See 10 LGBT+ icons who made history in music
International LGBT+ Pride Day is celebrated this Sunday (28) and, in the world of music, several artists have made history and brought visibility to the community over the years, inspiring, defending and conquering space on stages.
To celebrate this moment, CNN Brasil made a list of 10 LGBT+ icons who inspired thousands of other artists to continue this journey in search of representation and gender equality. Check it out:
1. Freddy Mercury
The list couldn't start without him. Considered one of rock's greatest icons, Freddy Mercury had a powerful voice and a unique personality. Regarding his sexuality, Freddy never placed or stipulated a label, but his behavior was free and loud. The singer had long-term relationships with Mary Austin and Jim Hutton.
Freddy Mercury died at the age of 45 from AIDS. His life was short, but his musical legacy is timeless.
Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody (Live Aid 1985)
2. Elton John
Elton John is known for his striking voice, his compositions and his extravagant style. In 1976, he revealed to Rolling Stone that he was bisexual and, years later, he publicly came out as gay. Throughout his career, the singer became one of the greatest defenders of the rights of the LGBT+ community.
In 1992, the artist founded the Elton John Aids Foundation, an institution that finances treatment and prevention programs for infection caused by the HIV virus.
With more than five decades of success, he has accumulated countless awards and a legacy that goes beyond music, inspiring artists and fans around the world.
Elton John - I'm Still Standing
3. Boy George
Icon of 1980s pop music, Boy George achieved fame as the lead singer of the band Culture Club. With her androgynous look, striking makeup and extravagant costumes, she challenged gender norms and helped expand LGBT+ representation in the music industry.
Throughout his career, Boy George became a reference for authenticity and freedom of expression, influencing different generations of artists. One of the biggest hits of his career was the song "Karma Chameleon", which sold millions of copies and reached number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States.
Culture Club - Karma Chameleon (Official Music Video)
4. Ricky Martin
Ricky Martin established himself as one of the biggest names in Latin music, winning fans around the world with hits that marked the 1990s and 2000s. In 2010, the singer publicly came out as gay, through a letter published on his official website, stating that he was proud of his identity.
Since then, the singer has used his visibility to defend the rights of the LGBT+ community and encourage the fight against prejudice.
Proving that he is still a big name in Latin music, Ricky Martin made an important appearance in Bad Bunny's historic performance at the Super Bowl in February this year. He took the stage to sing a version of the song "Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii".
Ricky Martin - Livin' La Vida Loca (Official Video)
5. Cazuza
One of the biggest names in Brazilian rock, Cazuza was known for his intense lyrics and strong personality. The singer lived relationships with men and women and never hid his free way of experiencing sexuality.
Cazuza died in 1990, at the age of 32, due to complications related to AIDS. His life inspired the film Cazuza - O Tempo Não Para, released in 2004, helping to keep alive the legacy of one of the greatest icons of national rock.
Cazuza - Time Doesn't Stop
6. Cássia Eller
Owner of unforgettable national music songs, Cássia Eller conquered space with her authenticity and intense interpretations. The singer publicly had a relationship with Maria Eugênia Vieira Martins, at a time when representation of same-sex couples was still rare in the country.
Throughout his career, he immortalized interpretations of songs such as "Malandragem", "Segundo Sol" and "Por While", which became classics of Brazilian music. After his death in 2001, his trajectory continued to inspire artists and strengthen debates about diversity and the rights of the LGBT+ population.
Cássia Eller - Malandragem (Acoustic Version) [Rarity]
7. Ney Matogrosso
Since the beginning of his career, Ney Matogrosso drew attention for his striking performances, bold costumes and for challenging gender and masculinity standards during the Military Dictatorship in Brazil. Even in a period of censorship, the singer transformed the stage into a space of freedom and contestation, becoming a symbol of cultural resistance.
With more than five decades of career, Ney has become a reference for different generations of the LGBT+ community. In 2025, his career hit the screens with the film "Homem com H", which portrays his career and important moments in his career, including his time in the group Secos & Molhados, before starting his solo career.
Ney Matogrosso - Homem Com H (Lyric Video)
8. Liniker
Liniker became one of the main voices in contemporary Brazilian music by combining soul, MPB and samba in his songs. As a trans woman, the singer is also recognized for expanding the representation of the LGBT+ population in Brazilian music and culture.
In 2022, she made history by becoming the first Brazilian trans artist to win a Latin Grammy, consolidating her name among the country's great artists. In his most recent phase, Liniker released the album "Caju", which reinforced his space in contemporary music by receiving seven historic nominations at the 26th edition of the 2025 Latin Grammy Awards.
Liniker: Tiny Desk Brasil
9. Maria Bethânia
Maria Bethânia is one of the greatest interpreters of Brazilian popular music, known for her unmistakable voice and unique stage presence. Sister of Caetano Veloso, she rose to prominence in the 1960s and established herself as one of the main representatives of MPB, with a repertoire that values poetry, emotion and musical tradition.
Throughout her career, Bethânia has built a solid artistic legacy, with memorable shows and a discography widely recognized by critics. Her trajectory influenced generations of Brazilian singers and helped to consolidate MPB as one of the most important genres of national music.
Maria Bethânia - "Reconvexo" (Live) - Amor Festa Devoção
10. Ludmilla
For the new generation, Ludmilla is a well-known name. There are those who still know her as "Mc Beyoncé", the name she used at the beginning of her career, when she was still dedicated entirely to Brazilian funk. Over the years, Ludmilla has established herself as one of the most popular singers in the country, accumulating hits ranging from funk, pop and pagode.
The singer is bisexual and assumed his relationship with dancer Brunna Gonçalves in 2019, whom he married in the same year. The two have been together for 9 years and have a 1-year-old daughter, Zuri, who was born in the United States.
Ludmilla - Maldives | Numanice #2 - Live
*Under the supervision of Flávio Ismerim, from CNN Brasil
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Source: CNN