Looking for some incredible talent and relatable lesbian songs to add to your playlist? Well, lucky, lucky you sweetheart (can we call you that? Probs not…), because we have you sorted with our carefully curated list of lesbian singers and women within the queer spectrum (not just lesbians). This is a list of queer artists who are redefining the music industry with their unique perspectives and epic tunes. These legendary women and non-binary peeps are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and creating music that speaks directly to the queer community and beyond. We’ve not messed about with this list people, it includes OG’s such as Tracy Chapman to the hero that is Romy from The XX.
This diverse group of lesbian artists represents the very best of contemporary and old-school music. Whether you’re searching for ballads to have a sing-song with your mates, epic dance tunes, or romantic songs to listen to with the new GF (get a room), our list has something for everyone. Not only that, but you’ll also find some newcomers too.
So, sit back, relax, and let the music of these incredible lesbian singers fill up your next Spotify list. Are you welcome? Yes, you are.
Our Legend List of Lesbian Singers
Queen Latifah
We are starting this list of lesbian singers, with the one and only rap queen – Queen Latifah, whose real name is Dana Elaine Owens, is an American singer, rapper, actress, and producer. While she has not publicly labelled her sexual orientation, she did confirm she was part of the LGBTQ+ community, and throughout her career, there have been speculations and rumours about her being a lesbian.
Queen Latifah has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. She began her career in the late 1980s as a rapper and released her debut album, “All Hail the Queen,” in 1989. The album was well-received and showcased her powerful and influential voice in the world of hip-hop. Queen Latifah’s music often featured empowering and socially conscious themes, and she became known for her strong and confident persona.
In addition to her music career, Queen Latifah has achieved great success as an actress. She has appeared in numerous films, including “Set It Off,” “Chicago,” “Hairspray,” and “The Secret Life of Bees,” among others. Her performances have garnered critical acclaim and have earned her accolades, including nominations for Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy Awards.
Tracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman, like many other lesbian singers from the 80s, is super private about her private life, but her previous girlfriends have spoken out about their romantic relationships with her.
Tracy Chapman rose to prominence in the late 1980s with her self-titled debut album, which included the hit song “Fast Car.” Her soulful folk and blues-influenced music, combined with introspective and socially conscious lyrics, resonated with audiences around the world. Chapman’s music has received critical acclaim and has earned her numerous awards and nominations throughout her career.
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Tracy Chapman’s impact on the music industry extends beyond her successful debut album. She has released several more albums, including “Crossroads,” “New Beginning,” and “Let It Rain,” among others, showcasing her distinctive voice and songwriting abilities. Her songs often tackle themes of love, politics, and social justice, reflecting her commitment to addressing important issues through her music.
While Tracy Chapman’s personal life remains private, her contributions as a talented singer-songwriter have left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her soulful voice, poetic lyrics, and thought-provoking songs continue to resonate with listeners and inspire fellow musicians. Regardless of her sexual orientation, Tracy Chapman’s musical legacy remains a testament to her talent and the impact she has had on the industry.
Fletcher
We love a bit of Fletcher, obvi.
Fletcher, whose full name is Cari Elise Fletcher, is an American singer-songwriter known for her captivating vocals, emotive lyrics, and powerful stage presence. She has openly identified as a lesbian and has been vocal about her experiences and advocacy within the LGBTQ+ community.
Born on March 19, 1994, in Asbury Park, New Jersey, Fletcher first gained attention with her breakout single, “War Paint,” released in 2013. The song’s empowering message and catchy pop sound resonated with listeners and established Fletcher as an artist to watch. Since then, she has released a series of well-received EPs and singles, showcasing her versatility and ability to tackle a wide range of musical styles.
Fletcher’s music often explores themes of self-acceptance, love, and personal growth. Her honest and introspective songwriting resonates with fans who appreciate her candid approach to storytelling. She has embraced her role as an openly lesbian artist and has used her platform to promote LGBTQ+ visibility and advocate for equality.
She recently shook the whole of lesbian TikTok with her release of the song “Becky’s so Hot” which is a tune about her ex-girlfriend Shannon Beveridge’s current girlfriend, wowee.
King Princess
King Princess, whose real name is Mikaela Straus, is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. Known for her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and unique blend of pop and alternative music, King Princess has gained widespread recognition and a dedicated fan base.
King Princess identifies as genderqueer or lesbian, sometimes, according to a recent interview.
In 2018, King Princess released her debut single, “1950,” which quickly garnered attention and acclaim. The song, inspired by Patricia Highsmith’s novel “The Price of Salt,” became an LGBTQ+ anthem and showcased King Princess’s knack for crafting heartfelt and relatable songs. She followed up with her debut EP, “Make My Bed,” which further solidified her artistic identity and musical style.
King Princess’s music often explores themes of love, desire, and identity, with a focus on queer experiences and relationships. Her lyrics are intimate and introspective, offering a glimpse into her personal journey and struggles. Musically, she incorporates elements of pop, R&B, and rock, creating a distinctive sound that sets her apart from her peers.
Throughout her career, King Princess has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. As an openly gay artist, she uses her platform to celebrate her identity and foster a sense of community. Her unapologetic approach to her artistry and her commitment to authenticity has resonated with fans, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community.
King Princess continues to release new music and tour, captivating audiences with her raw talent and compelling performances. Her ability to combine vulnerability, catchy melodies, and thought-provoking lyrics has solidified her position as an exciting and influential figure in contemporary music.
Lucy Spraggan
Lucy Spraggan is an English singer-songwriter who gained prominence through her appearance on the reality TV show “The X Factor” in 2012. She has openly identified as a lesbian and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility within the music industry.
Throughout her career, Lucy Spraggan has been open and proud of her identity as a lesbian. She has used her platform and music to address LGBTQ+ issues and advocate for equality. Her songs often reflect her personal experiences and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, offering a relatable and empowering voice to listeners.
Lucy Spraggan continues to release new music and tour, captivating audiences with her heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies. Her willingness to be open and authentic about her experiences as a lesbian artist has made her an inspiration to many and an important voice in the music industry.
Tegan & Sara
Next up on our lesbian singers and artists list has to be Tegan and Sara are a Canadian indie pop duo consisting of identical twin sisters Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin. Born on September 19, 1980, in Calgary, Alberta, the duo has been making music together since their teenage years and has amassed a dedicated fan base worldwide.
As openly gay artists, Tegan and Sara have been vocal advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. They have used their platform to raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and have been actively involved in organizations such as the It Gets Better Project. Their openness about their sexuality has inspired and empowered many within the LGBTQ+ community.
Beth Ditto
Beth Ditto, whose birth name is Mary Beth Patterson, is an American singer-songwriter and LGBTQ+ icon. Born on February 19, 1981, in Searcy, Arkansas, Ditto rose to prominence as the lead vocalist of the indie rock band Gossip.
Known for her powerful vocals, fierce stage presence, and unapologetic attitude, Ditto has been an influential figure in the music industry. Her band, Gossip, gained international recognition with their breakthrough album “Standing in the Way of Control” in 2006, which featured the hit title track. Ditto’s soulful voice and the band’s infectious energy garnered them critical acclaim and a devoted following.
As an openly gay woman, Beth Ditto has been an important advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. She has been vocal about her experiences and has used her platform to challenge societal norms and promote self-acceptance. Her bold and unapologetic presence in the public eye has made her a role model for many within the LGBTQ+ community.
St. Vincent (Annie Clark)
St. Vincent, also known as Annie Clark, is an acclaimed American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. With her unique blend of art rock, indie pop, and avant-garde sensibilities, she has become a prominent figure in the contemporary music scene. Born on September 28, 1982, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, St. Vincent has captivated audiences worldwide with her distinctive musical style, thought-provoking lyrics, and captivating stage presence.
She’s rather private about her sexuality and much prefers talking about her music – we’re all about that. In a previous interview, she mentioned “I don’t think about those words. I believe in gender fluidity and sexual fluidity.” However, we had to include her on our legend list, did we not?!
Sia
Sia, whose full name is Sia Kate Isobelle Furler, is a highly acclaimed Australian singer, songwriter, and music video director. Born on December 18, 1975, in Adelaide, Australia, Sia has established herself as one of the most successful and influential artists in the contemporary music industry. Known for her powerful vocals, emotional songwriting, and distinctive visual style, Sia has captivated audiences worldwide.
Sia is mainly known for her epic belters – “Chandelier” and “cheap thrills”, plus her stage presents of hiding her face under a wig. But we also needed to highlight that she is also the vocalist on the absolutely gorgeous track “Destiny” by Zero 7.
Sia tweeted way back in 2013, “I’m queer. I don’t identify as a lesbian because I’ve dated men predominantly. But I’ve certainly dated women.”
k.d. lang
k.d Lang came out as a pure legend in 1992. She came out in an article with The Advocate.
k.d. lang’s unique voice, genre-defying style, and heartfelt songwriting have solidified her status as a truly remarkable artist. With her ability to effortlessly blend genres and captivate audiences with her emotive performances, lang continues to push boundaries and inspire listeners around the world. Her contributions to both music and LGBTQ+ activism have left an indelible mark, making her an icon in her own right.
Hayley Kiyoko
Born on April 3, 1991, Hayley Kiyoko is a multifaceted American artist celebrated for her roles as a singer, songwriter, actress, and director. Revered by her fans as “Lesbian Jesus,” Kiyoko has emerged as a prominent force in the music industry, recognized for her infectious pop melodies and steadfast dedication to LGBTQ+ representation.
Shura
Aleksandra Lilah Denton, professionally known as Shura, is a talented British singer, songwriter, and producer. Her distinctive fusion of dreamy synth-pop and emotionally charged lyrics has garnered widespread acclaim. Born on October 17, 1991, Shura’s music delves into themes of love, relationships, and self-exploration, striking a chord with listeners across the globe.
In 2014, Shura burst into the spotlight with her debut single, “Touch,” which immediately captivated audiences. The song earned critical acclaim for its irresistible melody and introspective lyrics, swiftly amassing a dedicated fanbase. Two years later, Shura released her debut album, “Nothing’s Real,” a shimmering collection of pop tracks that effortlessly blended a nostalgic ’80s atmosphere. The album’s release was met with widespread praise, solidifying Shura’s status as an emerging talent in the music industry.
Shura identifies as a queer artist. While she has not explicitly used the term “lesbian” to describe her sexual orientation, she has been open about her experiences and relationships with women in her music and interviews.
Kehlani
Kehlani, whose birth name is Kehlani Ashley Parrish, is an American singer, songwriter, and dancer renowned for her contributions to contemporary R&B and pop music. Her soulful vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and captivating stage presence have propelled her to critical acclaim and fostered a devoted fan base.
From a young age, Kehlani embarked on a musical journey that gained recognition when she became a member of the teenage group Poplyfe, competing on the reality TV show “America’s Got Talent.” Following her time on the show, Kehlani embarked on a solo career, releasing her debut mixtape, “Cloud 19,” in 2014. The mixtape showcased her exceptional talent, effortlessly blending elements of R&B, hip-hop, and pop while garnering praise for its sincere and introspective lyrics.
Kehlani, originally identifies as queer or bisexual, however, she posted a TikTok video in April 2021 saying “I am gay, gay, gay. … I finally know I’m a lesbian.”
You would have also seen Kehlani in The L Word: Generation Q season 3.
Halsey
Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, better known as Halsey, is an American singer, songwriter, and activist whose impact on the music industry cannot be ignored. She identifies by the pronouns she/they and bisexual. With her commanding and heartfelt vocals, introspective songwriting, and distinctive blend of genres, Halsey has risen to prominence as a key figure in contemporary pop music.
Halsey’s musical journey began in 2014 with the release of her debut EP, “Room 93.” However, it was her breakout single, “New Americana,” from her debut studio album, “Badlands,” released in 2015, that propelled her to widespread recognition. “Badlands” showcased Halsey’s exceptional ability to seamlessly fuse elements of pop, alternative rock, and electronic music, earning her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
Janelle Monáe
Born Janelle Monáe Robinson on December 1, 1985, Janelle Monáe is a multifaceted American artist celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions as a singer, songwriter, actress, and activist. With her fearless exploration of genres, eclectic style, and captivating stage presence, Monáe has become a trailblazing force in the music industry.
Monáe’s musical odyssey commenced with the release of her critically acclaimed EP, “Metropolis: Suite I (The Chase),” in 2007. This body of work introduced listeners to her unique concept albums and science fiction-infused narratives, delving into themes of identity, empowerment, and societal issues. Her subsequent albums, “The ArchAndroid” (2010) and “The Electric Lady” (2013), continued to showcase Monáe’s visionary storytelling and genre-blurring sound, seamlessly fusing elements of funk, soul, R&B, and pop.
Maddie Zahm
Maddie Zahm is a new lesbian singer on the scene, who was the warm-up act to support Pink in her 2023 tour. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. You might also know Maddie Zahm from her a TikTok’s viral single. Maddie Zahm identifies as queer.
July Jones
July Jones, also recognized as Julija Šukys is a talented singer, songwriter, and model hailing from Lithuania and the United Kingdom. Jones has been making a significant impact in the music industry, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing vocals, empowering lyrics, and captivating visual style.
From a young age, July Jones embarked on a musical path driven by her deep passion for music. Growing up in London, she found inspiration in a variety of genres, including pop, R&B, and electronic music. This diverse range of influences has shaped her unique sound and artistic approach as a singer-songwriter.
Romy (The XX)
Romy Madley Croft, known as Romy, is an English musician, singer, and songwriter. She is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist of the indie pop band The xx. Born on January 28, 1989, in London, England, Romy formed The xx in 2005 alongside Oliver Sim and Jamie Smith (also known as Jamie xx).
Romy’s musical journey began at a young age, and she honed her skills as a guitarist and vocalist. The xx’s music is characterized by its minimalist approach, intimate lyrics, and atmospheric soundscapes. Romy’s distinct and ethereal voice, combined with her evocative guitar playing, contributes to the band’s unique sonic identity.
Romy recently spoke out in an interview about how she wanted to produce music for queer women that was upbeat and that she could relate to – what a legend, we all thank you for that love. Ps thanks for the collab with Fred Again.
Our list of lesbian singers and queer artists. It’s obvious that it’s become easier to come out as a lesbian singer as time has gone on, but we want to say a huge thanks to all of the singers out there that have been courageous enough to come out. What absolute heroes.
If you like this article, then head over to our article on Lesbian Songs That Are Actually Tunes
If we’ve missed any other lesbian singers or queer artists, then please let us know by commenting below (we definitely have).
Enjoy the tunes pals,
Nonchalant x
This article was written by one of our creative team writers here at Nonchalant Magazine.
