Emily Bashforth handpicks her favourite tracks for girls who like girls
Music is a wonderful form of emotional expression and is somewhere members of the LGBTQ+ community can find comfort. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies produce relatable songs about the struggles an LGBTQ+ individual may face or simply switch up the gender pronouns in your typical love song, a simple yet effective way of reaching out to an LGBTQ+ audience and including them in music.
Despite there being many classic gay anthems out there, such as Diana Ross' I'm Coming Out and Katy Perry's I Kissed A Girl, lesbians and bisexual women are frequently disregarded in mainstream music. Radio stations don't take the time to curate playlists for LGBTQ+ women and the songs which may resonate deepest with the LGBTQ+ community aren't always given the exposure they deserve.
Therefore, we've compiled a pride packed playlist for lesbians and bisexual women to help you embrace your identity and perhaps figure a few things out if you're going through a rough patch. Songs don't always have to be so obviously LGBTQ+ but, sometimes, all it takes is one powerful line for them to resonate with the community.
I Know A Place – Muna
Muna, a three piece queer band, write songs about their experiences as queer women in an attempt to inspire youngsters to be comfortable with their sexualities. I Know A Place is a reminder that LGBTQ+ members always have a safe space. It's a flicker of hope and reassurance that, even if it's only in your imagination, there is somewhere you can find solace and safety.
End Of The Day – One Direction
This 2015 1D track uses female pronouns and, at first seems like your average boy/girl love song. However, listen closely and you'll hear the lesbian references. Lines such as "The priest thinks it's the devil, my mom thinks it's the flu," describe the struggles lesbians and bi women face when those around you aren't understanding. The song encourages self acceptance because at the End Of The Day, this is who you are, this is who you want, and that isn't changing.
Sleepover – Hayley Kiyoko
In Sleepover, Hayley Kiyoko perfectly outlines the struggle many lez/bi women face when they're crushing on a friend or a stranger who they'll simply never have a chance with. It's all about fantasising in your head about what will never be and accepting that, ok, this relationship can't happen in the real world but what's stopping it from being alive in my imagination?
Hold Each Other – A Great Big World
In Hold Each Other, A Great Big World devote one verse to a man and another to the woman, giving listeners a glimpse at a relationship with each and perfectly describing the emotions one may feel when attracted to more than one gender.
She Keeps Me Warm – Mary Lambert
This is one of out and proud lesbian Mary Lambert's most famous tracks. It's a lovey-dovey song guaranteed to make any lady loving lady feel warm and fuzzy inside whilst listening to it as they picture their special someone who, in a world of coldness, keeps them warm.
Strangers – Halsey ft. Lauren Jauregui
This groundbreaking duet between two proud bisexual powerhouses made waves in the music industry earlier this year and is a bittersweet song which expresses a craving for a special lady whilst beautifully representing the bi community.
Only A Girl – Gia
Only A Girl follows a girl exploring her sexuality and how experimenting seemed so wrong to her initially but, once she pushes herself into unfamiliar territory, she realises that only girls can give her the unique relationship which she desires.
Who We Are – Allison Weiss
Who We Are talks about running away from everything, setting yourself free and just giving yourself chance to find out what you want. It's about cutting off anyone who tries to plant seeds of doubt inside your mind, following your own heart and prioritising your happiness.
Te Amo – Rihanna
This song by Barbadian beauty Rihanna tells of a relationship between two women, one of which begins falling in love with the other. However, the recipient of all the "te amo"s doesn't want to get romantically involved with this other woman.
Cool For The Summer – Demi Lovato
This fun pop song is an anthem for anyone feeling fluid or curious and urges them to experiment when feeling confused. This sultry, innuendo-packed tune explores a "no strings attached" relationship and the relief and euphoria that experimenting without responsibilities can bring.
No Place In Heaven – Mika
A song for the religious which depicts the internal battle one may face as an LGBTQ+ member wishing to get into heaven. In this song, Mika asks for forgiveness and expresses the isolation that homosexuality being treated as a "sin" can cause.
Not Myself Tonight – Christina Aguilera
Openly bisexual Christina Aguilera sings about living in the moment by sharing moments with both boys and girls without feeling an inch of guilt about it.
Girls/Girls/Boys – Panic! At The Disco
The band's lead singer has said this song was inspired by his "homosexual experiences" as it explores bisexuality and the idea of casual sex. The song explores the courage it takes to express your identity so publicly and the poignant line "love is not a choice" is a gentle reminder that no part of your sexual orientation is shameful.
Brave – Sara Bareilles
This song became an LGBTQ+ anthem after Bareilles admitted to writing it about a friend who was struggling with coming out as gay. Brave recognises the fearlessness it takes to share your sexuality with the world but, at the same time, encourages you to do so because letting it all out is the only way to set yourself free.
Secret Love Song Part II – Little Mix
This hauntingly beautiful ballad from the UK's biggest girl band speaks of a “forbidden” relationship and how the people in it are only able to be properly together behind closed doors. Many fans believe it’s about an LGBTQ+ person's deep desire to scream about their lover from the rooftops.
What songs would be on your ultimate lez/bi playlist? Join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter.
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