums), and Skylar Stravinsky (she/they, guitar). Xeper composed this captivating song.

Dog Park Dissidents fully meet the expectations on “Queer as in Fuck You.” I mean, the title speaks for itself. Like many punk songs, it is brief, but jam-packed with angst, f-bombs, and spirit. Making this track more distinct, however, is its perspective through a queer lens. “I don’t want to get married / I don’t want to be just like you / Nobody bothered to ask me / They say I ought to be just like you.” It’s giving heteronormative, and that’s not necessarily the jam for someone who identifies as queer. The distorted guitars pack a mean punch. Zac Xeper, of course, packs the meanest punch, with their incredibly assertive, unapologetic lead vocals. Those vocals are unrefined and rough around the edges, in the spirit of punk rock 🤘! They give us fast-paced, rhythmic lyrics and melodies. “You want to celebrate a gay man on your cable TV / While trans lesbians of color dig the garbage just to eat,” they assert, and continue, “You’ve paved the road for CEOs to suck on some dick / While all the kids on the street are getting pelted with bricks.” Xeper is not wrong in the least.  More unforgettable, meaningful moments occur when they express, “Don’t sell me a rainbow / Your market’s never done shit for me,” and proclaim, “I don’t want to be equal / ‘Cause I know I’m fuckin’ better than you.” Woo! Dog Park Dissidents certainly deliver a big-time, fuck you with  “Queer as in Fuck You” that never grows old.

Appears in 🔻:

Dog Park Dissidents, Queer as in Fuck You: Beaming with Pride No. 72 (2026)

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10. Bloodhound Gang, “I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks”

One Fierce Beer Coaster » Geffen » 1996

Oh, Jimmy Pop 😏! We see what you did there, pooping up the pu pu platter. When it comes to Bloodhound Gang, depth, let alone anything higher level or transcendent, is not the modus operandi. That joke in the intro was shit… literally.  Anyways, the band has always been bold, thriving on dumb humor, being offensive, and shock value.  On their 1996 album, One Fierce Beer Coaster, Jimmy and company dipped their toes into the LGBTQ+ community, specifically the Q as in queer.  That’s right, Mr. Pop asserts in the fourth track from the LP, “I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks”. My, my, my! It shouldn’t come as a shock that Jimmy wrote and produced it.

“I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks” features outlandish lyrics that play on gay stereotypes.  This is where the controversy, or problematic nature of the song, comes into play. The best starting place is the chorus: “Chicks dig guys that are / Queer guys that don’t dig / Chicks that don’t dig guys like me / See, I’m not queer, I’m too ugly.” There is a lot to unpack.  First, the word queer, which the LGBTQ+ community has reclaimed, is not synonymous with gay. In this context, Jimmy Pop seems to think of the terms as interchangeable while queer has more nuance.  But, even if we give Jimmy a pass there, the assertion that all queer/gay guys are beautiful is false.  Yes, many beautiful, fine, gorgeous, and handsome men identify as queer or gay, but, not all men that identify as such are. While I can’t speak from a woman’s perspective, it would also be a stereotype that they desire gay guys, etc. Yes, it happens, but Jimmy is pushing buttons.

Beyond the chorus, Jimmy Pop serves up plenty of intriguing, questionable lyrics.  In the first verse, he has to prove his masculinity, following a kiss from his friend, Jerry, and getting his ass kicked by jarheads. Oh, high school! But, after bro-ing it up, he states his faux-queer intentions 😏… Things get more pseudo homo in the second verse, where he desires queerness to attain a supermodel. See as her GBF, “I’d be a good listener so she’d treat me like a sister and soon I’d become / That trusted friend that cares that rubs her back and braids her hair / No, it wouldn’t take a week before I’m in her underwear.” Damn, Jimmy! It doesn’t end there, either. Matters of the peen enter the picture… Jimmy makes it clear, “The only smoked meat, the only sausage I would eat is made by Jimmy Dean / See, I’m not too keen on the smell of Vaseline.” Vaseline as lube for anal sex… yikes! WE LISTEN AND WE DO JUDGE, JIMMY! Besides that, we get the male hairdresser stereotype, as well as wearing mom’s lingerie, a love of Broadway, Depeche Mode, and ballet. But, confirming he’s not queer, once again, “And I don’t shave my heiny…” Ultimately, “I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks” is best taken with a grain of salt. Is it ultra-controversial? No.  Is it problematic? Yes, though I don’t believe Jimmy Pop or Bloodhound Gang meant any harm. Being brash and saying off-the-wall, out of pocket things is what they have done throughout their career.  But, it is important that beyond the enthusiastic instrumental with its filthy, driving guitars, and the wacky lyrics sung by Jimmy Pop that stereotypes are misleading.

Appears in 🔻:

Bloodhound Gang, I Wish I Was Queer So I Could Get Chicks: Controversial Songs No. 23 (2025) 11 Captivating & Compelling COULD Songs (2026) 13 Utterly Superb SO Songs (2026)

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11. Garbage, “Queer”

Garbage » Almo Sounds Inc. » 1995

So, “Queer” by the rock band Garbage (Shirley Manson 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿, Duke Erikson, Steve Marker, and Butch Vig 🇺🇸) is giving rainbows 🌈, right? Wrong! Queer in the context of the song is NOT referencing the LGBTQ+ community but rather “differing in some way from what is usual or normal: odd, strange, weird”. Merriam-Webster Dictionary also defines queer as eccentric and unconventional. “Queer” is the second track from the band’s 1995 multi-platinum self-titled album. Garbage composed and produced “Queer.” Interestingly, the song samples the drums from Single Gun Theory (“Man of Straw”) and Gang Starr featuring Lil’ Dap and Jeru the Damaja (“I’m the Man”).

Early on, “Queer” depicts the beginning of an encounter with a sex worker.  “Hey boy, take a look at me / Let me dirty up your mind,” Shirley Manson sings, and continues, “I’ll strip away your hard veneer / And see what I can find.” Oh, snap! The boy resists her seductions, which is off-putting and upsetting to her, who can convince every man to have sex with her.  In the centerpiece, the chorus, excerpted earlier, she describes him as awkward, dumb, nothing special, strange, and unusual.

“I hate to see you here

You choke behind a smile

A fake behind the fear

The queerest of the queer.”

The second verse is more twisted, as the boy’s father, who hired her, apparently had sex with her before: “You’ll learn to love the pain you feel / Like father, like son.” Yikes! In the bridge, Manson continues to encourage the boy to touch her, unsuccessfully.  Examining the song alone, it’s unclear if he actually indulges.  In the music video, she is a successful seductress, signified by the ‘queer’ individual’s leaping and skipping around in the aftermath.  Ultimately, “Queer” is an awesome alternative rock classic from the 1990s. Shirley Manson gives a fabulous vocal performance, oozing with personality yet never over-singing or ‘doing too much.’  The music is satisfying to the ears with the kick-ass groove, riffs, and a super cool, temporary modulation during the bridge.  Well-rounded through and through, this song is clearly unforgettable.

Appears in 🔻:

Garbage, Queer: Throwback Vibez No. 85 (2026)

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12. Josie Cotton, “Johnny, Are You Queer?”

Convertible Music » Kitten Robot » 1982

Hmm, what is your point, Josie Cotton? How do you know that the boys are gay, and what is wrong with Johnny hanging out with them? It’s giving homophobia, girl, depending on who you ask. “Now you hurt me so / Now I gotta know / Johnny, are you queer?” Oh, boy! It should come as no surprise why “Johnny, Are You Queer?” is controversial.  The eyebrow-raising pop/ New Wave song appears on Cotton’s 1982 debut album, Convertible Music. Larson Paine and Robert Paine penned this sus classic. It was first recorded by the Go-Go’s [hear the live recording here], but Cotton was the first to release it. To provide even more context as to why Josie asks about Johnny’s sexuality: “When the lights are low / You never hold me close.”

Songs about sexuality lend themselves to controversy. Such songs can be more controversial when there is a lack or perceived lack of nuance.  That is the problem with “Johnny, Are you Queer.” Musically, this is a bop and a half! The driving instrumental ‘kicks ass and takes names.’ Cotton’s vocal performance is playful, and she brings plenty of attitude.  But the lyrics are problematic.  If Johnny is in a ‘committed’ relationship with Josie (or her character) and is not being open about his sexuality, he is wrong. However, the way that she judges him assumes his friends are gay and tries to force a romance that is a non-starter, that is nothing short of a hot mess.  I mean, if he is gay, it is unlikely he will embrace a relationship with you… Interestingly, gays and conservatives cried foul about this song. The gays thought she was homophobic. Conservatives thought she was promoting homosexuality. Go figure! Sadly, per RETROPOP, the song was used in conversion therapy. Yikes.  Ultimately, while “Johnny, Are You Queer” is problematic lyrically, it is a song that should be taken with a grain of salt. It gives a heaping dose of camp.

Appears in 🔻:

Josie Cotton, Johnny, Are You Queer?: Controversial Songs No. 12 (2025) 13 Songs Where YOU Are the Focus, Vol. 3 (2025) 13 Songs That Feature Names, Vol. 6  (2025) 15 Captivating Songs That Ask a Question (2025) Jam Out To This Jampacked List of J Songs (2025) 11 Thrilling ARE Songs, Part 3 (2025)

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13. Ruth Wallis, “Queer Things”

Boobs » Ruth Wallis » 1998

👀 So, in the song “Queer Things”, novelty/cabaret singer Ruth Wallis (Ruth Shirley Wohl, 1920 – 2007) married a queer man? Apparently. “Oh no / Say it cannot be / Queer things are happening to me.” Queer, huh? Backtracking, the dead giveaway from the first set of lyrics excerpted is pansy, which is a derogatory, homophobic slur.  Though, like other slurs, pansy is being reappropriated by some members of the LGBTQ+ community. “Queer Things” was recorded by Wallis around 1953.  It appears as the opener from her 1998 greatest hits album, Boobs.  What a title, right?

“Queer Things” is something else. How you perceive the song depends on who you are. While I advise taking it with a grain of salt, that won’t be everybody’s take, regardless of how they identify sexually. Even if you take Wallis’ song with a grain of salt, the controversy is undeniable. “A boy is supposed to be a boy,” for example, suggests boys are a monolith and expected to act a certain way. It’s an old-fashioned, stereotypical perspective regarding gender roles.  Wallis goes on to cry foul and/or poke fun about the fact “He still wears those pink chemise.” While that could still be considered taboo in the 2020s, particularly by the most heterosexual cis men, isn’t that the man’s choice to wear what he wants, despite what society may think? What would Wallis make of men wearing crop tops? There is even more queerness per Ruth.  He uses her curlers, has lipstick on his tie, but not because of another woman – “so it must be a guy.” This, of course is a tragedy – “Que’lle tragédie.” Wallis says plenty of other questionable things, including “His name is Chris it ought to be Christine,” “He’s never been to Gay Paris / But he’s as gay as he can be,” “His friends are sweet, they’re queer as Band / They’re turning my home into a fairy land,” “They knew he liked the best man better than the bride,” and capping things off with, “But the both of us / Have gotta get a man.” Wow.  So, what does one make of Ruth Wallis’ “Queer Things”? Polarizing, perhaps even more so with the cutesy way she sings it.  Something else, indeed!

Appears in 🔻:

Ruth Wallis, Queer Things: Throwback Vibez No 86 (2026)

 

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13 Highly Engaging QUEER Songs (2026) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Almo Sounds Inc., Arca, EMPIRE, Geffen, Kill Rock Stars, Kitten Robot, Lazarus Lynch, Of Naked Design, Queerball, QUESTION EVERYTHING, INC., Say-10 Records, Sony Music Entertainment UK Limited, XL Recordings Ltd.; Alex wolf mx, Antoni Shkraba, Bruno Dias, Gerardo Manzano, Mateus Rodrigues, PC MATTI, Polina Tankilevitch, RDNE Stock project from Pexels; Gordon Johnson from Pixabay; Aaron Barrera, Dustin Chu from Unsplash]

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