Another 10 LGBTQIA+ Anthems That Defined Generations

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were counting down our picks for more empowering bops made or claimed by the LGBTQIA+ community.

#10: Its Raining Men (1982)

The Weather Girls

You may think this only earns its spot due to its unapologetic message about loving men of all different shapes and sizes. While the message and its infectiously danceable production of The Weather Girls Its Raining Men has made it a favorite, it also holds a much deeper meaning. When it was first released, queer men saw it as embracing their culture, which helped it circulate through the club scene. It was used to push back against homophobic diatribes in the United Kingdom in 2014, making it clear just how much the nation disagreed with it. More recently, the lyrics have been updated to include those who are nonbinary, cementing it as an anthem that people of all gender expressions can relate to.

#9: Freedom! 90 (1990)

George Michael

He may not have been out himself when this was first released, but it helped countless others to find the bravery to do so themselves. George Michaels Freedom! 90 is a joyous anthem about rejecting societys ideals and embracing oneself for who they truly are. The lyrics are firm in their delivery, but with a sense of vulnerability that aligns with many community members own journeys to being out and proud. It also served as a complete rewriting for Michaels own history, setting the stage for him to embrace his own sexuality after being forcibly outed in 1998. Over three decades after releasing, the meaning is still incredibly poignant, and can now hopefully inspire newer generations to free themselves as well.

#8: Bloom (2018)

Troye Sivan

Not every song for the LGBTQIA+ community needs to be inherently political. Sometimes, the seemingly simplest treatments have the largest impact. This is proven with Troye Sivans Bloom. On the surface, it appears to just be about opening oneself up to the idea of a new romantic relationship. Reading between the lines reveals the hidden cheeky subtext that its about experiencing a sexual encounter with someone of the same gender for the first time. It captures an experience that isnt often told from a queer perspective, but it immediately resonated with countless people. It quickly became an anthem for the modern age, showing just how far things have come since the earlier days of fighting for acceptance.

#7: It Feels So Good (1998)

Sonique

When thinking of anthems that truly define the LGBTQ+ community, this one may not immediately come to mind. Yet Soniques It Feels So Good overflows with that sense of escapism and freedom that comes with an infectious dance song. The lyrics celebrate being in love and how the feeling itself can make everything else seem to melt away. Being paired with a classic disco-beat made it the epitome of everything they loved about the genre as far back as the 1970s. While the songs with overt messages and inspirational lyrics deserve their flowers and more, theres something to be said for one that simply allows you to exist as you are, without any fear of retribution.

#6: I Feel Love (1977)

Donna Summer

She and the queer community had a long bond, and this track was at the forefront of it. I Feel Love by Donna Summer was quickly claimed by those in the gay nightlife scene in the 1970s. The futuristic, catchy production immediately caught their attention but it was the lyrics that truly cemented its status. They are unapologetic in the best way possible, celebrating the feelings that come with being with a new partner for the first time. It was the perfect song to aid the sexual revolution at the time, becoming an anthem for those who refused to hide themselves and their harmless desires any longer.

#5: True Colors (1986)

Cyndi Lauper

Its always a beautiful moment when an artist acknowledges their works positive impact. For Cyndi Lauper, that song was True Colors. It immediately resonated with her, reminding her of a close friend that had recently passed from AIDS. That empathy shone through in the lyrics, which call to anyone who felt like their differences meant they shouldn't have a place in this world. Not only does she encourage them to open up, she also confirms that someone will always be there to uplift them. Shes been open about how the song has helped save lives, encouraging her to go even further in her activism. Both the track and her unending support have cemented its status as an anthem, and her own as an icon.

#4: Smalltown Boy (1984)

Bronski Beat

There are some beloved anthems that are more ambiguous in their meanings. However, those that are overt in their messages are just as important when it comes to rallying the community. Smalltown Boy by Bronski Beat isnt just a hypnotically gorgeous pop song its also a direct reflection of the negative attitudes towards LGBTQIA+ people in the 1980s. It tells the story of a gay man who flees his hometown after being constantly harassed, and the conflicting emotions that came with the choice. It effortlessly captures the feeling of freedom and uncertainty after leaving a toxic upbringing and how its ultimately worth it in the end. Over forty years later, the message still rings true and has helped a whole new generation learn their worth.

#3: Stronger (2000)

Britney Spears

Even after decades of oppression, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to prove how much stronger they are from the days of the past. Though Britney Spears Stronger wasnt written to be an anthem for them specifically, it ended up becoming the perfect response to the uptick in homophobic hate crimes that had taken place in the late 90s and early 2000s. Its a song all about taking back power from those whove used it to hurt you, and how you dont need anybody to prove your worth. Its an unexpectedly cathartic pop song that declares that no matter what queer people go through on a daily basis, they will always rise above it and come out the other side more powerful than before.

#2: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me) (1987)

Whitney Houston

Like many other divas, shes a celebrated icon throughout the queer community, and its clear to see why. Whitney Houston had the innate ability to inject pure, raw emotion into her music. Joy came through the most, as evidenced by the infectiously cheerful I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me). Though not as overt in its messaging as the empowering Thunderpuss remix to Its Not Right but Its Okay, it serves as a beacon of pure jubilation. The gender of the other partner not being mentioned once has made it easily applicable to anyone trying to find their true love, no matter who they may be.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Supermodel (You Better Work) (1992), RuPaul

A Hit That Ushered in a New Era of Unapologetic Queer Self-Love

Free Xone (1997), Janet Jackson

This Song Denounced Homophobia & Showered the Community with Praise

Cut to the Feeling (2017), Carly Rae Jepsen

Captures the Feeling of Yearning for Love That Feels Impossible to Find

We R Who We R (2010), Kesha

Written to Uplift the Queer Community Following an Uptick in Self-Harm & Hate

Dancing on My Own (2010), Robyn

A Cathartic Tune About Dancing Negative Feelings Away

#1: I Will Survive (1978)

Gloria Gaynor

This is proof of how powerful reclamation can be. I Will Survive is an empowering number on its own, centered around a woman building herself back up after a break-up. To the queer community, however, it holds a much deeper meaning. It was released just a few years before the onset of the AIDS epidemic, and soon afterwards it became an anthem to those who were sick of being stigmatized, oppressed, and left to suffer. In the 21st century, it still serves as a resounding cry from those who want to proclaim that they wont be held down, and that they will continue to survive no matter what gets thrown their way.

What was the first LGBTQIA+ anthem that resonated with you? Let us know in the comments below!