June is Pride Month, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall riots and asking all of us to remember how we got where we are today. So in our second annual Pride Month poll here at /bent, we asked our readers to tell us the films, television shows, songs and people (both fictional and real) that have been important to them in the past 46 years.
Check out all the results for every poll here.
127 people responded, and we’ll be sharing the results over the next few weeks, with the fifth list out today: The most important LGBT musicians of the last 46 years. Now, before we get to the results: We do realize doing this kind of thing is highly subjective, which is why we’re going with “most important” and not “best.” We hoped that what resulted was eclectic mix of folks that have helped shape the queer cultural landscape. And we think it really is. So without further ado, we present the 50 most important musicians, according to you. Definitely use the comments section to discuss your thoughts and/or your own choices, but remember – these were your picks – do don’t blame us if your offended about their quality or lack of diversity through the LGBT spectrum.
5. kd lang
6. George Michael
7. Frank Ocean
8. Rufus Wainwright
9. David Bowie
10 (tie). Pet Shop Boys
10. (tie). Sam Smith
13. Boy George
15 (tie). Beth Ditto
17. Tegan & Sara
18. Peaches
19. Scissor Sisters
20 (tie). Lady Gaga
22. RuPaul
23. Ani diFranco
25 (tie). Azealia Banks
27. Conchita Wurst
29 (tie). Indigo Girls
32. Meshell Ndegeocello
33. Bob Mould
36. Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu)
37. Owen Pallett
38 (tie). Alison Goldfrapp
38 (tie). Mika
41. Justin Vivien Bond
42. Ed Droste (Grizzly Bear)
43. Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields)
44 (tie). Perfume Genius
46. St. Vincent
47. Kele Okereke (Bloc Party)
49 (tie). The Hidden Cameras
49 (tie). Rae Spoon
Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.