Hey music-loving lesbians! Get ready for a treat because today, we’re diving deep into the world of lesbian anthems with the ultimate playlist crafted just for you. Why? Because every day is a day to celebrate amazing, badass lesbians, but especially today, let’s amplify our pride with the music that speaks to our souls.
It’s International Lesbian Day, and what better way to commemorate our incredible community than by immersing ourselves in the sounds of our culture? Whether you’re having an “The L Word” marathon, daydreaming about your crush, or just want to feel the lesbian vibe, music is the perfect companion. So, throw on your favorite outfit, maybe something leather, and let’s celebrate self-love and the power of queer women with this iconic lesbian playlist.
“Heavy” by Tegan & Sara
(Alt text: Tegan and Sara captivating audience with vibrant stage presence during a live performance, illuminated by blue and purple lights, embodying lesbian musical duo energy.)
Could there be a more quintessential lesbian longing song than “Heavy,” brought to us by our beloved Tegan & Sara? This track encapsulates the sheer intensity of sapphic infatuation. The lyrics, “You’re heavy in my head, you’re heavy in my heart, you’re heavy in my mouth,” perfectly articulate the all-consuming nature of a first lesbian crush. It’s the kind of song that makes you sigh, maybe shed a tear – it’s pure emotional resonance. Any definitive lesbian playlist must start with this – consider it an essential opening statement.
“I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” by Girl In Red
(Alt text: Girl In Red performing with raw emotion, illuminated by red stage light, singing into mic with guitar, representing Gen Z lesbian anthem artist.)
If you’re not already on the Girl In Red train, it’s time to jump aboard. “I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend” is practically the Gen Z lesbian anthem. It perfectly captures that awkward yet bold transition from friendship to something more. The progression from “I don’t want to be your friend, I want to kiss your lips” to the more audacious “I don’t want to be your friend, I want to be your bitch” is iconic lesbian songwriting at its finest. This is the soundtrack to countless lesbian awakenings and desires.
“When We’re High” by LP
LP is a true icon for many, and “When We’re High” is a song that encapsulates a dreamy, ethereal lesbian vibe. The song’s soaring vocals and romantic lyrics resonate deeply within the queer community, making it a perfect addition to any lesbian playlist. It’s the kind of track that creates an atmosphere of intimacy and connection, ideal for those moments of shared euphoria and affection.
“You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette
(Alt text: Alanis Morissette delivering emotionally charged performance, silhouetted against bright stage lights, singing powerfully into microphone, embodying raw breakup song energy.)
Okay, technically, “You Oughta Know” was penned about a man (reportedly Joey from “Full House”), but let’s be real – it’s undeniably one of the gayest breakup songs ever created. The raw, unfiltered rage and pain are something that resonates deeply, especially within the queer female experience. Who else but a queer woman truly understands the borderline manic pain of “And are you thinking of me when youuuu…..F*CK HER?” The intensity, the heartbreak, the sheer drama – it’s a lesbian breakup anthem in disguise.
“Girlfriend” by Young M.A
“Girl you got me open, wetter than the ocean.” If that’s not an opening line that grabs your attention, what is? Young M.A delivers pure lesbian swagger with “Girlfriend.” This track is bold, confident, and unapologetically queer. It’s a celebration of lesbian love and desire, perfect for feeling empowered and owning your attraction. “That my girl. That my motherf*ckin girlfriend.” – it’s possessive, proud, and perfectly lesbian.
“Rejoice” by Julien Baker
(Alt text: Julien Baker passionately performing with rainbow guitar strap, soft stage lights highlighting emotional guitar playing, representing visible queer woman in music.)
“Rejoice” is a song of heart-wrenching beauty crafted by a queer woman. Julien Baker’s voice is simply transcendent, and her ability to convey raw emotion is unparalleled. Plus, her rainbow guitar strap is a subtle yet powerful symbol of queer visibility. This song, with its themes of vulnerability and resilience, deeply resonates within the lesbian community and highlights the incredible talent of visible queer women in music.
“32 Flavors” by Ani Difranco
(Alt text: Ani DiFranco in focused performance, playing acoustic guitar with energy, close-up shot emphasizing musical intensity, representing bisexual icon in folk music.)
The iconic Ani Difranco – a legend, and for many, the lesbian singer. An unapologetic bisexual woman, Ani has a unique way of singing directly to the queer heart. Her lyrics are pure poetry, often exploring themes of identity, resistance, and love with a raw, honest edge. “God help you if you are a phoenix and you dare to rise up from the ash. A thousand eyes will smolder with jealousy while you are just flying past.” – these lines speak to the challenges and triumphs of living authentically as a queer person.
“Dancing On My Own” by Robyn
Walk into practically any lesbian bar, and it’s almost guaranteed you’ll hear “Dancing On My Own” within minutes. It’s practically lesbian bar science. While Robyn herself identifies as straight, she is undeniably a lesbian icon. What could be more quintessentially lesbian than a song about watching your ex dance with someone else while you’re alone in the corner, feeling all the emotions? It’s a bittersweet anthem of longing and observation that resonates deeply within the queer experience.
“The L Word Theme Song” by Betty
TALKING LAUGHING LOVING BREATHING FIGHTING F*CKING CRYING DRINKING RIDING WINNING LOSING CHEATING KISSING THINKING DREAMING. If you know, you know. This iconic theme song by Betty is practically the unofficial anthem of the lesbian community, thanks to “The L Word.” It’s a sonic encapsulation of the drama, the passion, and the complexities of lesbian life. If you didn’t just sing along in your head, go back and do it now – it’s essential International Lesbian Day practice.
*“Fck The Pain Away” by Peaches**
(Alt text: Peaches delivering high-energy performance in punk-rock attire, bold makeup and outfit enhancing stage presence, representing queer icon with provocative art.)
Speaking of “The L Word,” queer icon Peaches graced the show in Season 2. And what’s more lesbian than, well, “F*ck The Pain Away”? It’s a song about liberation, about pleasure, and about pushing boundaries. Don’t even suggest journaling as an alternative – this is about raw, unapologetic self-expression.
“Wait A Minute” by Willow Smith
An out bisexual artist, Willow Smith creates incredibly compelling music, and “Wait A Minute” is a total banger. This track has an infectious groove that’s guaranteed to get everyone in a queer space moving, Birkenstocks and all. It’s fun, it’s energetic, and it’s perfect for celebrating queer joy and freedom.
“Feelings” by Hayley Kiyoko
(Alt text: Hayley Kiyoko delivering energetic pop performance under colorful stage lights, dynamic presence captivating audience, representing “Lesbian Jesus” in pop music.)
What is more lesbian: the song “Feelings” itself, or the iconic music video? It’s the Hayley Kiyoko equivalent of asking who killed Jenny Schecter – almost an unanswerable, yet endlessly debated question within the lesbian community. Kiyoko, often dubbed “Lesbian Jesus,” has created an entire discography that resonates deeply, and “Feelings” is a cornerstone of her appeal. It’s relatable, catchy, and celebrates the intensity of queer emotions.
“Naked As We Came” by Iron and Wine
Speaking of “The L Word” and arguably the most problematic yet beloved character, Jenny Schecter, we can’t forget “Naked As We Came.” This song plays during that iconic, melodramatic scene where Shane cuts Jenny’s hair. It’s a moment of vulnerability, intimacy, and unspoken emotion, perfectly underscored by the song’s gentle, melancholic beauty. Seriously, it’s just one of the most beautiful songs ever, and its association with this lesbian TV moment solidifies its place on this playlist.
“Come To My Window” by Melissa Etheridge
COME INSIDEEEE WAIT BY THE LIGHT OF THE MOON. Melissa Etheridge, a true daddy of lesbian rock, delivers pure passion and longing in “Come To My Window.” We adore Melissa and her music so much, she’s a cornerstone of lesbian musical identity. This song is a classic lesbian anthem, full of yearning and desire, perfect for those moments of intense romantic feelings.
“Special Affair” by The Internet
Syd Tha Kyd, the incredibly talented and undeniably sexy queer woman behind The Internet, brings us “Special Affair.” This song is essential for any good lesbian sex playlist. It’s smooth, sensual, and oozes queer desire. The song’s sophisticated vibe and intimate lyrics make it perfect for setting a mood of romance and connection.
“Summertime Sadness” by Lana Del Rey
(Alt text: Lana Del Rey and Jaime King in “Summertime Sadness” video, vintage aesthetic capturing lesbian tragic romance, iconic music video scene.)
While Lana Del Rey might be famously straight, the “Summertime Sadness” video is undeniably gay, gay, gay. Watch Lana and Jaime King portray a classic lesbian tragedy reminiscent of “Blue Is The Warmest Colour.” The video’s aesthetic, the melancholic romance, and the underlying sense of longing all contribute to its iconic status within the lesbian community, making it a surprising yet fitting addition to this playlist.
“Drive” by Melissa Ferrick
It’s practically scientifically proven that you can achieve orgasm just by listening to Melissa Ferrick’s “Drive.” This Sapphic song is pure, unadulterated lesbian desire in musical form. The song’s intensity and passion make it a go-to for intimate moments and a staple in lesbian lovemaking playlists.
“Closer To Fine” by Indigo Girls
Perhaps the most iconic and sing-along-able song in all of lesbianism, “Closer To Fine” is practically our national anthem. It’s a song of searching, of questioning, and of finding your way, themes that resonate deeply within the queer experience. The Indigo Girls have created a timeless anthem that unites generations of lesbians.
“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman
There is simply no lesbian playlist complete without the song to end all Lesbian Songs: “Fast Car.” You cry to it when it unexpectedly plays in the supermarket, you cry to it alone in your room (the good, cathartic kind of cries, of course), and you scream-sing it at your local lesbian bar. “Fast Car” is a universal story of longing and escape, but it holds a special resonance within the lesbian community, becoming an anthem of shared dreams and experiences. Now turn it up and fully embrace International Lesbian Day!
You can dive into the entire lesbian playlist here. Enjoy, lezzies!
