Happy Pride, babes! Time to dig out all that rainbow clothing from the bottom of your drawer and celebrate wherever you are! This year, though we won’t be united at a parade, us gays can be united in one thing: our superior music tastes. So tune in, turn it it up, and get down to these gay ass beats. Got a smartphone or just a really loud speaker? Head to Spotify, pump these jams, and party for Pride 2020.
“Born This Way” — Lady Gaga
Where were you when you first heard this iconic song for the first time in 2011? Even if you were just dweeby gay teen on Long Island, this anthem made you feel part of something bigger than yourself. For me, personally, whenever this song came on the radio, my parents would switch it off, so that’s how I knew it was something really special from the beginning. Even Lady Gaga herself said in a Vogue interview that if she were to be remembered for one thing, it would be for the message behind “Born This Way.” So, blast this song as many times as possible since it really isn’t Pride without it.
“Dancing on my Own” — Robyn
Robyn said this song was inspired by her “love of inherently sad, gay disco anthems,” which, in a nutshell, is a huge mood for Pride 2020. It’s not that we won’t be partying for Pride this summer, we might just be doing it in our apartments — or, if you’re one of the lucky ones, a balcony or backyard. The bright side is that a bottle of rosé won’t get your credit card declined, and you can be on Tinder as much as you want without worrying that your phone is gonna die.
“I Feel Love” — Sam Smith
Thank you to Sam Smith, a nonbinary babe, for reimagining the timeless hit “I Feel Love,” originally sung by Donna Summers. The vibes on this are IMMACULATE, and listening to this song makes me want to be sweating out vodka on a thumping dance floor with somebody else’s hands all over my body. But until that’s safely possible, you can find me listening to this with the bass up in my headphones trying to mimic the feeling of human touch.
“Girls/Girls/Boys” — Panic! At The Disco
This one goes out to all my gay babes who will never be over their emo phase. In hindsight, I probably should have shared this discovery earlier, but when I went to see Panic! At The Disco last January at the Barclays Center on a whim, what I didn’t know was that I was going to be surrounded by the largest collection of gay emo girls I think maybe ever. So if you’re still looking for your big titty goth girlfriend, your best bet is to start getting into P!ATD.
“What I Need ft. Kehlani” — Haley Kiyoko
This song is a two for one special. I’ve been on TikTok long enough to know that Haley Kiyoko is Gen Z’s lesbian messiah, and I’ve been tuned in to Twitter long enough to know that Khelani is a fluid/queer baddie.
“Closer” — Tegan and Sara
Speaking of Gen Z, sometimes at age 25 I feel quite young, but other times I feel quite old and out of touch. So this is my question: Do these young kids know about Tegan and Sara? I hope they do, because before it was asking if she listens to girl in red to find out if she was gay, it was asking if she listens to Tegan and Sara.
“Together Again” — Janet Jackson
Anytime I listen to this song, I am immediately transported to a gay bar. Which gay bar you might ask? Any one. Every one. Whenever I am in a gay bar, this song inevitably comes on, and just listening to it now transports me to the gay bar in my mind. I’m a regular there.
“Malibu” — Kim Petras
For maximum gayness, this song must be accompanied by its music video. It’s got a star-studded cast including, but not limited to, JVN, Paris Hilton, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato, Benito Skinner, and Amanda Lepore. If I wasn’t gay before hearing this song, I am now.
“Good As Hell” — Lizzo
If we deserve anything right now, it’s at least a microdose of the joy that Lizzo’s music gives off. It’s been tough going through these last few months, but don’t we deserve a chance to scream that we are feeling good as hell (even if it’s not remotely true)? Even if you’re faking it, there’s nothing more fun than singing along to Lizzo’s good word.
“I Love You Always Forever” — Betty Who
This song is another reimagined classic, originally sung by Donna Lewis, but then taken to another level by queer artist Betty Who. For every ticket sold in her 2019 tour, a portion of the proceeds was donated to the Trevor Project. We love to see it.
“Pynk” — Janelle Monae
What more is there to say besides that Janelle Monae is everythiiinnnggg? She’s a pop hitmaker, a movie star, and an outspoken queer icon. Janelle put it best in her own words for a Rolling Stone interview when she said: “I consider myself to be a free-ass motherfucker.” What’s not to love about that?
“Hit the Back” — King Princess
What I wouldn’t give to be one of King Princess’ tiny white tank tops. Since this song is the *official* bottom anthem, you already know it had a spot on this playlist.
“Like You” — Asiahn
Slowing it down for a 90’s R&B vibe, we have Asiahn on her track “Like You.” On it, she’s purring over a woman that she sees on a night out, but can’t take home, further solidifying that pining is the singular gay emotion.
“Cut to the Feeling” — Carly Rae Jepson
Liking Carly Rae Jepson is as much a gay personality trait as drinking iced coffee and walking fast. Dubbed Carly “SLAY” Jepson, she’s definitely earned that nickname for being a humongous ally to the gay community. I’ve even seen it in action when she performed for the annual Talent Show supporting the Ally Coalition, a non-profit that raises money for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.
“Vroom Vroom” — Charli XCX
If hearing Charli say “Let’s Ride” does not immediately get you hype, then I don’t know what type of person you are. Honestly, if there’s someone in your life that can’t turn up to “Vroom Vroom” just turn them away; you don’t need that type of negativity in your life.
You can listen to the entire playlist on Spotify here. Happy Pride!
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