Top 10 LGBT Anthems

#10: “Dancing Queen” (1976) ABBA

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One of this Swedish pop group’s greatest hits has become a staple of the LGBT community. Describing themes of letting go of all your problems while you hit the dance floor, “Dancing Queen” quickly became a near-permanent fixture in gay-friendly ‘70s discos thanks to its upbeat tempo and uplifting sound. The anthemic track, being released just a few years after the Stonewall riots, made it an almost therapeutic musical number for the community as it became a fun and energetic way to let go and be yourself, even to this day.

#9: “True Trans Soul Rebel” (2013) Against Me!

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This punk rock band has a special place in the hearts of many LGBT community members who have recognized lead singer Laura Jane Grace as a trans-gender icon. It was this hit song however that can be seen as a transgender anthem – maybe even Grace’s personal statement - as its swinging vibes and rocking beat are nothing short of ear-wormy. Its punk rock vibe and counterculture attitude lend themselves to the struggles felt by many transgendered people who struggle to find a place in this world.

With its two openly gay vocalists, FGTH was loved by the community. Their first hit, “Relax,” achieved huge fame and was a chart topper! With its synth-pop sound, the single still has rooms of people grooving to this day. Seriously, just listen to it… see?! The song was not without controversy though, as overtly sexual lyrics and an even more explicit video led to the song being temporarily banned from the BBC, and reportedly later from MTV. After its ban however, it quickly shot to number one on the UK charts.

Performed by K.D. Lang, an openly lesbian champion of gay rights, this powerhouse of a track has her lending her strong vocals to the emotionally charged lyrics. But that's not the only reason why the song resonates with the community. “Constant Craving” was released in the same year the singer went public with her own sexuality. Knowing this makes the lyrics that touch on the struggles of letting your true self emerge that much more personal and relatable as we imagine that the singer isn't just talking about the community as a whole, but herself.

#6: “Same Love” (2012) Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert

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While many rap artists are quick to use derogatory slurs in their lyrics, Macklemore slowed down his usual upbeat hip-hop style to create this poignant track, making it such a breath of fresh air. Tackling themes such as the stereotypes we as a culture place on homosexuality, it was recorded during Washington state’s push to legalize gay marriage. The song’s chorus, with the moving vocals of Mary Lambert, especially hits home – and the lesbian singer-songwriter later used it as the basis of her own track, “She Keeps Me Warm” in 2013.

#5: “I Want to Break Free” (1984) Queen

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In 1991, music lovers mourned the loss of a titan when Freddie Mercury died from complications with AIDS. The lead singer of Queen had been extremely private about his sexuality for most of his life, but seven years before his death had recorded this magnificent track. The thunderous vocals and powerful rock sound that have made Queen legendary lend an epic style to the rock tune, and its video featuring the band members in women’s clothing, which could be seen as a metaphor for Mercury breaking free from social expectations and being himself, is adored by the LGBT community. Today, Mercury has become immortal through his band and his music, with openly homosexual artists like Adam Lambert helping the soulful, gay voice live on.

#4: “I’m Coming Out” (1980) Diana Ross

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For every member of the LGBT community, coming out is an important milestone in his or her life. For this reason, Diana Ross’ appropriately titled hit number has become one of gay pride’s biggest anthems. The funky disco number accurately and whole heartedly describes the positive energy in announcing to the world who you are, as its funky tune and inspiring vocals can have crowds dancing in huge numbers. Its power nicely complements the gay community, as the song is embraced at pride events around the world.

#3: “Y.M.C.A.” (1978) Village People

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Don’t even try to lie! As it’s playing right now, you’re doing the dance! The group made no secret of their efforts to target the gay disco scene in the ‘70s, as the band’s costumes featured depictions of overtly masculine stereotypes. With the song achieving worldwide fame, it has become a timeless classic, with a fun and energetic sound speaking of a place where all young men can be accepted. Of course, this was a double entendre as the YMCA was often frequented by the gay community as a place they could go to meet and hang out with other gay men.

#2: “I Will Survive” (1978) Gloria Gaynor

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Over her long career as a disco artist, Gloria Gaynor became a gay music icon for covering such songs as “I Am What I Am.” The song she’s performed that’s most associated with the LGBT community however is this powerful disco-ballad, as it resonates themes of strength of character and self-perseverance. Though the LGBT community may have to face its share of hate and may have moments when it feels down and out, “I Will Survive” demonstrates how strong it can be as a group and keep moving on. The fact that the track crosses into the threshold of super-groovy makes it even better! In gay discos of old, this song was the queen. Before we throw our rainbow flags in air and wave them like we just don’t care, let’s dance to the beat of some honorable mentions. “Believe” (1998) Cher “Forrest Gump” (2012) Frank Ocean “New York City Boy” (1999) Pet Shop Boys “We Exist” (2014) Arcade Fire “Closer to Fine” (1989) Indigo Girls

What makes someone a gay icon? Well, similar to David Bowie, Lady Gaga’s androgynous and eclectic style of clothing, as well as her fearlessness in her singing has endeared her like no other to the gay community. None of her songs are more evocative of gay pride than “Born This Way.” This ultra catchy dance number is potent, especially thanks to its theme of being true to who you are – more so perhaps when you consider Gaga’s bisexuality. While the tune is embraced by many, none hold it dearer than the LGBT community. Did you agree with our list? What songs do you think speak out positively to the LGBT community? For more musical top 10s published every day, be subscribe to WatchMojo.com.