Queer Musicians Redefining India’s Music Scene

Queer Musicians Who Are Redefining the Industry 

From soulful ballads to rebellious anthems, queer musicians are not just making music they’re rewriting the rules of the Indian music industry. In 2025, these artists are unapologetically visible, blending authentic storytelling, queer identity, and activism to create sounds that resonate far beyond playlists. 

For decades, the Indian music industry has sidelined queer voices, forcing artists to hide their identity or conform to heteronormative expectations. Today, platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Instagram empower LGBTQ+ musicians to own their narratives. With inclusive fashion, queer cinema soundtracks, and Pride performances, these artists are shaping the cultural landscape. Their work challenges stereotypes, creates safe spaces for expression, and inspires a generation of fans across India and the world. 

1. Breaking the Mold: Visibility & Identity

Queer musicians are redefining what it means to be an artist in India: 

• Lil Nas X (Global influence, Indian fandom): His genre blending tracks and bold visuals inspire Indian queer creators to embrace fluidity. 

• Kalki Subramaniam: Trans activist, singer, and performer who fuses traditional Indian sounds with contemporary queer storytelling. 

• Halley (Hayley Kiyoko’s influence in India): Indian queer artists cite her as a model for merging pop with authentic queer narratives. 

“Music gave me a language to be seen. I don’t need permission to love who I love or sing how I feel.” Kalki Subramaniam 

These artists remind us that visibility is not just about being outfit’s about reclaiming spaces in mainstream media.

2. Queer Themes & Representation in Music 

Modern queer musicians are tackling topics once considered taboo: 

• Love and relationships: Songs now explore same-sex love, polyamory, and fluid sexuality without apology. 

• Mental health: Lyrics reflect struggles with identity, societal pressure, and acceptance. 

• Cultural roots: Many artists blend traditional Indian instruments with contemporary queer storytelling, creating a unique sonic identity. 

This approach not only entertains but educates audiences, normalizing LGBTQ+ experiences across the country.

3. Platforms & Safe Spaces 

Digital platforms have revolutionized queer music visibility in India: 

• Streaming & social media: Spotify playlists, YouTube channels, and Instagram Reels highlight queer talent. 

• Live performances & Pride events: Musicians perform at Pride marches, queer festivals, and inclusive clubs, connecting directly with their communities. 

• Collaborations: Partnerships with queer filmmakers, fashion designers, and content creators amplify both music and queer visibility. 

These spaces allow fans to engage authentically, creating communities around shared experiences and values. 

4. Practical Takeaways

• Support queer music: Follow artists, stream their tracks, attend live shows, and share their work. 

• Amplify visibility: Use social media to uplift queer voices and highlight stories behind the music. 

• Engage locally: Seek out Indian queer music festivals, Pride events, and online communities. 

• Educate yourself & allies: Explore diverse genres and artists to understand the intersection of music and LGBTQ+ identity. 

Queer musicians in India are more than artists Hey are trailblazers. They are creating music that celebrates love, identity, and resilience, while redefining industry norms. In 2025, their voices are louder, their stories bolder, and their impact undeniable. Supporting them means building a more inclusive, vibrant, and joyful music culture for everyone.