Queer Arts & Entertainment

10 Sapphic Pop Songs by Latin Artists for Hispanic Heritage Month

Photos courtesy of Anitta/YouTube; Young Miko/YouTube; Snow The Product/YouTube
Photos courtesy of Anitta/YouTube; Young Miko/YouTube; Snow The Product/YouTube

Queer Latin artists are reshaping pop music with songs that celebrate sapphic desire, fluidity, gender expression, and the freedom to be seen.

There is more creative content by Hispanic LGBTQ+ people in mainstream media than there was a decade ago. It is especially noticeable in the genres of reggaeton, hip-hop, and rap pop music, in which song lyrics vary from risqué to metaphorical and ethereal.

It is prime time for the queer gaze. Throughout history, women have traditionally been depicted by the male gaze, or from the perspective of heterosexual men. Artists of color are taking control of their narratives by constructing their own stories. LGBTQ+ folks are making music about looking at other queers, redefining traditional gender roles, romantic attraction, and gender expression in the process.

Tokischa and Young Miko are examples of rappers who have gained mainstream appeal. Their songs about relationships with women can be deliciously raunchy. They shamelessly and boldly express longing in quick, sharp bars. It fills a gap for Spanish-language content. It is music for queers by queers.

Kali Uchis, Anitta, and Rosalía are big names that have shown their support for LGBTQ+ folks. They use their online platforms and influence to set positive examples for younger generations. All have dated men but sing about attraction to the same gender, showing that sexuality can be fluid. Hispanic kids are growing up in a world where they can see themselves represented.  

The music videos depict sapphic connections and the vast range of gender expressions of people of color. LGBTQ+ folks are the subjects and objects of the gaze. It is a reciprocal exchange shown by touch, body language, and the emotional atmosphere between the people in the footage. They are empowering each other by allowing themselves to be who they are. Butches, femmes, androgynous folks, and anyone in between are included.

Each track is a celebration of Hispanic culture, queer acceptance, and diverse gender identities. More work is needed to include LGBTQ+ Hispanic people in the media. Their lives remain underrepresented. That subset of women should especially be elevated. In recent years, conservative immigration and LGBTQ+ legislation have threatened the rights of their communities.

“Labios Mordidos” by Kali Uchis and Karol G

In “Labios Mordidos,” Colombian singers Karol G and Kali Uchis gave sapphic Latinas a nod, “Amo a mis Brazilianas y mis Colombianas/ Dominicanas, Puerto Ricanas, amo a mis Mexicanas.” The song is about women flirting with each other and they made a sultry music video for it. Kali Uchis is an out and proud bisexual. 

MUXAXA by Tokischa 

Tokischa’s snappy and salacious lyrics have earned her controversy from fans and critics. She is a bisexual woman from the Dominican Republic who primarily raps in Spanish. In this song she playfully sings about being queer, “Soy una trola, cabrona, culona, y maricona.” It is a must-listen for sapphic joy.

“Linda” by Rosalía and Tokischa 

This track is one of Tokischa’s successful collaborations. Rosalía’s Spanish cultural influence can be heard in the flamenco beats that are blended into the dembow track. The memorable hooks include: “Friends who kiss are the best company” and “We kiss but we are homies.” The choruses they exchange are lighthearted and warm. Rosalía has described her sexuality as fluid

“Lisa” by Young Miko 

Young Miko is the poster child for Hispanic sapphics. A lesbian Puerto Rican artist, her upbeat trap and reggaeton songs unapologetically portray her identity. “Hablando claro, tengo un problema/ Es que rápido me enchulo de la nena.” Other delightful songs include “WASSUP,” as well as “BIAF <3,” and the song she made with Bad Bunny, “Fina.”

“Lesbiana” by Romi Marcos

Romina Marcos is the daughter of Niurka Marcos, a Cuban actress and performer. In the track, she tenderly sings about discovering romantic feelings for a woman and learning that she is queer. It is a chill song with an upbeat melody—perfect for baby gays. 

“Latina Foreva” by Karol G

Karol G became the first Latina to headline Coachella earlier this year. The song is about going out with friends. It is an anthem that celebrates Latina identity, friendship, and culture. On it, she sings about choosing to spend the night with a woman, “Esta noche juego para el otro equipo/ Vo’a comerme agrandado ese combito.” She has expressed support for her LGBTQ+ fans.  

“Bellaka y Romantika” by Niña Dioz (feat. Chocolate Remix & El Licenciado) 

Niña Dioz sings about being sexually liberated, a “bellaka” while remaining affectionate, a “romántica,” in this dance number. She started out as one of the first queer Mexican rappers in a machista hip hop scene. 

Piña by Snow Tha Product (feat. Lauren Jauregui) 

Snow Tha Product sings in English and Spanish. She a bisexual Mexican-American rapper. In the reggaeton song, pineapple is a metaphor for sapphic attraction between people in public. Her track topics range from rapping about Chicano culture, to singing about heartbreak, and addressing political injustice.

Me Gusta by Anitta (feat. Cardi B & Myke Towers) 

Anitta is one of Brazil’s LGBTQ+ cultural icons. Cardi B raps, “I have the spice of an Afro-Latina/ And I move my waist like Shakira.” The song draws influence from Latin American, Brazilian, and American music. She revealed her bisexuality in the Netflix documentary Vai Anitta

“Corazón Astral” by Javiera Mena

Javiera Mena is a lesbian Chilean artist known for her electronic beats. In “Corazón Astral,” she links sapphic longing to the universe, and her ethereal lyrics focus on natural imagery. Her repertoire includes other songs that have become LGBTQ+ anthems including, “La Isla de Lesbos” and “Espada.”