Queer pop dominated 2023. At a time of escalating attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, including a wave of anti-trans laws and book bans, trans and queer artists continued to define and shape trends in music and culture.
Some songwriters reflected the sorrow of the year with stirring protest songs and reflections on grief and loss. Others released club tracks that called for escapism on the dancefloor, and anthems that celebrated queer joy and sex. Fearmongering campaigns meant to dehumanize drag performers and non-binary people did not stop LGBTQ+ artists from dominating charts in pop, R&B and hip-hop, rock and even Christian music.
