It’s time to get loud and be proud! June is Pride Month. Regardless of where and what you’re doing to celebrate, there’s no better time to let loose and be yourself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Life is too short to be anything but in love with yourself and your life. If you’ve been slacking in that area, start now!
Amplify your Pride Month festivities with my 40-track playlist, linked below — and keep scrolling to preview some of my favourite Pride plays, new and old.
“Girls Like Girls” – Hayley Kiyoko
Girls can like girls, just like boys—and what about it? That’s the attitude “Lesbian Jesus” Hayley Kiyoko takes on in her smash single “Girls Like Girls,” which has amassed over 150 million listens online. From the start of her career, Kiyoko has been vocal about struggles faced by the LGBTQ community in her music, raising awareness of violence against transgender women on “One Bad Night” and highlighting self-doubt on “This Side of Paradise.” She’s described “Girls Like Girls” as a “female anthem for a girl stealing another guy’s girl,” contrasting the stereotypical girl-steals-girlfriend’s-guy/guy-steals-guy friend’s-girl themes.
“Valentino” – Years & Years feat. MNEK
Released in February for, conveniently, Valentine’s Day, this gay heartbreak song is everything I never knew I needed. “I should’ve known not to trust Valentino,” Y&Y frontman Olly Alexander and MNEK echo. Put it this way: “Valentino” is that guy you fall for fast, and just as quickly realize is bad news. Now all the wiser, Alexander and MNEK lay it down: “I don’t want your cruel melody.” (That’s lyrical talk for “Boy, bye.”)
“Homiesexual” – Tayla Parx
Emerging talent Tayla Parx, who you may recognize from her frequent collabs with Ariana Grande, delivered this Pride-perfect bop alongside the release of her debut LP ‘We Need To Talk’ this spring. Pride is just as much about friendships as it is relationships and self-love, and embracing some “homiesexual”-ity is the perfect way to honour your tight-knit squad as you celebrate.
“Boys” – Charli XCX
Still up there as one of the most iconic and star-studded music videos in recent years, Charli XCX’s infectious “boy crazy” anthem “Boys” is a Pride playlist staple. And before you ask, no need to worry — the YouTube description specifically says NO BOYS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS VIDEO 💕.
“You Need To Calm Down” – Taylor Swift
Listen to Taylor when she says you need to calm down. Being negative is so 2000 and late. (Also, YES to this genius releasing another smash that tackles online bullies, trolls and homophobes at the same time… “Why are you mad, when you could be GLAAD?”)
“Born This Way” – Lady Gaga
No Pride playlist is complete without this legendary self-acceptance single from the Mother Monster herself. One of the reasons “Born This Way” has stood the test of time is it sums up so much of what Pride symbolizes in 4 minutes and 20 seconds—unapologetic self love preached from the rooftops, and a kind of love that rises above hate and inspires you to lift yourself up even when you’re at your lowest. Plus, it’s true – we were all born our own individual ways and baby, there is no other way!
(And honestly, it was s u c h a toss-up on whether to include this or Kesha’s “We R Who We R,” so please enjoy both.)
HAPPY PRIDE! Let me know how you’re celebrating in the comments below. xx
(Header graphic made by Angela McLean; music note overlay via IN Magazine)
