Top 10 Most Important LGBTQ+ Musical Theatre Moments
#10: Paul’s Monologue “A Chorus Line”
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This musical gives us a glimpse behind the curtains into the creation of a professional show. Throughout the narrative, we get to know these Broadway hopefuls through an array of funny, meaningful, and intriguing stories. However, Paul’s monologue pulls at our heartstrings the hardest. He recounts his childhood as a “terribly effeminate” kid, shares some painful memories from his youth, and talks about hiding his identity from his Catholic parents. However, nothing has us welling up faster than when he reveals his folks’ reaction after his two worlds collide. Sadly not everyone has a positive coming out experience. But this moment reminds us that there will always be people who love you for who you are, regardless of who you love.
#9: Spotlighting the Struggles of Those with Identities Outside of the Gender Binary “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”
While far from perfect, “Hedwig” was a trailblazing musical because of its non-binary themes. The title character is coerced into undergoing surgery, which is majorly problematic. But at its core, the story’s about a genderqueer glam-rocker in East Germany, finding herself outside binary constraints while also grappling with past trauma. John Cameron Mitchell, who wrote, directed, and starred in the movie, shared that “Hedwig” was a personal exploration of sexuality and gender before those conversations became mainstream. Global audiences resonated with the themes of self-discovery, especially those that defied so-called social conventions. The show garnered a cult following and continues to entertain, amuse and move audiences worldwide.
#8: Alyssa Shows Pride “The Prom”
This is arguably one of the best LGBTQ+ musicals of the 21st Century so far. It centers around Emma, a teenager who just wants to attend prom with her girlfriend. However, the closed-minded majority in their small town forbid it. The show deals with self-acceptance and love, as well as how prejudices are inherently formed. One of the most powerful moments sees perfect cheerleader Alyssa Greene finally come out and speak her truth. We have no doubt that Alyssa’s stirring words resonated with many young viewers and perhaps even brought comfort to others. Seeing her proudly acknowledge and celebrate her identity is incredibly empowering. Plus, we’re thrilled that she and Emma finally get their dance.
#7: “What Would I Do?” “Falsettos”
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Opening in 1992, William Finn and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical showed LGBTQ+ families and relationships in a whole new light. The story follows Marvin, who recently left his wife for a man, but fights to keep their family together for the sake of their son, Jason. The musical was praised for delving into romantic and familial love without boxing its characters into tropes. It also addressed the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the early 80s. This leads to the most heart wrenching song. As Marvin reflects on his relationship with Whizzer and the future they might’ve had, “What Would I Do?” also calls attention to a vital conversation that remains relevant to this day.
#6: The Whole Story “Bare: A Pop Opera”
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A hidden gem, “Bare” is one of the most gripping LGBTQ+ musicals of the modern age. It centers around Peter and Jason, two students at a religious high school who must keep their relationship secret. The couple breaks up as the pressures prove too much to bear, but the fear of being outed still looms over Jason. Meanwhile, their classmates struggle with body image, popularity, substance use disorder, teen pregnancy, and self-expression. Sadly the show doesn’t have a happy ending. However, in recent years the tragic finale has been used to spotlight LGBTQ+ youth who are heartbreakingly no longer with us. While the show has undergone several revisions, the underlying themes of tolerance and acceptance remain.
#5: Breaking Ground for LGBTQ+ “Hair”
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In 1968, the “Age of Aquarius” dawned on Broadway as “Hair” the musical changed the face of musical theater forever. Thanks to interracial couples, full-frontal nudity, sexual liberation, and pushing the censorship envelope wherever possible, it shook up audiences. The show celebrated love in all its forms and preached that everyone should be free to be who they are and love who they love. It also featured same-sex liplocks, which, as you can imagine, for mid-twentieth century theatergoers was quite scandalous. After all, before “Hair” came along, who dared present LGBTQ+ relationships so openly on stage? The show became a queer legacy, reaching out to generations of audiences who only want to “Let the Sunshine In.”
#4: A Window into Being Black & LGBTQ+ in Modern America “A Strange Loop”
Michael R. Jackson's Pulitzer Prize and Best Musical Tony Award-winning show provides hard-hitting insight into what it means to be Black, overweight, and a member of the LGTBQ+ community in today's America. We meet Usher, a theater usher who's working on his metafictional musical masterpiece about a black queer man, writing a musical about a black queer man, writing about … you get the gist. This ingenious show takes a deep dive into the complicated paradox of self-perception. Usher's constantly challenged by his inner thoughts over his views on sexuality, sex, body image, race, and his god-fearing, Tyler Perry-loving parents. The show was praised for its candid, heartbreaking, and hilarious dissection of identity. It's bold, innovative, and just what we'd been waiting for.
#3: A Rare Exploration of African-American & Queer Relationships “The Color Purple”
One of the main themes of “The Color Purple” is the relationship between the female characters. Celie’s shaped by her interactions both with Sofia and Shug. While Sofia teaches her to stand up for herself, it’s with Shug that Celie experiences true love for the first time. After a turbulent and painful history with men, Shug makes Celie feel seen and adored, and the affection they share is genuine. The show blasts patriarchal-inflicted trauma and kicks down both gender stereotypes and heteronormative expectations. Based on Alice Walker’s 1982 novel of the same name, the narrative made waves for delving into this usually ignored intersectional group. Celie’s story is powerful, moving, and deserving of its many accolades.
#2: The First Broadway Musical with an Openly Lesbian Protagonist “Fun Home”
Adapted from Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir, the musical follows the author’s exploration of her sexuality. It also addresses generational ideas of what it means to be LGBTQ+ through her closeted father, with whom she had a complicated relationship. The fictional adult Alison narrates her story through a series of non-linear vignettes, focussing on childhood, her teen years, and adulthood. While musical theatre isn’t short on stories from the queer man’s perspective, “Fun Home” became the first musical to open on Broadway to feature a lesbian protagonist. And not a moment too soon. Set to an unforgettable Grammy-nominated soundtrack, Bechdel’s story is darkly humorous but will forever hold a grip on your heart. The show was nominated for 12 Tonys, winning a well-deserved five, including Best Musical. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. One of the First Gay-Themed Musicals, “Boy Meets Boy” A Musical Comedy That Shows No Matter Your Sexuality, Love Is Love A Lesson in Acceptance, Tolerance & Pride, “Everybody's Talking About Jamie” Stomp Out Prejudice in Jamie’s Fabulous Shoes Because There’s a Place Where We All Belong How to Be an Ally, “tick, tick...BOOM!” A Love Letter to Jonathan Larson’s LGBTQ+ Friends Challenging Cis Norms, “Kinky Boots” Let Us Hear You Say “Yeah!” to Defying Gender Norms A Story of Self-Discovery & Self-Love, “The Boy from Oz” A Reminder to Always Be Proud of Who You Are
#1: Non-Stereotypical LGBTQ+ Characters & Relationships “Rent”
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Opening on Broadway in 1996, “Rent” quickly became the quintessential LGBTQ+ musical. It’s been praised for celebrating diversity, its wide-reaching depiction of queer relationships, and for broaching the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning show is just as popular and relevant today as it was when it first opened. It refused to pigeonhole its characters based on how they identified and even showed that gender and sexuality can be fluid. There few, if any token characters or stereotypes; just real people with real emotions going through life’s relatable highs and lows. “Rent” taught us to fill our lives with love and take nothing for granted. It also set the groundwork for more positive and authentic LGBTQ+ representation in musical theater.
