Freedom Party!

I am a very cool, hot auntie. I have a lot of nieces and nephews. Right now, they are still young and as much as I enjoy these childhood years, I cannot wait to meet them as teens and even adults. Some are getting to an age where they are realizing they are their own autonomous humans. One of them even has come out as gay. They have a hard time with it, though; swinging in and out of denial or still not understanding how they feel. It’s something that is not only embraced but partially expected, as many of us relate. It saddens me to know they still will not talk about it. I made them this playlist to show them how many people, music, and art there is of the rainbow variety. As a queer bisexual myself, these are my top ten picks from the playlist:

Lola, The Kinks (1970)

The first time I heard this song was before I understood the concept of trans people or drag in any way. It was a fun song to sing along to as a kid. But when I hear it again at 19 was a lightbulb moment. I couldn’t think of many other songs speaking on this subject in that era (see next song), so it does feel revolutionary in itself, despite what could be considered somewhat problematic lyrics by today’s standard. I feel like it was written with well-intended admiration for Ms. Lola.

While lead singer Ray Davies ultimately came out as heterosexual, he was never shamed or in denial of his homoerotic experiences. He had no regrets, just prefers women. We love a man who tries for himself.

Oh! Sweet Nuthin’, the Velvet Underground (1970)

On a sadder note, this Velvet Underground song was an equally iconic trans anthem of the same era. But rather than lust after the looks of the women in question, this song raised attention to the issues trans people faced then. This deeply moving track upholds the VU rock n roll sound while also advocating for the many voiceless trans folk of their time. Many of which were an integral part of the New York rock scene.

Lou Reed has always been a bit quiet about his sexuality. There has been many counts of him having physical or otherwise romantic relations with men but he never made any official comment on that note. Ultimately he married a woman—legendary Avant Gardist Laurie Anderson (who, for whatever it means, has a bit of a gender-fluidity about her).

I’m Coming Out, Diana Ross (1980)

This song was inspired by a line of Diana Ross drag impersonators filing out of a bathroom. One of Ross’s songwriters jotted down the chorus, and made the call to his team. Diana loved it. She had no idea what she was saying, but she liked the song.

Ms. Ross is a prime example of what it means to be an ally. Even though she walked into this song quite innocent, the hidden meaning did not deter her from going forward with production. She was warned by management that something like this could potentially ruin her career. She didn’t care. She felt the LGBT+ community deserved this song and we did. Thank you, Queen.

I Want to Break Free, Queen (1984)

And speaking of Queen! Freddie Mercury's queerness inspired a lot of his music. I mean, when you think about the name "Queen" itself, he was making a statement from the start. This song in particular was quite a doozy. While bands like Kiss and Twisted Sister were in on the hair and make-up, Queen took it a step further with this dragged-out music video.

Many people believe Mercury was into men, but he was a proud and vocal bisexual even back then. And you will not take him from us! No bi-erasure!

A Thousand Miles, Vanessa Carlton (2002)

Yes, this song is annoying and overplayed. Yes, it became too good of a joke to take seriously. But does that change the fact that it is one of the most important songs of the aughts? Not at all. Ms. Carlton was a baddie for singing AND playing piano like that. Plus, she is cute to boot. How can we deny her of her place in modern music culture? We can't.

And to look back knowing now that Vanessa Carlton is bisexual, I love knowing this song could theoretically be about anyone. It is amazing how talented and cool and funny we are.

Born This Way, Lady Gaga (2011)

This song makes me cry every time I hear it. Happy, sad, overwhelmed, nostalgic--I cry. I only wish this song existed when I was in high school. Not that I would have been into Lady Gaga, but still. The way it makes me feel as an adult, I can only imagine how I would have felt in my teens.

Lady Gaga doesn't give a f*k. She is who she is and we don't care. We have always stanned. A proud bisexual, assault survivor, and overall open-minded goddess, Lady has given a voice to many who never felt they'd have one.

Closer, Tegan and Sara (2013)

I know a lot of Tegan and Sara's music can be... a bit specific. But you can't deny this song is a total bop. It automatically puts me in a good, loving mood; dancing with a smile on my face. For me, this is one of those groups that got pushed to the wayside over the years for no good reason.

While we know there is never three straight siblings, sometimes there is gay twins. And that's just another reason to love them.

Pink + White, Frank Ocean (2016)

Every Frank Ocean song takes me to a place where I never was and always missed. His songs have such depth to them that even when I have no idea what he might be talking about, I feel I can relate. He sings with such grace, sadness, hope, and thoughtfulness. His voice is addicting to my soul.

His sexuality is a bit of a mystery. We know he likes men, but it's never been confirmed how he feels about women. There have been hints dropped here and there in his songs, but we also don't really care. We love and accept Frank Ocean for who he is. All we ask is for more music.

Peach, Kevin Abstract (2019)

I adore this song so much. I can't think of many songs that are cuter than this. Who wouldn't want to be Kevin Abstract's peach?! Heart eyes so hard. This song puts me the best, most romantic mood and I will listen to all 2 minutes and 57 seconds of it on repeat if I want to. What of it?

While this song is about a girl, Abstract has come out as gay on multiple occasions. We appreciate the versatility and dream of the day, Kevin.

Old Town Road, Lil NasX (2019)

Let's just be honest in our reflection: this song changed the course of history and you know it. Regardless of if you like these genres, or heard it too many times, or missed out on the hype, this song shook things up in the best way. It sparked a lot of debate for, honestly, no reason other that bigoted thinking. But it paved a new road for anyone to be able to go down. For that, we thank you, Lil NasX.

Plus, coming out after the fact and the follow up? Icon.