Out100: Holly Miranda

Photography by Ryan Pfluger Photographed in New York on September 8, 2015. Styling by Marc Anthony George. Makeup By Angela Dicarlo. Jacket and t-shirt by Diesel. Overalls by Mavi. Hat by Amber Ibarreche.

As a queer kid growing up in a strict Pentecostal household in Detroit, Holly Miranda longed to break free. Leaving home at 16, she began performing in cafes in New York City, and now, a decade and a half later, the singer-guitarist has released her most accomplished work to date. A highlight of her self-titled third solo album is the poignant "Pelican Rapids," a song she wrote about the 2008 Prop 8 ballot initiative, and a heartening letter to adolescents facing the struggles she once did. In short, it's the sound of an artist who's found her salvation. "I'm always a little surprised when another year passes and I get to make music for a living," Miranda says. "It may not always be glamorous, but I am living my childhood dream."

SLIDESHOW | Out100 2015