The Ultimate 2023 LGBTQ+ Pride Playlist That'll Make You Want To Party
Featuring everything from your newest faves to classic hits from back in the day.
While Pride month is in full swing come June, the LGBTQ+ community should be celebrated year-round. The best way to let the world know you're queer and you're here is by playing the best gay songs on full blast. Blasting bops made by LGBTQ+ artists like Sam Smith and King Princess, as well as icons like Whitney Houston and Madonna, make life more colorful — especially during fierce Pride events and parades. Plus, you already know we've queued up gay anthems by drag performers like Katya, Priyanka, and TikTok's fave duo, Sugar and Spice.
With federal and state governments threatening to silence queer voices through anti-LGBTQ+ "Don't Say Gay" legislation and laws limiting and banning gender-affirming care, it is a crucial time to uplift the queer community, whether it's through the songs we listen to or the movies we watch. We can celebrate the rich history of the community by brushing up on the meanings behind LGBTQ+ flags, and we can help pave a bright future by donating to queer-led organizations like GLAAD, The Trevor Project, and the Human Rights Campaign.
Passing the Pride month vibe check also extends to the aux cord. If you're headed to an event and need to throw on an epic playlist that honors and uplifts the queer community, look no further. Get ready to put viral singles courtesy of LGBTQ+ artists and producers on repeat. We can't forget about blasts from the past at the hands of music icons. Get ready to transform your playlist because here are our favorite Pride songs to get you in the spirit this month and beyond.
Dove Cameron — "Boyfriend"
Dove Cameron was inspired by a "perspective of freedom" when she penned boyfriend. She wrote the song while recapping "a crazy night" she had. According to Billboard, Dove "casually said something to the room like, "F–k, I could be a better boyfriend than this guy." And we were all kinda like, "wait, is this a good hook?" A lot of it became a report of what it felt like to grow up queer and be surrounded by all these women who were famously mistreated and under-celebrated."
Gia Woods - "Lesbionic"
Persian pop star Gia Woods is back with another uplifting bop. After coming out with her debut single "Only a Girl" in 2016, she's just released "Lesbionic," and the title speaks for itself.
George Michael — "Freedom! ‘90”
Although George Michael didn't publicly come out for another eight years, "Freedom! '90" became an LGBTQ+ anthem upon its release in 1990.
Diana Ross — "I'm Coming Out"
There are anthems and then there's "I'm Coming Out." Music icon Niles Rodgers reportedly penned this iconic hit after seeing Diana Ross impersonators in the bathroom at GG's Barnum Room, a predominantly trans club in Manhattan.
RuPaul — "Supermodel"
Sashay, Shante! Drag pioneer RuPaul's "Supermodel" is not only a Pride anthem but it's filled with the lingo that managed to transcend time. "You better werkk!"
Saucy Santana — "Walk"
Get ready to channel your inner runway model with Saucy Santana's fierce single "Walk."
Lady Gaga — "Born This Way"
There's not much to say about "Born This Way," Lady Gaga's empowering lyrics say it all: "I'm on the right track, baby. I was born this way!" I know that's right!
Hayley Kiyoko — "Curious"
Is it even possible to make a Pride playlist without including a hit from Hayley Kiyoko? "Curious" is too catchy to not listen to it at least once a day.
Sophie — "Immaterial"
This pop classic declares that gender norms are "immaterial." Sophie was a trailblazing musician and producer who celebrated diversity prior to her death in 2021.
Sam Smith and Kim Petras — "Unholy"
Sam Smith and Kim Petras' "Unholy" made history as the first song by openly trans and non-binary artists to hit NMo. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and win a Grammy for Best Pop Duo Performance.
Pabllo Vittar Featuring Charli XCX — "Flash Pose"
Brazilian singer and drag queen Pabllo Vittar teamed up with Charli XCX to ensure your dancefloor selfies are on point with "Flash Pose."
Sugar and Spice — "Dingaling / Bimbofied"
These drag performers gained a dedicated following on TikTok and took their talents to season 15 of RuPaul's Drag Race.
Whitney Houston — "It's Not Right But It's Okay"
While Whitney Houston sang about being mistreated in a relationship in "It's Not Right But It's Okay," the single went on to serve as the soundtrack for marginalized communities who overcame adversity.
Shania Twain — "Man! I Feel Like A Woman"
Whew! "Man! I Feel Like A Woman," challenges societal expectations of womanhood and delivers self-empowerment up on a fierce platter.
Michaela Jaé — "Say Something"
Michaela Jaé, aka MJ Rodriguez has something to say. The Pose star dropped her debut single, "Say Something." The feel-good anthem serves old-school disco vibes.
Sylvester — "You Make Me Feel (Might Real)"
Sylvester earned the nickname "Queen of the Disco," and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) is more than enough proof of why he deserved the crown.
Gloria Gaynor — "I Will Survive"
Gloria Gaynor proved that overcoming adversity is possible with her smash hit, "I Will Survive."
Hayley Kiyoko — "For The Girls"
Hayley Kiyoko went public with her girlfriend Becca Tilley in her Bachelorette-inspired "For The Girls" video.
Syd Featuring Kehlani — "Out Loud"
Just in case you were in need of a few tips on how to define the relationship with your boo, Syd and Kehlani prove why it's best to just say it out loud.
Saucy Santana — "Material Girl"
Viral sensation and emcee Saucy Santana serves opulence and luxury in the video for his hit single, "Material Girl."
Sam is an assistant editor at Seventeen, covering pop culture, celebrity news, health, and beauty. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
Megan is a freelance writer who specializes in E-Commerce, LGBTQ+ media, mental health, and astrology. Their email is lasher.megan@gmail.com.
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