Groundbreaking Artists in the LGBTQ Music Community: Recognition During LGBTQ History Month 2021
## Celebrating the Musical Legacy of LGBTQ Artists in Dance Music
The world of dance music has long been intertwined with the LGBTQ community, serving as a platform for self-expression, community building, and social liberation. This is particularly true of disco, which emerged in underground clubs in the 1970s, catering to Black, gay, and Latino dancers, and became a central part of the sexual revolution.
### Pioneering LGBTQ Artists and Their Influence
One of the most iconic disco groups, the Village People, gained fame with their song "Y.M.C.A.", which became a gay anthem due to its lyrics and the group's aesthetic that resonated with LGBTQ experiences in the 1970s. Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" (1978) is another classic gay anthem, often interpreted as a symbol of resilience and liberation. Diana Ross's "I'm Coming Out" (1980) became an anthem for LGBTQ visibility and self-expression, reflecting Ross's connections to the community.
Valentino's 1975 song "I Was Born This Way" directly addressed the gay community, making it a pioneering work in LGBTQ-themed disco music. Paris Dupree, known as the Mother of the House of Dupree, played a pivotal role in the ballroom scene, a subculture that helped mobilize young urban gays to express themselves through dance and fashion. Willi Ninja, a choreographer and model, was a key figure in the ballroom scene, especially in voguing, and his work continues to inspire through the House of Ninja, advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness.
### Dance Styles and Their Significance
Two dance styles that emerged from this period are Waacking and Voguing. Waacking, a dance style from the West Coast, characterized by energetic arm movements, was popularized by figures like Nubian Néné, who promotes Waacking as a liberating force for Black communities. Voguing, originating in the ballroom scene, involves pose striking and fluid movements and has been immortalized in documentaries like *Paris is Burning* and continues to influence contemporary dance and fashion.
### Modern-Day Trailblazers
In recent years, artists like k.d. Lang and Sophie have continued to champion the LGBTQ community. Lang, a Canadian singer, songwriter, and activist, is championed for her work in the LGBTQ community. Sophie, a Scottish artist, was known for her unique ability to manipulate sound in electronic music and collaborated with numerous industry giants. Last year, Mica, also known as Micachu, released the experimental grunge and dream-pop album titled Ruff Dog.
These artists and dance styles have not only contributed to the richness of dance music but have also played a significant role in the cultural and social liberation of the LGBTQ community. Today, schools like Point Blank Music School offer courses in Music Production & Sound Engineering, DJing, Radio Broadcasting, Singing and Songwriting in London, Los Angeles, Ibiza, and Mumbai, as well as online courses, providing opportunities for the next generation of LGBTQ artists to thrive.
- The influence of LGBTQ artists, such as Gloria Gaynor and Diana Ross, extended beyond music, with their songs like "I Will Survive" and "I'm Coming Out" becoming anthems for resilience, liberation, and visibility within the LGBTQ community.
- Modern trailblazers like k.d. Lang and Sophie, with their unique styles and advocacy, continue to champion the LGBTQ community, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Paris Dupree and Willi Ninja, who made significant contributions to LGBTQ-themed entertainment and dance styles such as Waacking and Voguing.
