Rock music has always been a genre that celebrates diversity, rebellion, and self-expression. And in 2023, there are more LGBTQ+ rock bands than ever before, making waves in the music industry and beyond.
Indie darlings, punk rockers, or metalheads—these bands fearlessly embrace authenticity, sharing their stories with the world. Here are 10 of the best LGBTQ+ rock bands that you should check out in 2023.
1. Against Me!
Against Me! is a punk rock band that has been active since 1997. Their lead singer, Laura Jane Grace, coming out as a transgender woman in 2012, brought increased fame and respect.
The band has released two albums that deal with Grace’s transition and identity. These are “Transgender Dysphoria Blues (2014)” and “Shape Shift With Me (2016)”. In 2023, they are set to release their eighth studio album, titled “The New Normal”. It features singles like “The Future Is Ours” and “Don’t Give Up On Me”.
Against Me! discusses the LGBTQ+ rock bands experience, addressing challenges and joys in a frequently hostile, ignorant world.
2. PVRIS
PVRIS is a LGBTQ+ pop rock band from Lowell, Massachusetts. It consists of three members: Lynn Gunn, Alex Babinski, and Brian MacDonald. The band is known for their blend of rock, pop, electronic music, and powerful vocals and lyrics.
They released their debut album, “White Noise (2014)”, which featured singles like “St. Patrick” and “My House”. They produced two more albums, “All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell (2017)” and “Use Me (2020)”. The albums explored themes of spirituality, mental health, and self-love.
In 2023, they released their fourth album, titled Euphoria, which features singles like “Monster” and “Thank You”. The album is a celebration of Gunn’s sexuality and identity. She came out as a lesbian in 2015 and as genderfluid in 2020.
3. Pale Waves
Pale Waves is a rock band from Manchester, England. It consists of four members: Heather Baron-Gracie, Ciara Doran, Hugo Silvani, and Charlie Wood.
The band is known for their catchy melodies, dark lyrics, and gothic aesthetic. They released their debut album, “My Mind Makes Noises (2018)”, which included singles like “There’s A Honey” and “Eighteen”. In 2020, they released their second album, “Who Am I?”. It was influenced by the personal experiences of Baron-Gracie and Doran, who are both openly queer.
The album features songs like “She’s My Religion” and “Easy”, which celebrate their sexuality and identity. In 2023, they are expected to release their third album, which they have teased as being more upbeat and optimistic.
4. Halestorm
Halestorm is a LGBTQ+ rock band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania. It consists of four members: Lzzy Hale, Arejay Hale, Joe Hottinger, and Josh Smith.
The band is known for their heavy riffs, soaring vocals, and energetic live shows. They released their debut album, “Halestorm (2009)”, which featured singles like “I Get Off” and “It’s Not You”. They followed it up with three more albums, “The Strange Case Of… (2012)”, “Into the Wild Life (2015)”, and “Vicious (2018)”. They featured singles like “Love Bites (So Do I)”, “Amen”, and “Uncomfortable”.
In 2023, they released their fifth album, titled Reckless, which features singles like “Back From The Dead” and “Break This”. The album is a reflection of Lzzy Hale’s bisexuality and her experiences as a woman in the rock scene.
5. Green Day
Green Day is a rock band from Berkeley, California. It consists of three members: Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool. The band is one of the most influential and successful bands of all time. They have sold over 75 million records worldwide and won five Grammy Awards.
Green day released their debut album, “39/Smooth (1990)”. They achieved mainstream success with their third album, “Dookie (1994). It featured singles like “Basket Case” and “When I Come Around”. They produced several more albums, including “American Idiot (2004)”, “21st Century Breakdown (2009)”, and “Father of All Motherfuckers (2020)”. They featured singles like “Boulevard of Broken Dreams”, “Know Your Enemy”, and “Oh Yeah!”.
In 2023, they released their fourteenth album, titled Revolution Radio 2, which features singles like “Bang Bang” and “Still Breathing”. The album is a continuation of Armstrong’s exploration of his bisexuality and his political views.
6. The Gossip
The Gossip are a LGBTQ+ indie rock band from Washington. It consists of three members: Beth Ditto, Brace Paine, and Hannah Blilie. The band is known for their dance-punk sound, outspoken lyrics, and charismatic frontwoman.
They released their debut album, “That’s Not What I Heard (2001)”. They gained popularity with their third album, “Standing in the Way of Control (2006)”. It featured the hit single of the same name. They produced two more albums, “Music for Men (2009)” and “A Joyful Noise (2012)”. They featured singles like “Heavy Cross” and “Move in the Right Direction”.
In 2023, their sixth album “Love and Let Love” emerged with singles “Perfect World” and “Get a Job.” The album joyfully celebrates music, their bond, and queer identity.
7. My Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is a rock band from Newark, New Jersey. It consists of four members: Gerard Way, Mikey Way, Frank Iero, and Ray Toro. The band is known for their emo style, theatrical concepts, and cult following.
They released their debut album, “I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love”, in 2002. They gained fame with their second album, “Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge (2004)”. It featured singles such as “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” and “Helena”. They produced two more albums, “The Black Parade (2006)” and “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys (2010)”. They featured singles like “Welcome to the Black Parade”, “Sing”, and “Na Na Na”.
In 2023, album five “The Paper Kingdom” arrived with singles “Make Room!!!!” and “The Light Behind Your Eyes.” This release revisits dark roots and mirrors Gerard Way’s bisexuality and gender identity.
8. Sleater-Kinney
Sleater-Kinney, LGBTQ+ rock band from Olympia, WA, include Corin Tucker, Carrie Brownstein, and Janet Weiss. Praised for feminist lyrics, activism, and innovation, they’re key in the riot grrrl movement.
Their debut “Sleater-Kinney” came out in 1995. Recognition surged with the third album “Dig Me Out” (1997), featuring hits “One More Hour” and “Turn It On.” Subsequent albums followed: “The Woods” (2005), “No Cities to Love” (2015), and “The Center Won’t Hold” (2019). These showcased tracks “Jumpers,” “A New Wave,” and “Hurry On Home.”
In 2023, they released their eleventh album “Path of Wellness,” showcasing resilience, creativity, and their queer identity. They showcased this through singles like “Worry With You” and “High in the Grass”.
9. Dream Wife
Dream Wife, an indie rock band from London, includes members Rakel Mjöll, Alice Go, and Bella Podpadec (all she/her). The band is known for their catchy melodies, punk attitude, and feminist message.
Meeting at art school, they initially formed as a performance project but discovered a true music passion. Dream Wife released their debut EP, EP01, in 2016, which featured songs like “Hey Heartbreaker” and “F.U.U.”. They followed it up with their debut album, Dream Wife, in 2018, which featured singles like “Somebody” and “Fire”.
In 2020, they released their second album, So When You Gonna…, which featured songs like “Sports!” and “Hasta La Vista”. In 2023, they released their third album, titled Rebel Girl, which features singles like “Kids” and “Bad Bitch”. The album pays homage to influences, inspirations, and their queer identity, solidifying them among numerous LGBTQ+ rock bands.
10. The Regrettes
The Regrettes, a punk rock band from LA, comprises LGBTQ+ members Lydia Night, Genessa Gariano, Brooke Dickson, and Drew Thomsen.
The band is known for their garage rock sound, retro style, and outspoken lyrics. They released their debut album, Feel Your Feelings Fool!, in 2017, which featured singles like “Seashore” and “Hey Now”. In 2019, they released their second album “How Do You Love?” with singles including “I Dare You” and “California Friends.”
In 2023, their third album “Don’t Stop Me Now” debuted, including hits “You’re The One” and “Queen of the Teens.” The album celebrates their music, love, sexuality, and queer identity.
The Bottom Line
These are just some of the LGBTQ+ rock bands that are making a difference in the music scene and in the world. These bands are not only talented musicians, but also role models and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community.
They show that rock music is not limited by gender or sexuality, but rather enriched by diversity and creativity. They inspire us to be ourselves and to rock on.
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Previously Published on Rock Informer
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