80s gay singers
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Cher: The Goddess of Pop and LGBTQ+ Advocate
Cher, the iconic singer and actress often referred to as the Goddess of Pop, has long been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. Lauper’s flamboyant fashion and unapologetic self-expression have inspired many to embrace their uniqueness.
Cyndi Lauper’s colorful presence and unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights have made her a beloved ally and advocate.
Cher’s music and persona, characterized by themes of empowerment and resilience, resonate with LGBTQ+ individuals who see her as a symbol of strength and self-expression.
Throughout the 80s and beyond, Cher has participated in numerous LGBTQ+ events and campaigns, lending her star power to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ+ causes.
Fun Fact: Soft Cell remade the video in 2015, this time with a male model—oh hey—lying on a bed wearing a tank top and underwear being tormented by celestial creatures. Have. Then turn the volume all the way up.
Eric Alper
20 Gayest Videos of the ’80s: 1980-1984
By Tim Parks | March 20, 2023
My formative years as a “child of the ’80s” were truly something almost indescribable.
However, it was her openness about her sexuality that truly set her apart. She remains a legend for living freely and singing fearlessly.
Janelle Monáe
Openly pansexual and nonbinary, Janelle Monáe creates futuristic anthems of freedom and self-love. The show has not only entertained millions but has also educated viewers about LGBTQ+ issues, fostering greater understanding and acceptance.
Beyond his entertainment career, RuPaul has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness.
Seeing a leather clad man/hotel worker that you could tip with glitter was not yet in my wheelhouse! Her fierce dedication to authenticity and equality serves as a powerful reminder that rock music can be a vehicle for social change and empowerment.
14. He’s long championed LGBTQIA+ visibility and HIV awareness, often using his platform to fight stigma.
Ani DiFranco
Bisexual folk-punk powerhouse Ani DiFranco brought radical honesty to the forefront in the ’90s.
With his distinctive raspy voice and unyielding passion, Fierstein used the stage to spotlight LGBTQ+ issues, making significant strides in the fight for equality and representation.
Fierstein's groundbreaking work, "Torch Song Trilogy," is perhaps his most notable contribution to LGBTQ+ advocacy. It’s been named Billboard’s No.
1 hit of the entire ’80s and helped launch the fitness craze of the decade.
Soft Cell, “Tainted Love” (1981)
Lead singer Marc Almond is a commanding presence on a bargain basement set, as an ancient Greek, shooing away the carb filled foods that a woman is attempting to feed him. In the 80s, as the epidemic ravaged communities around the world, Lennox used her fame to draw attention to the crisis.
Example, she seems to get along fine with the little Mary “standing by the record machine.” Honey, those DSL’s give you away!
Fun Fact: The song was first recorded by a British rock band, The Arrows, in 1975. Her presence helps normalize LGBTQIA+ voices in the indie rock scene.
Cyndi Lauper
A fierce ally and activist, Cyndi Lauper has always stood with the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Torch Song Trilogy" won Fierstein two Tony Awards for Best Play and Best Actor, bringing LGBTQ+ narratives to mainstream theater and shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of the community.
Throughout the 80s, Fierstein continued to use his platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She broke boundaries in film and cabaret, becoming a queer cultural icon.
Melissa Etheridge
One of the first major rock stars to come out, Etheridge brought lesbian visibility to MTV and mainstream radio.
Wow, that made me sound old!