Melodies for Future Allies

The LGBTQIA+ community is a fantastic group of people that, together, strive to make the world a more inclusive, loving place for anyone and everyone. Although I come from quite a conservative background, there have been times that my ingrained dogmas were uncovered, and quickly I became aware of the differences between a narrow-minded ideology and acceptance. It was a ground-breaking moment in my life, and I am proud to be an ally of the community. My partner identifies as queer and, through her liberal outlook on life and love, I have been allowed to express myself in ways that make me happy. I dress how I like, talk how I want, walk the path I choose and love the people that love me back. On multiple occasions, I have been so happy that I have been questioned about being gay, or at least somewhere on the spectrum. I always reply with the same answer:

“I may not be gay, but I am, and always will be, part of the LGBTQIA+ community.”

I do not enjoy labels stuck to me without my consent. Judgement comes in all forms, and grouping me into one sector makes me uncomfortable. Despite this, being labelled an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community has proven time and time again that being labelled an ‘Ally’ is nothing I can be ashamed of. I wear it with pride, and I welcome all of you that want to cross the line and support the movement of inclusion, love, and acceptance. This is why I want to share with all of you future allies a playlist of songs from artists, both part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and allies, that should welcome you to the community with a smile. Music holds a power that unites people from all corners of the world. That is what the community is about. To support each other and love one another, and I think these songs will ease you all nicely into what can be quite a party!

Christine and the Queens – iT

Oh, oh, she's a man now (Oh, oh yeah)

And there's nothing we can do

To make her change her mind

She's a man now

Christine and the Queens are phenomenal talents. Their alt-style sound, alongside some of the best choreography I have seen in a live set, easily enchant anyone that listens. I have chosen ‘iT’ as the song of choice as the message digs deep into the feeling of not belonging in the body that you were given. For others to achieve the happiness they deserve, they must first feel themselves in their skin. The LGBTQIA+ community not only accepts the exploration of what makes you happy as a human being but supports it. The sheer amount of communities, both in-person and online, that share their experiences, journeys, and opinions on the topic is fantastic. The only way we learn how to accept is by listening to others and what they need to be happy, and why would we not want anyone to live life in their best self?

Lil Nas X – Sun Goes Down

These gay thoughts would always haunt me

I prayed God would take it from me

It's hard for you when you're fightin'

And nobody knows it when you're silent

Lil Nas X has taken 2021 by storm with his hit song ‘Montero’. Soon after, ‘Sun Goes Down’ is released, and what a time to do so. The song talks about his experience of growing up as gay in a world filled with others like him. He explores his differences and how he wished that God would take these off him. His present self shadows him as he sees how things have changed since then. This song is an excellent reminder that no matter how dark things get, you will find people that will love you if you make it through to the other side. We decide who our family is, and the LGBTQIA+ welcomes you with open arms. That is why I have such a solid connection to the community; it is more than just a group of people; it is a family

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Same Love

America the brave still fears what we don't know

And "God loves all his children" is somehow forgotten

But we paraphrase a book written thirty-five hundred years ago

I don't know

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis earn a spot in our playlist for their phenomenal song ‘Same Love’, where they explore the various questions that run through people’s minds due to the stigmas that the world placed them in. If the world were a more accepting place, people would not go through these times, scared of questioning who they are and what they should do. To judge people for doing things they love, such as painting or exploring fashion, is wrong. We can love whatever we do, no matter who we are; who we are is irrelevant and should not be a factor of actions. We are all the same, so it’s time to drop the stereotypes that degrade who people are. Let them be proud of what they do by being who they are, simple!

Queen – Don’t stop me now

I'm having such a good time

I'm having a ball

(Don't stop me now)

If you wanna have a good time just give me a call

The king. The master. Freddie Mercury and Queen have made music history and will forever be remembered as one of, if not the best, rock bands in history. Their songs are universal and loved by millions worldwide. This is what the world should be like with everything else that is going on. If we enjoy doing something, let us enjoy it. If we love someone, then let us. Why should they be involved in your life? Just like Freddie is saying, do not stop us because we are having a good time! You’re welcome to join the party, just be yourself. Freddie went through life with society pressing hard on his shoulders to be someone who he wasn’t. Yet, despite the times, he expressed himself through his music and lived life on his terms. The Mercury Phoenix Trust, founded by Bryan May in Freddie’s name and his battle with AIDS, has given away over 17 million dollars in his name and funded over 1000 projects in the global battle against HIV. Rest in peace, Freddie; you will never be forgotten in the LGBTQIA+ community. I assure you.

Elton John – Your Song

I hope you don't mind

That I put down in the words

How wonderful life is while you're in the world

Another rock legend, Elton John! His persona, alongside his phenomenal outfits, shine through the dark times of his life. His songs take us on journeys that bring thousands to tears. His message is universal; however, it shines brightly within the LGBTQIA+ community. Too many times have we lost some amazing people from the planet due to loneliness and rejection by the people who mattered to them the most. ‘Your Song’ reminds us that the world is a much better place with us in it. We need difference and uniqueness, and each one of us is just that. Let’s celebrate what makes us unique and cherish others for their differences. We could learn a lot from one another and take care of each other. We need more people like you on this planet.

Allie X - Vintage

We got the classic image

We got the glossy finish

Bringing back all that good shit

Our love is vintage, uh huh

Allie X is a great advocate for the LGBTQIA+. She is not afraid to explore her talent through some eccentric forms and fantastic music videos. Her song ‘Vintage’ reminds us that you are unique, and nobody can be like you. We live in a world where we idolise others for who they are when it should be the other way around. Express yourself in any way you want, and I am sure that someone out there will accept you and love you for who you are. When you find yourself looking in the mirror without a smile, put on ‘Vintage’. Remember that you are a unique model, an original, a vintage.

RuPaul – Sissy that Walk

Better beware, ain't no tea, ain't no shade

But at the same time, bitches better get out the way

I'm a femme queen, mother of a house of no shame

My pus- is on fire, now kiss the flame

We are going to end the playlist by throwing you in deep into the world of drag! We all have heard of RuPaul one way or another. Firstly, I recommend watching Drag Race; it is phenomenal. The talent that goes into drag is mindboggling! To dance, sing, sew unique garments, lip-sync, put on make-up, which in itself is an art form, just shows how hard-working these performers are. I understand that certain drag communities differ from what RuPaul reveals on TV, but it is a great way to begin your journey to exploring what Drag can do. See their talents and enjoy the ride! ‘Sissy that Walk’ is by far my favourite song that was used at the ending of Season 6, where the finalists starred in the music video (My favourite season). The whole world of drag is like interacting with live art, and the community is robust. They take care of others in the community and will always stand for what is right. These fabulous soldiers are people that we should look up to. They express themselves in ways that make them happy. At some levels, we all need to get in touch with our inner drag queen. I have to admit that I make quite a fishy drag queen, which is a liberating experience. We’re all fabulous inside one way or another, so let the world see it!

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I usually end with a message telling you to check out our other blogs and leave a like if you enjoyed the post. However, in this post, I want to end differently. From a heterosexual white male, despite not fighting a fight that affects me directly, I am proud to stand by the LGBTQIA+ community.

Their message is one that the world needs more of. Acceptance, liberty, love, and unity. For all of you on the fence about where you stand in this fight, I ask you only one thing. Live your life to your fullest, a life that makes you happy, and allow others to live theirs in a way that makes them their best, most comfortable selves

No matter of dogma or stereotypes, or even what the ones before you believed. You are your own person with your own mind – capable of making your own choices. Choose acceptance, not hatred. Choose pride, not exclusion. Choose love.