Oxfam’s musician friends share Pride Month picks that celebrate queer love
We are living through a heavy time where attacks on the human rights of the LGBTQIA+ people are on the rise. It is a reminder that Pride is not just a moment in time; it is a movement for equality.
As Pride Month draws to a close, we at Oxfam want to leave you with a reminder of what this fight is all about: love. What better way to express love than through music? With that in mind, we asked our musician friends to share their favorite Pride songs and the personal connection behind these choices.
Jenni Rose of Vandoliers
Recommends: “Dog Days Are Over” by Florence and the Machine
“My wife played this song after I came out to her. We both listened and cried on the couch holding each other. I start my morning routine with it, I turn it up if it comes on the radio and I feel every word when it plays.”
Allison Ponthier
Recommends: "New York" by St. Vincent
“‘New York’ by St. Vincent changed my life. I never grew up knowing that queer love songs exist, and listening to it with my first girlfriend during Pride Month is a core memory for me. She turned to me and said, ‘This is the type of song that only a gay woman could write for another woman.’ And I've been trying to capture that in my music ever since.”
Audrey Johnson of La Luz
Recommends: “Let’s Make Love and Listen to Death from Above” by CSS
"To me, Pride means remembering those who came before us and fought back against division and oppression, a battle that unfortunately continues today. It’s about community coming together for a larger purpose, standing up for each other, loving one another, and loving ourselves. Pride means creating art, music, spreading love, and living authentically, not just existing, but living your life experiencing joy, love, laughter, and celebrating the beauty of fellow queers.”
Katie Pruitt
Recommends: “Anything” by Adrianne Lenker
“This tune has a tender simplicity that describes queer love in a really beautiful way. It represents the desire to override the pressures of the outside world to be completely present to your partner. Often in queer relationships, we feel the need to justify that our love is just as deep, valid & sustainable as hetero love. Adrianne sings earnestly, ‘I don’t want to be the owner of your fantasy, I just want to be a part of your family’ and to me, that line is exactly what queer love is—chosen family.”
Royal & the Serpent
Recommends: “Wish U Were...” by Claud
"Having a crush on your totally straight girlfriend is the weirdest feeling in the world."
Learn more about Royal & the Serpent
You’ve read what these artists have to say, now check out Oxfam’s Pride playlist to hear their picks and music from the artists themselves.
Thank you to Rowan Keller for helping to put this project together.