Reading Time: 21 min read

Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs (2025) [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Kampus Production, Pavel Danilyuk, Polina Tankilevitch, RDNE Stock project, SHVETS production from Pexels; AcatXIo, All_CC0_Public_domain, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay; Alexander Grey, Jas Rolyn on Unsplash, Lynette Nantongo on Unsplash]Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs features songs by Cole Redding, Domo Wilson, Gia Woods, Ryan Cassata, RYANN, and The Irrepressibles.ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 

Inclusivity > exclusivity.ย  Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way ๐Ÿ‘Ž.ย  Some people agree with hurting particular groups in society (*cough, Republicans), particularly the LGBTQ+ community. As I have, and always will, preach, LGBTQ+ musicians have a safe space on my inclusive music blog/website. To celebrate the community Iโ€™m passionate about, I have compiled a playlist based on the extended acronym, LGBTQIA2S+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic, Two Spirit, etc.).

LGBTQIA2S+ is a lengthy acronym that covers a lot of ground. Unfortunately, not every letter gets the same coverage.ย  Some of the letters only have a few songs to represent them (looking at you, asexual and Two Spirit), which is a bummer.ย  But, Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs has a little something for everybody within the community. Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs features songs by Cole Redding, Domo Wilson, Gia Woods, Ryan Cassata, RYANN, and The Irrepressibles. ย So, without further ado, get your Pride flags ready to wave along with Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs!


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1. Gia Woods, โ€œLesbionicโ€ 2. Cole Redding, โ€œGay Americanaโ€ 3. Domo Wilson, โ€œBisexual Anthemโ€
4. Evan Greer & Ryan Cassata, โ€œProtect Trans Kids (WTFIWWY)โ€ 5. Lazarus Lynch, โ€œBlack Queer Anthemโ€ 6. Leith Ross, โ€œWeโ€™ll Never Have Sexโ€
7. TONY ENOS, โ€œTwo Spiritโ€ 8. Criko eโ€™ Malta, โ€œLESBIAN AND WEIRD BUT SLAY โ€“ Interludeโ€ (Ft. Big Pussy, Emily Montes & Lovely Peaches) 9. RYANN, โ€œGay Strugglesโ€
10. Mad Tsai, โ€œBoy Biโ€ 11. Against Me, โ€œTransgender Dysphoria Bluesโ€ 12. Ryan Cassata, โ€œQueer Love Outlawโ€
13. Okay Kaya, โ€œAsexual Wellbeingโ€ 14. Eli, โ€œGAY MANโ€ 15. The Irrepressibles, โ€œWhat I Am! Queerโ€

 


1. Gia Woods, โ€œLesbionicโ€

Heartbreak County, Vol. 2ย  (EP) ยป Elle ยป 2022

Gia Woods, Heartbreak County, Vol. 2 (EP) [๐Ÿ“ท: Elle]

โ€œMy lips ๐Ÿ’‹, my body, my hips, so naughty / You stare ๐Ÿ‘€, you want it, youโ€™re there, so watch me.โ€
Oh, snap, Gia Woods! The Los Angeles-based ๐Ÿ“ Persian American pop musician continues, โ€œHey girls, no fighting, no kiss, just biting / Itโ€™s not iconic, itโ€™s Lะตsbionic.โ€ Woo! If the lyrics and the song title, โ€œLesbionicโ€, didnโ€™t give it away, yes, Woods is a proud lesbian ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โค๏ธโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉ. She makes it loud and clear on the hella energetic, fun, and infectious โ€œLesbionic, le-le-lesbionic, les!โ€ โ€œLesbionicโ€ is the fourth track from her 2022 EP, Heartbreak County, Vol. 2. She co-wrote the track with Alexandra Veltri, Dallas Caton, and Miles Comaskey, while Jawn Legend and Dallas Caton produced it.

Gia Woods, Lesbionic [๐Ÿ“ท: Elle]The production is sleek. This is the expectation for a gay, dance-club track. Anything else would be utterly unacceptable! The beat thumps, the bass pumps, and the synths sizzle. Woo! A high-energy Woods exhibits attitude and personality, selling those lesbionic ways like a champ! In the verse, she drops a few Italian ๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น bars. Roughly translated, Woods asks, โ€œOoh, you wanna fuck? / No ๐Ÿšซ boys, come party /Drink Campari.โ€ Oh, snap ๐Ÿซฐ! Sex, no boys โ€“ itโ€™s giving L-E-S-B-I-O-N-I-C! In the bridge, Woods continues to celebrate the lesbians, singing, โ€œAll around the world, all the girls, so fantastic / Maybe you canโ€™t tell by my nails Iโ€™m a sapphic.โ€ Word. Itโ€™s giving Sappho of Lesbos! The sapphic reference fits, particularly with Greece ๐Ÿ“ and Lesbos ๐Ÿ“ being referenced in the verse (โ€œNamo a Grecia / Lesbos, you betchaโ€). No boys may be allowed, but everybody in the LGBTQ+ community (+ the heteros, too) can vibe to this surefire bop! โ€œLesbionicโ€ slays ๐Ÿ’…!

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2. Cole Redding, โ€œGay Americanaโ€

โ€œGay Americanaโ€ ยป Cole Redding ยป 2024ย 

Cole Redding, Gay Americana [๐Ÿ“ท: Cole Redding]

โ€œShy boy with too many secrets / I know what itโ€™s like to be him.โ€
In an Instagram post, Cole Redding describes โ€œGay Americanaโ€ as the song he wished he had growing up gay. In an earlier IG post, promoting the song, he captions the cover art as โ€œMY WHOLE HEART. The scared, shy, self-hating 13-year-old me is real proud.โ€ The handsome, talented pop musician released an authentic and moving anthem. He penned โ€œGay Americanaโ€ with Stephan Santa Teresa and Rachel Kennedy. โ€œGay Americanaโ€ thrives for many reasons with songwriting and inclusivity topping the list.ย  Redding advises this gay young man, โ€œPromise it wonโ€™t make the world end / If you say you donโ€™t want a girlfriend.โ€ย  This is one example of the freedom exhibited by the songwriting.ย  Donโ€™t box yourself into the heteronormative world โ€“ be who you want to be and live true. In โ€œGay Americana,โ€ โ€œYou can be anything you wanna.โ€ Redding offers up so many meaningful, inclusive thoughts, including:

โ€œPut the stars and stripes

On a rainbow flag ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ

And weโ€™ll fight for love

Cause itโ€™s all we have

We were born this way

And they canโ€™t change that

No, we wonโ€™t go back.โ€

Beyond the songwriting and theme, the musicianship is turned up. Redding sings beautifully and easily on this uplifting pop joint.ย  Heโ€™s authentic, selling the text superbly. The melodies are tuneful, particularly when he celebrates gay Americana in all its liberating glory. The instrumental is fire, incorporating the sheen of modern pop with some classic music cues.ย  โ€œGay Americanaโ€ is a great addition to any Pride ๐Ÿณ๏ธโ€๐ŸŒˆ list. Itโ€™s also an inclusive pop song that everybody needs to hear.

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3. Domo Wilson, โ€œBisexual Anthemโ€

Chapter 25: Dominique ยป Domo Wilson ยป 2019

Domo Wilson, Chapter 25: Domonique [๐Ÿ“ท: Domo Wilson]

โ€œI like girls, I like guys / I like to eat the pussy then again I like to ride,โ€
ย Domo Wilson raps in the pre-chorus of her โ€œBisexual Anthemโ€. She continues, proudly (and bisexually), โ€œYeah, I love kissing on girls and then I put the dick inside / Iโ€™m bisexual, bitch, and I ainโ€™t got nothing to hide.โ€ Facts, Domo! Continue to be a proud bisexual! โ€œBisexual Anthemโ€ appears on her 2019 album, Chapter 25: Dominique, and concludes her 2020 album, Domo vs Domonique.

The pre-chorus whetted our palettes. In the chorus, the centerpiece, Domo continues to embrace her bi-ness in the face of bi-erasure!ย 

โ€œโ€ฆBetter not forget the B in LGBT

And yโ€™all like to say we selfish, yeah, yโ€™all say we like to cheat

But I don’t date both at the same time, haters, have a seat

I like girls, oh my Gosh, big booty, big tits

I like guys too though, super sexy, big dickโ€ฆโ€

For whatever reason, it is hard for folks to comprehend that a person, man or woman, can be attracted to both.ย  Domo Wilson does a fine job of breaking down her preferences bluntly.ย  In the first verse, she spits, โ€œIf I wanna date a girl and we donโ€™t work out, then itโ€™s cool / Sexuality is fluid, itโ€™s okay to date a dude / And if I date a fuckinโ€™ guy and we break up / Itโ€™s okay to date a pretty girl, ainโ€™t no fake love.โ€ The second verse brings more of the same, with spelling! โ€œB-I to the S-E-X-U-A / Itโ€™s a L if you hating on me, bitch, I slay ๐Ÿ’… / No, I am not gay, and no, I am not straight / Iโ€™m the B in this bitch, bi pride all day.โ€ Backed by sleek, minor key, synth-driven musical accompaniment, Domo eats on โ€œBisexual Anthemโ€ and leaves no crumbs! Also, worth noting, Wilson unleashed โ€œBi Prideโ€ on Domo vs Domonique, too!

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4. Evan Greer & Ryan Cassata, โ€œProtect Trans Kids (WTFIWWY)โ€

โ€œProtect Trans Kids (WTFIWWY)โ€ ยป Get Better ยป 2025

Evan Greer & Ryan Cassata, Protect Trans Kids (WTFIWWY) [๐Ÿ“ท: Get Better]

โ€œTransgender people under the age of 18 face laws that ban gender-affirming care / In 25 states, half the country / Just a few years ago, not a single state had such a law.โ€
Evan Greerย  (she/her/they/them) and Ryan Cassata (he/him) do their damnedest to be a voice for trans kids on โ€œProtect Trans Kids (WTFIWWY)โ€. As the spoken word intro informs, the legislation working against trans kids is alarming.ย  It feels like they are being โ€˜piled onโ€™ and persecuted.ย  Greer and Cassata are having none of the trans kid hate on this sub-minute-and-a-half-long call to action.ย  They, along with so many of us, want to know, what the fuck is wrong with you?

The chorus, the most important section of โ€œProtect Trans Kids,โ€ is simple but highly effective.ย  โ€œLeave them alone, leave them alone / What the fuck is wrong with you?โ€ Why bother them or restrict access to gender-affirming care? Why is that the governmentโ€™s call? In the verse, trans kids deserve rights, too! Some of the highlights of the only verse include โ€œLet โ€˜em play sports,โ€ one of the hot-button issues, and โ€œLet them take a fucking piss / Without you all up in their fucking business.โ€ Trans bathroom bills and the debate about gender-neutral bathrooms have long riled up conservatives and more narrow-minded folks.ย  Anything that involves trans kids at school seems to create a stir, which is not fair to the child.ย  In the outro, more relevant points are made. โ€œCan transgender kids just live?โ€ The answer should be a resounding hell yes, but the journey seems to be getting more difficult instead of easier.ย  Also, we seem to forget, โ€œTheyโ€™re just fucking kids.โ€ Yep, by all means. On the noisy, punk-driven โ€œProtect Trans Kids (WTFIWWY)โ€, Evan Greer and Ryan Cassata preach to the choir โ€“ PROTECT THEM! The next step is moving the needle โ€“ getting to a place where trans kids are treated with dignity and respect, not scrutiny.

ย 

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5. Lazarus Lynch, โ€œBlack Queer Anthemโ€

โ€œBlack Queer Anthemโ€ ยป Lazarus Lynch ยป 2021โ€ฏ

Lazarus Lynch, "Queer Black Anthem" [๐Ÿ“ท: Lazarus Lynch]Lazarus Lynch is fearless. More people should have the fearlessness and bravery of this self-described black gay artist, intellectual, and activist.โ€ฏ A prime example of his fearlessness is his assertive, bold single, โ€œBlack Queer Anthemโ€.โ€ฏ The title alone is enough to make conservatives, homophobes, and racists cringe in sheer ire.โ€ฏ Iโ€™m pretty sure Lynch is like, โ€˜bring it on.โ€™โ€ฏโ€œBlack Queer Anthemโ€ runs just two minutes and change, but that is ample time for Lynch to share both black and queer pride alike.โ€ฏ Honestly, it is an intriguing listen that latches instantly.โ€ฏ The vocals are distorted intentionally, adding a gritty tone to support Lazarusโ€™ cause โ€“ a thoughtful musical, activist move.โ€ฏ Furthermore, the production is anchored by hard, pummeling drums that scream and incite a march for justice.โ€ฏ 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.โ€ฏ Hopefully, allies join the cause as well, as Lazarus is preaching good stuff.โ€ฏโ€ฏโ€ฏย โ€ฏย 

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6. Leith Ross, โ€œWeโ€™ll Never Have Sexโ€

โ€œWeโ€™ll Never Have Sexโ€ ยป Republic ยป 2022
โ€œOh, you kissed me just to kiss me / Not too make me cry.โ€
With a song title like โ€œWeโ€™ll Never Have Sex,โ€ our minds are programmed to think that there is an unquenched thirst that will remain unquenched.โ€ฏ Honestly, thatโ€™s not the case in the least.โ€ฏ If anything, Canadian singer/songwriterย Leith Ross is more fulfilled than ever.โ€ฏ They are more fulfilled thanks to a legitimate, healthy relationship thatโ€™s not built on sex.โ€ฏ โ€œWeโ€™ll Never Have Sexโ€ might sound like itโ€™s going to be negative before listening to it, but check out the lyrics and listen, and the reward is far greater than the perceived lack of pleasure.โ€ฏโ€ฏLeith Ross has found healing on this short but potent ballad. Their new lover is authentic, something thatโ€™s been missing in the past.โ€ฏ โ€œDepollute me, pretty baby / Suck the rot right out of my bloodstream,โ€ Ross sings in the first verse.โ€ฏ In the second, Ross addresses the lack of sex, highlighting how authentic and real this person is: โ€œIf I said you could never touch me / Youโ€™d come over and say I looked lovely.โ€ Thatโ€™s awesome!โ€ฏ In the final verse, Ross invites them to โ€œCome and kiss me, pretty baby / Like weโ€™ll never have sex.โ€ The song is incredibly sweet, thoughtful to the nth degree.โ€ฏโ€ฏIt encompasses asexuality, queerness, queer relationships, and healing from trauma.

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7. Tony Enos, โ€œTwo Spiritโ€

10 ยป Anthony R Enos III ยป 2019

Tony Enos, 10 [๐Ÿ“ท: Anthony R Enos III]

โ€œDonโ€™t let the things that they say get to you.โ€
Amen!ย  To reiterate, LGBTQIA2S+ is a lengthy acronym.ย  It covers a lot of ground, too.ย  Musically, some letters receive more attention than others, particularly the L and the G. The 2S, which stands for Two Spirit, is much more difficult to find a soundtrack for, unfortunately. However, gay, Two Spirit, Native American (Cherokee) musician, Tony Enos (he/him), composed and recorded the song, โ€œTwo Spiritโ€, and accompanying music video that celebrates Two Spirit ancestors, present Two Spirit leaders, and future Two Spirit leaders. Describing his song, Enos adds, Itโ€™s โ€˜a song for the movement, welcoming Two Spirits from all Nations back into the sacred hoop.โ€™

โ€œTwo Spiritโ€ sounds celebratory, enthusiastic, and exuberant from the beginning. Itโ€™s anchored by an awesome percussive groove, drum programming, and bright, danceable synths. Liberated, the instrumental, as well as Enosโ€™ vocals, reflect such.ย  The vibes are positive and uplifting โ€“ no sadness or depression to be found here! โ€œListen up, ancients / Itโ€™s a new day,โ€ Enos sings proudly, continuing, โ€œLove is here to stay / And thereโ€™s no room for hate.โ€ I co-sign that! Adding to the relentless positivity, Enos highlights, โ€œTwo spirits / With one heart / One Loveโ€ฆ / Weโ€™re all different, but the same,โ€ and caps it off with the celebratory, โ€œCelebrate me / Celebrate you.โ€ ๐Ÿ’ช. A dynamic song released on National Coming Out Day 2015, appearing on Enosโ€™ 2019 album, 10, โ€œTwo Spiritโ€ is a must-hear anthem that celebrates members of the Two Spirit community and sincerely preaches inclusivity and love.

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8. Criko eโ€™ Malta, โ€œLESBIAN AND WEIRD BUT SLAY โ€“ Interludeโ€ (Ft. Big Pussy, Emily Montes & Lovely Peaches)

CHOCHA PODRIDA ยป Flow Teta ยป 2025

Criko eโ€™ Malta, CHOCHA PODRIDA [๐Ÿ“ท: Flow Teta]Puerto Rico-based artist Criko eโ€™ Malta brings uniqueness to this Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs playlist.ย  The song, โ€œLESBIAN AND WEIRD BUT SLAY โ€“ Interlude,โ€ runs under two minutes in duration. Although brief, that is a sufficient amount of time for Criko eโ€™ Malta, Big Pussy, Emily Montes, and Lovely Peaches to engage in a one-of-a-kind, pro-lesbian listening experience. The electro-tinged production is striking, with distinct keys and synths, and anchored by a hard-hitting beat.ย  As ear-catching as the instrumental is, the vocals, filled with effects, and lyrics stand out the most. So, what specific lesbian experience is captured in โ€œLESBIAN AND WEIRD BUT SLAY โ€“ Interlude?โ€ Sucking pussy (cunnilingus). ๐Ÿ‘€ Yes, you read correctly ๐Ÿ˜.ย  A prime example of this sexual experience: โ€œI donโ€™t know / How life would go / If Criko didnโ€™t suck my pussy / Cause it feels so good / To be sucked by a girl.โ€ Noted. ย Uniquely, Grimes and Elon Musk, who previously dated and have three children, are mentioned:

โ€œI left Elon for you, baby

And I wonโ€™t get you pregnant, I swear, baby

Your pussy will be intact

โ€ฆI donโ€™t have a breeding kink like Elon

And I wanna take care of you

Cuz I like fucking weird things and youโ€™re weird.โ€

The non-pregnancy should be obviousโ€ฆ Also, as described by the lyrics, Grimes is weird, which is a huge part of her appeal. ย But, there you have it! โ€œLESBIAN AND WEIRD BUT SLAY โ€“ Interludeโ€ is a surefire vibe!

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9. RYANN, โ€œGay Strugglesโ€

โ€œGay Strugglesโ€ ยป RYANN ยป 2024

RYANN, Gay Struggles [๐Ÿ“ท: RYANN]

โ€œI want to live in a town filled with Troye and Olivia fans / โ€˜Cause Iโ€™m afraid to hold my boyfriendโ€™s hand when I go on the streets.โ€
Fear is a terrible thing.ย  Unfortunately, it is part of the struggles that Dutch queer pop singer/songwriter RYANN (Ryan Adriaens) sings about in โ€œGay Strugglesโ€.ย  He adds that he doesnโ€™t want to get too close to male friends because they may think he has a crush on them.ย  The internalized homophobia is pronounced, making โ€œGay Strugglesโ€ a heavy but relatable listen. Adriaens has settled for less when he shouldnโ€™t have to.ย  Heโ€™s grateful to love a boy, but he still feels trapped as a gay male.

โ€œThese struggles shouldnโ€™t exist

All my life I was trained to kill the person that I was born to be

I donโ€™t allow myself to have some fun โ€˜cause I donโ€™t even know what I, what I truly want.โ€

Sad, but true for many LGBTQ+ individuals.ย  Being able to love the same sex is a win, but, the perks that heterosexual couples have arenโ€™t always afforded to queer couples. Straight men can move differently than gay men. Beyond the chorus, which RYANN sings exquisitely, he offers more struggles.ย  The fear of wearing an earring.ย  Worrying what others, including friends, think.ย  He wants to live out and proud, but itโ€™s hard not to worry โ€œabout what other people thinkโ€ฆ when all I see are couples on the news getting punished for who they really are.โ€ย  It should be fine to kiss his boyfriend in the street but, โ€œI feel like Iโ€™m not allowed.โ€ โ€œGay Strugglesโ€ is a beautiful, moving pop ballad by RYANN.ย  This is a song not only for the LGBTQ+ community but for everyone.ย  No one should be persecuted or treated badly just because of who they love or living true to themselves.ย  This youngster from The Netherlands with an incredible voice outdid himself on this song.ย  Bravo!

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10. Mad Tsai, โ€œBoy Biโ€

homecoming! (EP) ยป Mad Tsai ยป 2022

Mad Tsai, Homecoming (EP) [๐Ÿ“ท: Mad Tsai]

โ€œSo, do you like girls or do you like boys?โ€
Believe it or not, not everybody in the world is straight โ€“ mind blowing ๐Ÿคฏ isnโ€™t it? Perhaps if you are hypermasculine, or obviously, date plenty of girls, you can eschew questions regarding sexuality (โ€œIโ€™m too gay for girls, too straight for drag queensโ€). Speaking from experience, if you donโ€™t fit the mold, people want to know. Anyways, Mad Tsai addresses his sexuality on the cleverly titled โ€œBoy Biโ€, which was released as a single in 2020.ย  Ultimately, it appears on Tsaiโ€™s 2022 EP, homecoming!.ย  Following the intro where he is asked about sexual preference, Tsai proceeds to open up about his identity.

โ€œWhen my friends ask me โ€˜bout my sexuality / I choke up and joke that the answers not easy,โ€
he asserts in the first verse, adding, โ€œLike Iโ€™m watching a Disney movie and the couple gets it on / but who should I look at, is it Shang or Mulan.โ€ Clearly, Tsai acknowledges being a boy that is bi, hence the title.ย  In the chorus, he playfully confirms, โ€œLike boy bi / Girl, hi / New guy / Iโ€™m bi? / I cray every time / I try to decide.โ€ Give Mad Tsai credit for his transparency regarding bisexuality.ย  Mad Tsai, Boy Bi [๐Ÿ“ท: Mad Tsai]The second verse find him being even more vulnerable, asserting, that โ€œIโ€™m bi just without the sexual / Iโ€™m too scared to date so Iโ€™ve just been by myself.โ€ Aww ๐Ÿ˜ข. Identity issues run deeper than just bare bones sexual identity as one can feel like they donโ€™t even fit within the group theyโ€™re supposed to.ย  Tsai says it best when he states that โ€œLove can be so hard / For someone who doesnโ€™t know what they want.โ€ Although it is a short record, โ€œBoy Biโ€ is a fun, sweet, and thoughtful pop single.ย  Mad Tsai sings well and comes off incredibly authentic.

ย 

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11. Against Me, โ€œTransgender Dysphoria Bluesโ€

Transgender Dysphoria Blues ยป Total Treble ยป 2014

Against Me!, Transgender Dysphoria Blues [๐Ÿ“ท: Total Treble]

โ€œYou want them to see you / Like they see every other girl / They just see a faggot / They hold their breath not to catch the sick.โ€
That is a personal, powerful set of lyrics Laura Jane Grace [she/her] sings in the pre-chorus of โ€œTransgender Dysphoria Bluesโ€. In those lyrics, Grace paints a portrait of how sheโ€™s viewed as a transgender โšง๏ธ woman.ย  Often, when people donโ€™t agree or understand something, they are quick to cry foul and condemn it, which is unfortunate.ย  Notably, the frontwoman of Against Me! came out publicly as trans in 2012.ย  Transgender Dysphoria Blues, released in 2014, marked her first album as Laura Jane Grace.ย  The title track, as well as other songs, capture her experience.

โ€œRough surf on the coast

I wish I could have spent the whole day alone

Rough surf on the coast

I wish I could have spent the whole day alone with you.โ€

The keyword is alone, and it seems to capture the isolation and the desire to be left alone โ€“ not abused, bullied, or criticized because sheโ€™s trans. โ€œTransgender Dysphoria Bluesโ€ commences the album energetically. Grace delivers blunt lyrics.ย  This is her account regarding being transgender.โ€ฏ Her brutal honesty pays off. For us, unfamiliar with the trans experience, she has us imagine taking a walk in her shoes.โ€ฏโ€œYour tells are so obvious / shoulders too broad for a girl,โ€ she sings in the first verse. In the second, she adds, โ€œYouโ€™ve got no cunt in your strut / Youโ€™ve got no hips to shake / And you know itโ€™s obvious / But we canโ€™t choose how weโ€™re made.โ€ A heavy listening, perhaps a trigger from some, Laura Jane Grace does a masterful job on โ€œTransgender Dysphoria Bluesโ€ of expressing her feelings and speaking her truth.ย  A decade later, this song and album are as powerful as ever.

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12. Ryan Cassata, โ€œQueer Love Outlawโ€

Greetings from Echo Park ยป Kill Rock Stars ยป 2025

Ryan Cassata, Greetings From Echo Park [๐Ÿ“ท: Kill Rock Stars]

โ€œOh, this queer love feels like home / This queer love feels like mine / Just right.โ€
As it should, Ryan Cassata. Of course, haters are gonna hate, namely conservatives, homophobes, and narrow-minded folks ๐Ÿ˜.ย  Progressives and open-minded folks have far more funโ€ฆ toleranceโ€ฆ acceptanceโ€ฆ inclusivityโ€ฆ Anyways, despite the myopic yapping by judgmental folks, characterizing Ryan and other nonbinary, queer, and/or trans musicians as โ€˜unholy,โ€™ โ€˜Godless love,โ€™ and โ€˜Something corrupt,โ€™ he embraces being a โ€œQueer Love Outlawโ€.ย  An acoustic version of the song was released in 2021, with the studio version released in 2023. โ€œQueer Love Outlawโ€ ultimately appears on his 2025 album, Greetings from Echo Park.ย  With his authentic and sincere singing, and a fantastic backdrop, led by those epic-sounding guitars, โ€œQueer Love Outlawโ€ rocks ๐Ÿค˜!

In the second verse, Ryan Cassata counters the damned to hell arguments, singing, โ€œIโ€™ve already been.โ€ Amazingly, so many people donโ€™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, โ€œThis pain has made me wiser, and I swear Iโ€™m better.โ€ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘ ๐Ÿ‘! In the chorus, he asserts proudly, โ€œIโ€™d rather be a rebel for romance / Than please your beliefs.โ€ Now that deserves a resounding AMEN! HALLELUJAH! Adding to his queer story, Ryan mentions โ€œScars on my chest,โ€ and the fact that โ€œWe shave our head,โ€ both significant parts of the trans experience. ย 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 ๐Ÿคข๐Ÿคฎ! The ending is particularly grand, as Cassata beams with pride singing, โ€œOh, all my friends are outlaws / And all my friends are in love.โ€ Cassata delivered a meaningful, queer-affirming gem with โ€œQueer Love Outlawโ€.

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13. Okay Kaya, โ€œAsexual Wellbeingโ€

Watch This Liquid Pour Itself ยป Jagjaguwar ยป 2020

Okay Kaya, Watch This Liquid Pour Itself [๐Ÿ“ท: Jagjaguwar]

โ€œSometimes, I rub my ghost dick until I can almost see it.โ€
Oh, snap! Now thatโ€™s a striking lyric, Okay Kaya (Kaya Wilkins)! Not only is it striking as an isolated lyric, but it is the first lyric the New Jersey-born, Norwegian singer/songwriter sings! It is one of many unforgettable lyrics from โ€œAsexual Wellbeingโ€. ย In the same verse, Wilkins references matters of the cerebrum, Van Leeuwen, and perhaps most memorably, โ€œNetflix and yeast infection.โ€ โ€œAsexual Wellbeingโ€ is the seventh track on her 2020 album, Watch This Liquid Pour Itself. Wilkins composed and produced this rare ace song.

From start to finish, Okay Kaya brings sickening vocals.ย  Her tone is rich and beautiful. Fueling her fire is stunning production. It is clean and organized, including alluring synth elements. As awesome as the backdrop is, it is the theme and lyrics, as well as tuneful melodies, that catch the ears the most. In the second verse, Wilkins asks, โ€œIf they can put a pulse into a spinach leaf / Can they turn the two of us into a tree?โ€ Thought-provoking. Also, in the same verse, how about that vegan peanut butter chocolate ice cream? Itโ€™s interesting! But asexuality is what we came for! In the memorable chorus, she addresses the sexโ€ฆ mediocre sexโ€ฆ no sexโ€ฆ

โ€œSex with me is mediocre

But I can give you asexual wellbeing

Sex with me is mediocre

But I can probably feel what youโ€™re feeling.โ€

Beyond being asexual (within this song), is she aromantic, too ๐Ÿค”? Both fall within the A of LGBTQIA2S+.ย  She doesnโ€™t appear to be aromantic. After all, via the outro, she sings, โ€œI just want us to do well / Like Jon Bon Joviโ€™s rosรฉ.โ€ Now thatโ€™s love! โ€œAsexual Wellbeingโ€ is a oneย  of a kind alternative record.

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14. Eli, โ€œGAY MANโ€

โ€œGAY MANโ€ ยป Zelig Music / RCA ยป 2023

Eli, GAY MAN [๐Ÿ“ท: Zelig Music / RCA]

โ€œThis is some freaky shit and thatโ€™s for sure / Guess I gotta tuck my shit and cover up,โ€
ELI (she pronouns, per Instagram) sings in the first verse of โ€œGAY MANโ€. Are you confused yet? Itโ€™s worth noting that the queer pop artist was formerly known as Jeffrey Eli, which provides additional context to this 2023 R&B-infused track. In an interview with Galore, Eli (referred to as Jeffrey Eli) asserts, โ€œโ€ฆ when [my friend and producer Brandon Shoop] started the beat, the idea to make a tune about falling in love with a woman popped into my head.โ€ In the first verse, Eli continues singing, โ€œWhy (is it) mini-me is kicking down the door? / But why it would be my wood, Iโ€™m not sure.โ€ In the press release for โ€œGAY MAN,โ€ itโ€™s described as โ€˜an ode to pansexuality and finding love in usual places, stretching beyond the labels placed on individuals regarding who they love or are attracted to.โ€™

Eli brilliantly plays around with gender and explores sexuality on โ€œGAY MAN.โ€ With some confusion from a listening perspective, there is also confusion from the parties involved.ย  โ€œMy baby, I am so confused,โ€ they assert in the pre-chorus, continuing, โ€œI never met a boy like you / You got me freakinโ€™ about the shit Iโ€™m about to spew, girl.โ€ In the second verse, which is more rhythmic than the first, Eli provides more deets.ย  โ€œShe like my top, she like my skirt, she like accessibility / I guess that opposites attract in many different means.โ€ Of course, of course.ย  Getting more X-rated, โ€œShe like my sass, she like my ass, she like my sexuality / I licked her cat, I make her scream, my new pronouns are they/eat.โ€ Woo! The two premier sections of โ€œGAY MANโ€ are the chorus and the refrain.ย  In the chorus, Eli delivers classic lines like, โ€œI bet you want to rub your pussy on my dick print ๐Ÿ˜ณ,โ€ and, โ€œAnd all these other boys be up inside your business / To be honest with you, youโ€™re not unusual.โ€ But, maybe the most important lyric of โ€œGAY MANโ€ hails from the refrain: โ€œYou make a gay man go straight, you make a gay man behave.โ€ Word.ย  Eli kills it on โ€œGAY MANโ€, singing sublimely whether its falsetto, lower-mid register, or the buttery smooth runs.ย  Beyond a great performance and engaging songwriting worthy of discussion, the accompanying instrumental is stupendous โ€“ the warm, robust keys and the beat! #SLAYYY ๐Ÿ’…!

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15. The Irrepressibles, โ€œWhat I Am! Queerโ€

What I Am! Queer ยป Of Naked Design ยป 2025

The Irrepressibles, Yo Homo (Deluxe) [๐Ÿ“ท: Of Naked Design]

โ€œWe stand with all the men who canโ€™t express their love.โ€
Amen! โ€œAll of the women fighting against the oppression from men.โ€ Amen! โ€œAll of the queers who canโ€™t express their truth.โ€ Amen! And everyone whoโ€™s afraid of rejection for being themselves.โ€ And again, I say, amen! There are far too many conservatives, homophobes, and myopic folks who cry foul when it comes to being queer.ย  It is incredibly disheartening and frustrating. But, we who identify as queer want to live our lives freely, without being accosted, bullied, disrespected, or repressed. The Irrepressibles released a moving anthem, โ€œWhat I Am! Queerโ€, that celebrates queerness and looks forward to a better, more promising tomorrow. Jamie McDermott says it best himself: โ€œFreedom is for everyone!โ€

The Irrepressibles, What I Am! Queer [๐Ÿ“ท: Of Naked Design]The Irrepressibles released โ€œWhat I Am! Queerโ€ as an EP. There are four versions of the song, all of which showcase its meaningfulness and magic.ย  The main attraction is the second track, the full-length version of the song in all its grandiosity. โ€œQueerโ€ begins minimally, with McDermott singing authentically, beautifully, and honestly. Supported by bass and finger snaps, Jamie hauntingly recollects a rough and tumble past: โ€œAs a teen, I felt alone, no one to understand aloneness that I felt /โ€ฆ We were led to fear all the color in the night!โ€ย  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:

โ€œDonโ€™t expect me to apologize!

Who I am is painted in the skies

You think Iโ€™m wrong? I know Iโ€™m right

But through love, weโ€™ll all make it.โ€

Jamie and the Irrepressibles are 1000% correct! They tell the truth as they preach about that โ€œlife and itโ€™s waiting for you,โ€ and โ€œa time where you wonโ€™t feel shame.โ€ Sadly, many donโ€™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 โ€“ itโ€™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. Tracks three and four of the EP show the intricacy of the string and choral arrangement.ย  When all the parts are put together, โ€œWhat I Am! Queerโ€ is breathtaking. This is an anthem that everybody needs to hear!

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~ Table of Contents ~ ยป ~ intro ~

Give Me 15 Striking L, G, B, T, Q, I, A, 2S Songs (2025) [๐Ÿ“ท: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Anthony R Enos III, Cole Redding, Domo Wilson, Elle, Flow Teta, Get Better, Jagjaguwar, Kill Rock Stars, Mad Tsai, Of Naked Design, RCA, Republic, RYANN, Total Treble, Zelig Music; Kampus Production, Pavel Danilyuk, Polina Tankilevitch, RDNE Stock project, SHVETS production from Pexels; AcatXIo, All_CC0_Public_domain, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay; Alexander Grey, Jas Rolyn on Unsplash, Lynette Nantongo on Unsplash]

 

Categories: EvergreenLGBTQMusicPlaylistsPop Culture

the musical hype

The Musical Hype (he/him) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education and music theory/composition, respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Music and writing are two of the most important parts of his life.