Welcome back to our annual list of 10 LGBTQ+ artists we've been keeping our eyes on in 2023! We're particularly excited to get into this year's edition, because a few of our entries are acts we've adored for AGES but haven't been able to include until this year. That's right: 2023 has seen several underrated queer acts finally gain their deserved place in the spotlight. Even before June, it's been a year of queer artistic pride.

But don't close this page just yet! Our list features more than just the mainstream. As per usual, we've also included a healthy dose of rising stars on this list. Y'know, artists that have made a dent in the industry, but deserve more love? That's what Pride Month is all about, right? Love! Giving love, and being proud of love in all its many forms. The ten acts below are unafraid to express their love how they want, and know how to keep audiences loving them back.

You're about to find a new artist to love in this list. Are you ready? Behold: our LGBTQ+ artist class of 2023!

1. Christine and the Queens

With Paranoïa, Angels, True Love finally out, we knew we had to put Christine and the Queens at the top of our list this year. Chris has been around for several years, but it hasn't been until now he's finally gained the artistic respect he deserves.

The genderqueer French singer first broke into the music world in 2010. Thanks to three previous critically-acclaimed works, successful collaborations (with Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek, Tayc and Mura Masa), and a dramatic stage presence, Chris climbed his way to the top of the indie scene.

His lyrics are always wonderfully vague, and he describes his overall genre as "freakpop." Using poignant and passionate electric sounds as a tool, Christine and the Queens music makes audiences think deeply and critically at a time when it's needed most.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Tilted," "To be honest," "True love," "Christine"

2. Gemma Laurence

We previously had the honor of interviewing Gemma Laurence for one of our Emerging Artist Interviews, and since then, she's only grown bigger and brighter. Her soft sound is both comforting and easy to cry to. With stirring melodies and thoughtful lyrics that even transfix the likes of Jimmy Fallon, Gemma's songs are pure unforgettable experiences. We still haven't put down her sophomore album Lavender ever since it dropped last year.

These days, Gemma's been bringing her emotional brand of queer folk to various intimate New York City venues. She recently played a show at The Broadway in Brooklyn, and is gearing up to play at Baby's All Right on June 27. She also released an epic music video for her song "Watchdog," and it recently played at the New York Independent Film Festival. We can only describe it as Goodfellas, but with feminine power at the forefront.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Lavender," "Watchdog," "Adrienne," "Morningside Heights"

3. Bob the Drag Queen

RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 winner and soon-to-be opener for Madonna on her Celebration tour, Bob the Drag Queen has a game-changing couple of months ahead. The multi-hyphenate released her EP GAY BARZ back in February, and it's got the kind of classic camp and in-your-face sound perfect for club nights and queer extravaganzas.

While Bob's discography may not be super lengthy yet (the woman is BUSY!), every single is a killer. The brash "Purse First" reminds us to stand tall and proud when appearing in public. The click-heavy "Take My Picture" offers a healthy serving of self-confidence, and the slappy "BLACK" is one for the people; it fully embraces both Black and LGBTQ+ culture.

Because of her budding music career – as well as her work in comedy, reality television, podcasting, drag show touring, and internet virality – it's only a matter of time before Bob jumps into the mainstream. Get a head start listening to her tracks now before she's in even more places!

STANDOUT TRACKS: "B--ch Like Me," "Purse First," "GAY BARZ (CYPHER)," "BLACK"

4. boygenius

On last year's list, we introduced you to sapphic girl trio MUNA. In 2023, the supergroup boygenius has taken their place. Ironically, boygenius features the one and only Phoebe Bridgers, whose label Saddest Factory Records represents MUNA (Phoebe identifies as bisexual). It also includes the talents of Julien Baker (who identifies as lesbian), and Lucy Dacus (who identifies as queer).

boygenius began back in 2018, but didn't pick up steam until 2023 – when all three members finally had critically-acclaimed projects to their names. They've released their ironically-titled album The Record this year, and it's led to a humongous national tour for the band. boygenius is for lovers of moody indie rock. Songs like "Not Strong Enough" and "$20" sound jubliant with melancholy shadows, while tracks such as "Emily I'm Sorry" and "True Blue" embrace the sad girl sound all three members have pioneered.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Not Strong Enough," "Cool About It," "Emily I'm Sorry," "True Blue"

5. Jame Minogue

If you're looking for a queer artist with a pop sound similar to Harry Styles' but who throws Dominican-Irish influence into the mix, look no further than rising star Jame Minogue. Minogue is unafraid to bend genres or boundaries in his work; in fact, he incorporates pieces of Latin pop into his creations. He dropped his sophomore album Principe Azul last June, and it's a perfect listen for relaxing days on the beach or similar sunny adventures.

While most of Minogue's tunes tend to lean towards the brighter side, he also has the ability to nail moodier, sultrier bops. "If it Hurts, Then Let it Go" has that kind of stylish vibe, and so does his older ballad "Freefall." Need some juicy pop music to soundtrack your summer? Put Jame Minogue songs on your playlist NOW!

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Hate Being In Love," "Hear Me Out," "Hace Mucho," "If It Hurts, Then Let It Go"

6. mazie

If you opened TikTok on your phone at any point last year or watched the Netflix teen comedy Do Revenge, you undoubtedly heard the angry, kooky, cutesy, and painfully relatable song "dumb dumb." The viral hit was created by none other than mazie: a queer psychedelic pop artist who broke into the internet music scene around 2020.

mazie's tunes can be adorable, rageful, and trippy all at once. Her coming-of-age sound is truly one of a kind. She released her most recognizable LP, the rainbow cassette, in 2021. This year, she returned with an album called blotter baby. Between the vulnerable "it's not me (it's u)," the edgy "all i ever wanted (was you)," and the soft bubbly "are you feeling it now," the project proved she has the range and chops to stick around in both the real world – and digital – music spheres for awhile.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "dumb dumb," "girls just wanna have sex," "i think i wanna be alone," "are you feeling it now"

7. Durand Jones

With a rich, soulful voice, Durand Jones is the next big thing to hit contemporary R&B. He's performed with his group – Durand Jones & The Indications – since 2010, and they've helped spread appreciation for vintage soul. Now, Jones is stepping out on his own and has released a solo LP called Wait Til I Get Over. On the record, the Black, queer, Southern-born artist sings about his hometown of Hillaryville, as well as other impactful childhood experiences. As NPR puts it, the album "paints a deeply nuanced portrait of Jones' life and the Southern customs that raised him."

We encourage you to check out Jones' music if you're a fan of modern balladeers like John Legend, and/or old-school soul pioneers such as Marvin Gaye and Sam Cooke. Be ready for Durand's gorgeous belting; you can feel the power of his vocals right in your bones. And the sky-high emotion he puts into the gay romance that is "That Feeling"? Absolutely stunning.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Lord Have Mercy," "Sea Gets Hotter," "Witchoo," "That Feeling"

8. Liza Anne

Liza Anne has been in the indie pop community since 2010, but it was only recently they came out to the world as gay and nonbinary. After four studio albums, they recently redefined their image with the earwormy single "Cheerleader." It's a spirited queer anthem with smooth pep and a whole lotta cool. The song also has an incredible music video featuring Billions actress Eva Victor, a high school setting, cute silver pom poms, and a lot of smooching.

Besides "Cheerleader," Liza Anne has several other adorable tunes for you to latch on to. We particularly love the springy "Bad Vacation," and slower tunes such as "1,000 Years" and "I'm Tired, You're Lonely." You'll fall in love with Liza's authenticity, gamine stage presence, effortlessly rockin' vocals, and sonic evolution.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Cheerleader," "I Love You, But I Need Another Year," "1,000 Years," "I'm Tired, You're Lonely"

9. Mothé

Of all the artists we're featuring this year, Mothé is probably the most idiosyncratic on our list. Starting after Spencer Fort (they/she) moved to Los Angeles in 2019, Mothé – pronounced 'moth', just like the bug – is the solo project they run in conjunction with collaborative producer Robert Adam Stevenson. Their chipper, infectous alternative music features electronic and subtly psychedelic sounds. We'd say the noise they make is similar to mazie's, but it's a lot more laid-back and California chill. If you enjoy acts such as MGMT and Passion Pit, you should be the first to listen to Mothé's music.

Not only will groovy songs like "photobooth," "Happy," and "Somewhere In Your Dreams" get you dancing, but Mothé has a charismatic stage presence that keeps you hooked. Just like an actual moth in the darkness, we know it's only a matter of time before they fly into the limelight.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Debt Collector," "photobooth," "Happy," "It's OK to Be Lonely"

10. Vetta Borne

We'll be the first to say it: Vetta Borne deserves a far bigger audience. The Filipino / Australian songstress has used her singing, writing, and producing talents to aid several indie artists. Eventually, she realized she could benefit from those talents herself, and began releasing a string of singles under her stage name. She's managed to amass millions of streams across platforms in a relatively short amount of time.

Why do we love Vetta Borne? Because she's unafraid to include fresh funk sounds into her pop production. And it sounds soooo good on her pristine vocals. Borne embraces her queer identity on her mega hit track "Girls," and has successfully covered Gwen Stefani with her rendition of "Cool" for triple j's Like A Version. And don't even get us started about her viral masterpiece "Sad Girl." We've been replaying it over and over again, and feeling the inspiring message deep in our heart every time.

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Sad Girl," "Girls," "Kissing Strangers," "if u see kate"

Looking for more LGBTQ+ artists to fall in love with? Find our 10 LGBTQ+ artists list from last year here!

You can also check out the Live365 stations offering up Pride-related programming by clicking here. Happy Pride Month!

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_{Article Image: Under blue and pink bisexual lighting, artist Liza Anne sings and plays guitar at a 2019 concert. (Roberta [CC BY 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.)}