Mey Rude is a journalist and cultural critic who has been covering queer news for a decade. The transgender, Latina lesbian lives in Los Angeles with her fiancée.
This playlist proves that no matter how many songs are given the title of "Pride Anthem," there's always room for more!
Every year, more and more talented queer artists are putting out songs that celebrate being gay, loving yourself, and being proud of your LGBTQ+ identity. And every year, we add more songs to our Pride playlists.
These are some songs from the past fifteen years that might have slipped past your radar, but that you need to add to your Pride playlists right now. Some of these songs will make you want to dance with that cutie at the bar, some will empower you to feel your sexiest, some might make you cry, but all of them will make you happy to be queer!
1. "Ashley" by Zolita
2. "Booty" by Saucy Santana ft. Latto
3. "It's Okay to Cry" by SOPHIE
4. "Grace Kelly" by MIKA
5. "Whataya Want From Me" by Adam Lambert
6. "Girlfriend" by Rebecca Black
7. "Make Me Feel" by Janelle Monáe
8. "Closer" by Tegan and Sara
9. "What I Need" by Hayley Kiyoko ft. Kehlani
10. "Rainbow" by Kesha
11. "Explode" by Big Freedia
12. "Casual" by Chappell Roan
13. "XS" by Rina Sawayama
14. "girls just wanna have sex" by mazie
15. "Sua Cara" by Major Lazer ft. Anitta and Pabllo Vittar
16. "I Run This Club" by Cakes Da Killa
17. "Bestie" by Sizzy Rocket
18. "Blow Out My Candle" by Betty Who
19. "Wut" by Le1f
20. "Click (No Boys Remix)" by Charli XCX ft. Kim Petras and Slayyter
Shakira performs on stage during a massive free show at Copacabana beach on May 02, 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The singer is set to headline the World Cup final's first-ever halftime show.
Buda Mendes/Getty Images
History will be made at the FIFA World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey in July, and not just because of the higher-than-sky-high ticket prices, the famous venue, or the actual athletes playing soccer (aka sportsball to many readers). It's the music fans will hear that is making headlines. Keep Reading →
Melissa Etheridge performs in concert at ACL Live.
Rick Kern/Getty Images
In May 1992, Melissa Etheridge graced the cover of Music Express — a now-defunct, free Canadian magazine that had previously featured the likes of Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Janet Jackson, Tom Petty and Boy George. Next to a sexy photo of Etheridge wearing a low-cut white top, her guitar slung over her shoulder, the headline under her name read, "The Naked Truth." Keep Reading →
