By Ibne Tamim
October 11 was National Coming Out Day. This American holiday recognized by the LGBTQ+ community was created in 1988 by LGBTQ+ rights activists Robert Eichberg and Jane O’Leary to be on the anniversary of the 1987 Gay and Lesbian Rights March on Washington. It is a very sentimental and important day for lots of queer people. It’s a way of telling the world that you’re not ashamed of your identity, and that queer people look and act just like everyone else. It’s important to remember that National Coming Out Day is not about forcing our friends out of the closet but celebrating ourselves and each other.
1. “This Is Me” – The Greatest Showman
This self-love anthem from the 2017 movie The Greatest Showman is about taking pride in who you are in the face of adversity. Don’t be ashamed about how you look or what others say about you. Just be you!
2. “I Want to Break Free” – Queen
From the legendary British rock band, Queen, this song is about breaking free from expectations and becoming comfortable with who you are. Despite the impending backlash, which they received plenty of, all four of the band’s members, Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor, and John Deacon, dressed in drag (women’s clothing) for the “I Want to Break Free” music video, which was banned by MTV in America.
3. “It’s Raining Men” – The Weather Girls
This song celebrates the singers’ excitement and enjoyment of Mother Nature granting a miraculous downpour of many different types of available men. According to Teen Vogue, this popular novelty tune ranked #35 on a list of 100 best dance songs in 2000, and also ranked thirty-five in a list of 100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 1980s in 2009.
4. “I’m Coming Out” – Diana Ross
This classic 1980 pride song by Diana Ross was written by Nile Rodgers after being inspired by his first experience at a gay club. This song is about just enjoying being yourself and wanting to show the world who you are.
5. “Beautiful” – Christina Aguilera
This soulful 2002 ballad by Christina Aguilera is about staying confident in yourself no matter what despite any abuse you may endure.
6. “Heaven” – Troye Sivan (feat. Betty Who)
This introspective song is about self-acceptance and embracing rather than suppressing oneself. The vivid lyrics include details of gay singer Troye Sivan’s own struggles with coming out.
7. “Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
Because this song was written singlehandedly by Mr. Fahrenheit himself, Freddie Mercury, along with his ‘bicon’ (bisexual icon) status, some say that “Bohemian Rhapsody” is Mercury’s coming out song. But no one really knows what the lyrics mean because Mercury never gave an explanation. Regardless of how you interpret the six minutes worth of lyrics, this is the greatest song ever written.
8. ”Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
This track has certainly found its place in the pantheon of LGBTQ pop smashes. The queer community is nothing if not infinitely strong.
9. ”Let’s Have a Kiki” by Scissor Sisters
We will forever be grateful for the Scissor Sisters’ tribute to 21st century queer nightlife: “Let’s Have a Kiki.” Not only did it teach straight people a valuable lesson in what exactly a kiki is, it’s video also taught us some choreography that’s a lot cooler than the Cha Cha Slide.
10. “Closer” by Tegan and Sara,
Canadian sister act Tegan and Sara capture the thrill behind fleeting moments of intimacy in “Closer,” a track from their platinum 2013 LP Heartthrob.
11. “I Will Survive” – Gloria Gaynor
This 1978 disco track by Gloria Gaynor is about staying strong and having faith in yourself through the obstacles that you face.
12. “Born This Way” – Lady Gaga
This empowering anthem has become nearly synonymous with LGBTQ+ pride since its release in 2011. In the song Gaga preaches self-love and acceptance and that despite gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, etc. at the end of the day we are all human.
13. “Everyone is Gay” – A Great Big World
In 2014 the musical duo, A Great Big World, was asked by EveryoneIsGay.com to write the gayest song ever, and they definitely delivered with this upbeat bop about how gay, straight, or in between, we all share the same world.
14. “All Things (from Queer Eye)” by Betty Who
Many of Betty Who’s hits pay respect to the LGBTQ community, but her 2018 re-recording of the original Queer Eye for the Straight Guy series theme song is one of her best gifts. The lyrics refer to a person in your life who can brighten up any day. It’s impossible not to listen to this song and smile (or get up and dance).
15. “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko
LGBTQ performers have finally hit the mainstream in the music industry. Kiyoko has dropped a few singles that are unapologetically queer and undeniably catchy, including this 2015 hit where she proclaims, “Girls like girls like boys do, nothing new.”
16. “Love Yourself” Sufjan Stevens
In honor of Pride Month, Sufjan Stevens released two tracks for the queer community in 2019. “Love Yourself” won’t have anybody running to the dance floor, but sometimes we could all use a song that makes us stop and reflect.
17. “Rainbowland” by Miley Cyrus and Dolly Parton
Miley teamed up with her godmother, Dolly Parton, in 2017 to create this song about living in a place where everyone is free to be who they are. Both women are beloved by their LGBTQ fanbase and this song feels like a love letter back to them with lines like, “We are rainbows, me and you/every color, every hue…Let’s shine on through.”
18. “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper
Lauper is another artist who has used her platform to support the community. “True Colors” started as a song (in 1986) about loving someone for exactly who they are through lyrics like, “I see your true colors and that’s why I love you.” It’s become something much more impactful via the True Colors United initiative, which supports LGBTQ homeless youth.
19. “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk
P!nk included this 2010 single on her first Greatest Hits album and it’s become one of her most successful tracks. It’s an invitation for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider to ban together for a toast and dance.
20. “Firework” by Katy Perry
The lyrics to this 2010 pop anthem are meant to inspire everyone to realize their full potential and let it out. Mustering up the courage to speak your truth isn’t easy, but there’s a lot of good that can come from “igniting the light.