Our Favorite LGBTQ+ Artists and Their Forgotten Hits
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The years 2000–2010 make up arguably one of the most iconic eras for pop culture. Envision the most legendary song you know. We can guarantee it was released in this time period, and we can also bet that it was probably sung by a member of the LGBTQ+ community. It’s just a fact; we don’t make the rules. We at Jerk feel that it is crucial to refresh your memory of some of these forgotten bangers (as well as some newer hits), as they continue to be so prevalent in our lives both then and now. Consider this article your official guide to creating the most nostalgic and well-cultured playlist for your badass walk from Newhouse to Falk.
Lady Gaga - “Marry the Night”
Let’s talk about “Marry the Night.” We truly have neglected this song from seeing the light for too long, and it’s a damn shame. There is no way to even begin to describe the epicness that lies within this absolute classic. Gaga is going to marry the night whether you like it or not. Deal with it. And to all the fellow Gleeks out there, we would like to add an honorable mention of when gay icon Adam Lambert sang “Marry the Night” on Glee. Ryan Murphy said, “take five,” but Sir Adam heard, “change lives.” Sorry not sorry.
Demi Lovato - “Skyscraper”
Demi has had many defining moments in pop culture (never forget the frozen yogurt controversy of 2021), but overall they continue to slay the music industry year after year – if you haven’t heard “29” yet, what are you even doing? We, however, would like to remind you of Demi’s masterpiece “Skyscraper,” released in 2011, and the profound impact it had on us. If these lyrics mean nothing to you, then you mean nothing to us:
“You can take everything I have
You can break everything I am
Like I'm made of glass
Like I'm made of paper”
Sam Smith - “Fire on Fire”
Even though “Unholy,” Sam Smith and Kim Petras’s sexy new hit, is probably dominating your TikTok FYP right now, let’s not forget all the other bangers Sam has graced us with. “Fire on Fire” being released was truly a turning point in our generation. The lyrics, “You are perfection, my only direction / It's fire on fire,” are so dynamic and beautiful, it’s unreal. Sam’s voice truly got me through the tough year of 2019, and I know that listening to this song will cure your fall blues of 2022 as well.
Ke$ha – “Woman”
Oh, Ke$ha. The legend we all needed and don’t appreciate nearly enough. The song “Woman” is revolutionary. It’s made for bad bitches, and bad bitches ONLY. Its commanding and assertive tone is just what we need as we make our way through the school year. Here’s the main message of the song, in case you forgot:
“I'm a motherfucking woman, baby, alright
I don't need a man to be holding me too tight”
Janelle Monáe - “Tightrope”
We sure hope that Janelle Monáe’s “Tightrope” strikes a chord with at least one of our readers. For me personally, this absolute bop defined my childhood. It’s groovy and unique, and we believe that listening to it at least twice daily has the power to cure seasonal depression – or at least elevate your mood.
Tegan and Sara - “Alligator”
Finally, we have the iconic twins you know (we hope) and love (we also hope). These two have produced so many cutting-edge alternative albums over the years that deserve appreciation and love. The song “Alligator” is a hidden gem that we believe deserves a spot in your fall 2022 playlist. The song starts off with the wonderfully crafted lyrics:
“Sensitive
It's true
Alligator tears cried over you”