Daphne Willis is an out lesbian joining the ranks of many fierce and sexually open female musicians. These contemporary singers are important additions to pop culture not only because of their artistry, but because they encourage their fans – with songs AND activism – to be more sympathetic to and accepting of all members of the human race, including those in the LGBTQ community. Here are a few of our favorite women performers:
Tegan and SaraThese Canadian indie pop identical twins are both openly gay (what are the odds?) and their music is fun, frothy, upbeat and very pro-LGBT. The sisters actually write songs separately, then sing and record together. They’ve released eight studio albums and numerous EPs (their latest, “Love You to Death,” came out in June) and most of their songs are about heartbreak and romances with other women. Both twins have been massive advocates for LGBT rights, involved in U.S. politics despite their Canadian upbringing. Though favorites in the gay musical community, their reach is also mainstream; Tegan and Sara performed their hit 2013 song “Closer” (the group’s first on the Billboard 100) with Taylor Swift in concert a few years back.
The Indigo Girls You’ve probably heard at least one woman in your life belt out late ’80s/’90s hit songs “Closer to Fine” or “Galileo” during a night of karaoke. Those belong to this Grammy Award-winning folk rock music group, which consists of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, both whom identify as lesbian (though they’ve never been a couple). The Girls have been outspoken advocates for political and environmental causes including prison reform, immigration and LGBT rights throughout their three-decade, 14-studio-album career. In 2013, they spoke out about the exclusion of transgender women at the Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, where they were scheduled to play, and put the money they made there toward transgender activism. They also made a statement from stage in support of trans inclusion.
Sexually open pop starsThis group includes bi-curious/bi-friendly young singers Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus and Katy Perry, all huge on the contemporary pop (and social media) scene. Cyrus has sung and spoken openly about her support of and experience with fluid sexuality. She got a gay marriage tattoo and posed for the NOH8 campaign. Lovato released chart-topping “Cool for the Summer,” a song she has coyly refused to confirm OR deny is about experimenting sexually with another female, though she’s confirmed experimentation is totally natural. Lovato and tour-mate Nick Jonas canceled their Future Now concerts in North Carolina in criticism of the restrictive 2016 “bathroom bill” (banning cities from allowing trans people to use public bathrooms matching their gender identity). Perry’s career kicked off with her 2008 smash “I Kissed a Girl,” in which she playfully sang about smooching another girl at a party (and enjoying it). Perry grew up under strict religion, but has since spoken out in support of same-sex marriage.
