No ven diagram’s cross-section is more prominent than the intersection of club culture and the LGBTQIA+ community. They are almost synonymous with each other, as the dance music world would not exist without the radical self-expression, bravery, and creativity of the LGBTQIA+ community that laid the groundwork for what has grown to be one of the largest and most widely enjoyed genres of music worldwide.
There is no better time to celebrate some of the most significant genre-pushing champions throughout the community over the decades. In addition to their remarkable musical contributions, these artists have a broader cultural impact. They are more than just musicians; they are symbols of representation and role models for the LGBTQ+ community. Their visibility and willingness to express their authentic selves can inspire others within the community, and their success can challenge stereotypes and encourage greater acceptance and inclusivity within the music industry and beyond.
That being said, it takes a village to create a culture meaning that this list is far from comprehensive or exhaustive. The scene and industry wouldn’t be what it is today without each and every voice that has pushed the sounds forward, both openly and in the quiet, and all voices and individuals are just as important and impactful to the future of dance music.
Frankie Knuckles
Frankie Knuckles, often called the “Godfather of House Music,” was a pioneering DJ and record producer in the disco and house music scenes. Knuckles, who was openly gay, significantly impacted the electronic music scene and was a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community.
Starting his career in the 1970s, Frankie Knuckles was one of the key figures in the development of house music, a genre that originated in the gay clubs of Chicago. Knuckles’ music became a soundtrack for the LGBTQ+ community, with his tracks often being played at LGBTQ+ clubs and events. His influence extended beyond just music – he created a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves freely and openly.
In addition to his contribution to house music, Knuckles was also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. His status as a prominent, openly gay figure in the music industry was significant in a time when many were still closeted. His work in the music industry and his advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights has left a lasting legacy, influencing countless DJs and musicians, and continues to inspire the LGBTQ+ community.
The Black Madonna (now known as The Blessed Madonna)
Marea Stamper, better known by her former stage name The Black Madonna and now as The Blessed Madonna, is a DJ, producer, and outspoken advocate for diversity in the music industry. Stamper, a queer woman, is known for her eclectic DJ sets and commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality in the electronic music scene.
The Blessed Madonna started her career in the 1990s and has since become a household name in the electronic music industry. Her eclectic sets blend house, disco, and techno and have been praised for their diversity and creativity. However, her impact goes beyond just her music – Stamper has consistently used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the music industry, often speaking out about the lack of representation of women, and specifically queer women, in electronic music.
In addition to her advocacy work, Stamper co-founded the collective Interdimensional Transmissions, which organizes parties and events to create safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community. Through her music, advocacy, and work with Interdimensional Transmissions, The Blessed Madonna has significantly impacted the electronic music scene, challenging norms and promoting diversity and equality.
Honey Dijon
Honey Dijon, a transgender woman from Chicago, is a renowned DJ and producer in the electronic music industry. Known for her unique blend of Chicago house and Detroit techno, Honey Dijon has left an indelible mark on electronic music.
Starting her career in the 1990s, Honey Dijon quickly rose to prominence with her soulful, energetic DJ sets. Her music, a fusion of her Chicago roots and the techno sound of Detroit has captivated audiences worldwide. However, her impact extends beyond the decks – as a transgender woman, she is a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community within the music industry.
Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, Honey Dijon has persevered and succeeded greatly in the electronic music industry. She uses her platform to raise awareness and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, promoting visibility and acceptance for transgender individuals in the music industry and beyond.
Kim Ann Foxman
Kim Ann Foxman, a Hawaiian-born, New York-based DJ, producer, and vocalist, is a prominent figure in the electronic music scene. Foxman, a lesbian, is known for her energetic and emotive house music sets.
Foxman first rose to prominence as a member of the electronic music group Hercules and Love Affair. However, it’s her solo career as a DJ and producer that has truly made an impact on the electronic music scene. Her music – a vibrant blend of house and techno – is often played in clubs worldwide, and her DJ sets are celebrated for their energy and emotion.
Aside from her music, Foxman is also recognized for promoting diversity and inclusion within the electronic music scene. She is an openly out lesbian in an industry that often lacks queer female representation. Through her visibility and success, Foxman has inspired and paved the way for other queer women in the industry.
Octo Octa
Octo Octa, born Maya Bouldry-Morrison, is an American DJ and producer who came out as transgender in 2016. Known for her emotive and hypnotic house music, Octo Octa has significantly impacted the electronic music scene.
Octo Octa’s music is a captivating blend of deep house and breakbeat, often exploring themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery. This is especially true of her work since coming out as transgender. Her music often reflects her experiences and struggles, making it deeply personal and relatable.
Despite the challenges faced as a transgender woman in the electronic music industry, Octo Octa has achieved considerable success. Her authenticity and openness about her identity have inspired many in the LGBTQ+ community. Her continued success and visibility as a transgender woman in the music industry are paving the way for greater acceptance and inclusivity.
Jlin
Jlin, a black, openly gay woman, is known for her experimental and genre-defying electronic music. A key figure in the footwork genre, her innovative music has challenged conventions and pushed boundaries.
Jlin’s music is characterized by its complexity and originality, blending elements of footwork, techno, and experimental electronic music. Her work often explores themes of identity and self-expression, reflecting her experiences as a queer black woman in the music industry.
Despite discrimination and bias, Jlin has achieved considerable success in the electronic music industry. Her unique and innovative music has received critical acclaim, and she is a respected figure in the industry. Her success and visibility as a queer black woman in the electronic music industry are inspiring and groundbreaking.
Larry Levan
Larry Levan was an influential DJ in the disco and house music scenes, known for his residency at the Paradise Garage, a prominent New York nightclub. Levan, who was openly gay, played a key role in shaping the sound of electronic dance music.
Levan’s sets at the Paradise Garage were legendary. His eclectic and creative mixing style, which blended genres like disco, soul, and funk, helped define house music’s sound. However, his impact goes beyond just his music. As an openly gay man, Levan created a space where the LGBTQ+ community could express themselves freely and openly.
In addition to his contributions to house music, Levan was also a key figure in the LGBTQ+ community. His openness about his sexuality was significant at a time when many were still closeted. His work in the music industry and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have left a lasting legacy, influencing countless DJs and musicians and inspiring the LGBTQ+ community.
Tama Sumo
Tama Sumo, a Berlin-based DJ, has been a staple of the city’s club scene for over two decades. Sumo, who identifies as a lesbian, is known for her genre-blurring DJ sets, which often incorporate house, techno, and disco elements.
Sumo has been a resident at Berghain, one of Berlin’s most famous clubs, since 2004. Her DJ sets, known for their variety and unpredictability, reflect her diverse musical tastes and have earned her a reputation as one of the city’s best DJs. However, her influence extends beyond her music. As an openly lesbian woman in a predominantly male industry, she is a powerful voice for the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to her DJing, Sumo also advocates diversity and inclusivity within the electronic music scene. She often speaks out about the lack of representation of women, specifically queer women, in the industry. Her work, both behind the decks and as an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has significantly impacted the electronic music scene.
Discodromo
Discodromo, the DJ and producer duo of Giacomo Garavelloni and Giovanni Turco, are known for their eclectic and adventurous DJ sets. Both members of the duo are openly gay and are active in the LGBTQ+ community.
Discodromo’s music is a vibrant blend of disco, house, and techno, reflecting their diverse musical influences and tastes. However, their impact extends beyond their music. As openly gay men, they have used their platform to create spaces for the LGBTQ+ community within the electronic music scene.
In addition to their music, Garavelloni and Turco are also the co-founders of CockTail d’Amore, a monthly party in Berlin that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture. These parties are known for their inclusivity and acceptance, creating a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community within the club scene. Through their music and work with CockTail d’Amore, Discodromo has significantly impacted the electronic music scene.
Eris Drew
Eris Drew, a trans woman and high priestess of the Motherbeat, has made waves in the electronic music scene with her ecstatic and transformative DJ sets. Her work is deeply rooted in her spirituality and experiences as a trans woman.
Drew’s music, characterized by its ecstatic rhythms and healing energy, has been praised for its emotional depth and transformative power. Her DJ sets, which she describes as “rituals,” are deeply spiritual experiences intended to heal and uplift.
In addition to her music, Drew is an outspoken advocate for trans rights and visibility. She often speaks openly about her experiences as a trans woman and her challenges. Her work, both as a DJ and as an advocate for trans rights, is groundbreaking and inspiring. Her continued success and visibility as a trans woman in the electronic music industry are paving the way for greater acceptance and inclusivity.
J. Worra
Chicago-born J. Worra, born Jamie Sitter, was raised with house music echoing throughout her hometown. She has made significant strides in electronic music with her releases on renowned record labels such as Mad Decent and Dirtybird. As an openly gay woman, J. Worra declared her sexuality to the public around four years ago and has since been a passionate advocate for the representation and promotion of LGBTQ+ artists in the music industry.
Growing up in the house music capital, J. Worra has always been surrounded by its influence. Today, she is a respected name in the industry, thanks to her impressive releases on prestigious electronic music labels. However, her contributions go beyond her music. As an openly gay artist, she is actively working towards creating a safe and welcoming platform for aspiring LGBTQ+ musicians.
CloZee
Hailing from France, Chloé Herry, professionally known as CloZee, has breathed new life into the experimental bass music genre. CloZee’s unique “world bass” style of music has seen her mixing global instrumental sounds with heavy basslines. She has graced stages worldwide, from Oregon Eclipse to Lollapalooza, showcasing her talent at renowned music festivals.
CloZee’s unique music has given her an edge in the experimental bass music scene. By combining diverse instrumental sounds from around the world with heavy basslines, she has created a distinctive “world bass” sound that has captivated listeners globally. Her performances at high-profile music festivals have further cemented her status in the industry.
Kaytranada
Two-time Grammy winner Louis Kevin Celestin, better known as Kaytranada, has brought electronic music to the mainstream. In 2021, he earned Grammy Awards for Best Dance Recording and Best Electronic Album, joining the prestigious ranks of Skrillex, Daft Punk, and others. Kaytranada, who is openly gay, shared his sexuality publicly in 2016 through an exclusive article with The Fader.
With his recent Grammy Awards, Kaytranada has helped spotlight electronic music in the mainstream music scene. His openly acknowledging his homosexuality in 2016 marked a significant moment in his career. Today, he symbolizes achievement and representation for other LGBTQ+ individuals in the industry.
Moore Kismet
Sixteen-year-old Moore Kismet is a rising star you won’t want to miss. The nonbinary California native has released music with notable labels such as Universal Music Group and Never Say Die Records. Kismet, who uses they/them pronouns, collaborated with Apple Music to release a 40-track DJ Mix for Pride Month 2021, among other impressive accomplishments.
At such a tender age, Moore Kismet has made significant strides in the music industry. As a nonbinary artist, they have provided representation in the industry while showcasing their talent through substantial collaborations. Beyond their work as a DJ and producers, they have also made strides as a screenwriter, visual artist, and voice actor.
Wreckno
Brandon Wisniski, known by his stage name Wreckno, is a 24-year-old queer rapper, DJ, and producer from Detroit, Michigan. Wreckno has garnered attention in the bass music scene and collaborated with G-Space, Peekaboo, iLL Gates, and GRiZ. 2021 saw the release of his debut six-track EP “Pansy” and an official music video for the tracks “Honey Drip” and “Hieroglyphs.”
Hailing from the musical hub of Detroit, Wreckno has made big waves in the bass music scene. As an openly queer rapper, DJ, and producer, he’s earning recognition and has been involved in noteworthy collaborations. His debut EP “Pansy,” and its accompanying music videos, further showcase his talent.
Rezz
Canadian DJ and music producer Isabelle Rezazadeh, known as Rezz, has been turning heads since she started producing music in 2013. Rezz’s sinister basslines, hypnotic lyrics, and iconic LED goggles have caught the attention of EDM heavyweights such as Skrillex, Deadmau5, and Zeds Dead.
Rezz has captivated audiences with her distinct, bass-heavy sound and charming lyrics. Her signature LED goggles make her performances a unique experience, and her music has won the approval of EDM industry leaders. Since her debut in 2013, Rezz has continued to carve her path in the electronic music scene.
GRiZ
Grant Kwiecinski, known by his stage name GRiZ, announced his homosexuality in an op-ed for the Huffington Post in June 2019. Having produced electronic music since 2011, GRiZ’s music is a fusion of heavy bass, trap styles, and a soulful jazz-funk blend. He is a regular at North American music festivals, showcasing his talent through live saxophone performances, vocals, and DJ sets.
GRiZ, who publicly came out in 2019, has been a fixture in the electronic music scene since 2011. His unique fusion of bass-heavy trap and soulful jazz-funk has set him apart, and his live performances have made him a festival favorite. As an openly gay artist, GRiZ is helping to pave the way for more LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.
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