National Coming Out Day; through the media of interpretive dance.

(Dance not included; provide your own dance)

Each year National Coming Out Day (11th October) is a bittersweet occasion to mark, for me at least. So, I take time to: 1) celebrate my own journey, 2) recognise my LGBTQ+ siblings’ ongoing collective struggle worldwide, and 3) take time to remember not everyone is in a place where they are safe or able to come out, offering support and love where I can.

In this spirit, I’m sharing some of my favourite LGBTQ+/Queer art and culture — have a dance, have a sing; celebrate yourself where ever you are on your coming out journey.

Mary Lambert, She Keeps Me Warm.

It’s a little old now, it’s still one of my favourite love songs. She Keeps Me Warm means a lot to me by association with a very dear friend — who helped me come out — Kashka isn’t with us to observe this year’s Coming Out Day.

Angel Haze, Battle Cry

Angel Haze has been unapologetically queer in their music and ownership of their own coming out journey; they are openly non-binary (they/them). Angel Haze has spoken out frequently about queerphobia in hip hop and rap.

Troye Sivan, Heaven

Not only is Troye Sivan my future husband, his music is frank and open about his own coming out journey. As someone that grew up in a rural/suburban area I identify with elements of his experiences — this one is about his relationship with faith and sexuality.

Years & Years, King

Years & Years’ frontman Olly Alexander has been open about his sexuality throughout his musical career — their lyrics explore being queer and vunerable in a sensitive manner. Their electro pop melancholic flavour makes all their material something I can both grind and cry to.

Against Me! Transgender Dysphoria Blues

It’s not often the front person of your rock band comes out as trans. Laura Jane Grace of Against Me! came out and continued to fuck shit up on the daily. The band wrote an album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues, exploring her queerness and journey — it’s powerful.

Mykki Blanco, High School Never Ends

Mykki is one of the few queer rap artists we can enjoy today — her journey hasn’t been easy, her music reflects that; Mykki recently came out as HIV+. This particularly harrowing video throws caution to the wind and queers Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

PWR BTTM, Ugly Cherries

Queer Punk, need I say any more? PWR BTTM provide contemporary queer bangers with a sense of humour and a penchant for fucking with gender and sexuality.