19 of the best LGBTQ+ anthems of the last 20 years

Well, you can’t have this list without Lady Gaga’s single “Born This Way” at No. 1. It gave confidence and brought pride to many people worldwide, and its legacy lives on today. 

Beyoncé’s album Renaissance celebrates Black queer culture, and her song "COZY" is about being comfortable in your skin. It’s a confidence booster and a true love letter to the LGBTQ+ community. 

Brtiney’s single "Work B*tch" isn’t necessarily an anthem, but its title features LGBTQ+ slang and is the perfect tune if you need a little motivation.  

Although it’s not an anthem that would be played inside the club, Hozier’s "Take Me To Church" is a song about sexuality in the “face of” religious discrimination. It’s a mid-tempo track that’s given hope to many. 

Sam Smith’s debut single "Stay With Me" debuted at No. 1 in the UK and became one of the most popular songs of 2014. It’s so loved that other artists, including Kelly Clarkson and Ed Sheeran, have covered it during performances. 

Everybody needs a song they can turn on before heading out with friends to get them in the right mindset, and Sam Smith’s 2023 single "I'm Not Here To Make Friends" is the perfect choice. It even features a sample from LGBTQ+ staple RuPaul. 

Like Britney’s single above, "Let's Have A Kiki" uses gay slang and references, namely kiki, which refers to gossip and chit-chat. 

Kelly Clarkson’s "Stronger" needs no introduction or explanation. The meaning is clear and an encouraging song for any occasion. 

Like "COZY," Beyoncé’s "Get Me Bodied" features Black gay verbiage and feel-good music that makes you want to let loose. The music video includes classic dance challenges and Destiny’s Child members Kelly and Michelle.  

As the title suggests, Ariana Grande’s "Break Free" encourages everybody to shake off the expectations of others and live their best life. It peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and is certified three-times platinum with the Recording Industry Association of America. 

Macklemore’s "Same Love" was birthed from the rapper’s frustration with homophobia in the hip-hop community. It won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Video with a Social Message, reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and has sold four million copies in the US. 

Kesha’s single "We R Who We R" was released in 2010 amid the bullying those in the LGBTQ+ community were experiencing, and she hoped it would become an anthem for those who needed it. 

"Beautiful" is one of Christina Aguilera’s most moving songs, encouraging those to see the beauty in every part of who they are. The song was popular, reaching No. 1 in many countries, including New Zealand, Romania, and Canada. 

Ariana Grande and Lady Gaga’s collaboration "Rain On Me" has been a song loved by the LGBTQ+ community since its release in 2020. It won the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance in 2021.

Katy Perry has always created motivating music, and her single "Firework" is just that. It’s an upbeat pop track dedicated to the underdogs and hidden figures. It’s a critically acclaimed song, earning the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and Mainstream Top 40 charts. 

"Material Girl" by Saucy Santana is iconic for many reasons, but the catchy lyrics and visually pleasing music video make this track a hit for us. 

Another Sam Smith single loved by the gay community is their hit "Unholy." The project features Kim Petras, the first openly transgender artist to win a Grammy for her work on the song in 2023. 

Lil Nas X has quickly become one of the most influential LGBTQ+ figures in recent years — challenging social norms as an openly gay Black man in hip-hop. His single "Montero" pushes boundaries with a video that encourages self-reflection and discovery. 

Miley Cyrus has always been vocal about supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and her single "Cattitude" exemplifies that. It features RuPaul, gay slang, and a fire beat.