Music has long served as a powerful platform for amplifying the voices of minorities and marginalized communities. Take hip-hop, for example. The genre originated in the Bronx as an attempt to give an outlet to convey the struggles of the African-American people. Similarly, the queer community has been using the art of music to express itself and gain acceptance in society. In India, the united voice of the queer community resonates across the landscape, transcending linguistic differences. As such, music has evolved beyond mere notes and words, becoming an essential part of the queer community's identity in India, helping them be heard one mellifluous tone at a time. As Pride Month concludes, we celebrate some of the queer artists from India who have made waves with their musical brilliance.

1. Kinari 

Kinari is one of the most daring musicians from the queer community. Previously known as FINSTA, she has since evolved as a musician and now goes by the name Kinari.

Her album “Kattar Kinnar” makes an indelible mark on the tapestry of music from the queer community. The album is bold and evocative, incorporating dialogues and sounds that create a musical journey through Kinari's innermost thoughts. She also moonlights as a DJ, churning tunes that would make anyone tap their feet to the captivating rhythm.

2. Teenasai Balamu

Teenasai Balumu started their career as a musician by uploading covers on YouTube under the name GrapeGuitarBox. After being recognized by popular music magazines, Teenasai made their official debut and have since released songs that resonate with every listener. Their songs sport minimal instrumentals, mainly guitar strums, which complement their honey-like vocals.

3. Jay Anand 

Jay Anand is one of the early advocates for queer representation in India. His journey as a trans man made headlines and garnered enough eyeballs to shift focus on important issues in the transgender community. To this date, he continues to bring attention toward injustices in the queer community and is a strong advocate against any misinformation. His songs convey strength, resilience, and hope, with lyrics drawn from his personal experiences. He is also the genius behind the title track for the Bollywood film “Looop Lapeta.”

4. Sushant Divgikr aka Rani KoHEnur 

Sushant Divigikr is one of the most prominent queer artists of modern India. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say he has been a pioneer in introducing drag culture to the country. In May 2024, he announced India’s first Drag Hauz, named Haus of KoHEnur, and launched his drag alter ego: Rani KoHEnur. As a trained singer, Sushant has made a name for himself for singing both in male and female voices effortlessly. He was also seen in the Bollywood film “Thank You For Coming” where he played a small role and also sang a party number “Pari Hoon Main.” You can listen to the song below: 

5. Prakti 

Prakti’s music powerfully advocates for mental health of the queer community, while also offering support to anyone in need. Her music gives off a soothing vibe, characterized by a laid-back, country-like feel that emphasizes mood over instrumentation.

6. Alisha Batth

Alisha Batth’s voice has heavy undertones, which carry a nostalgic and melancholic strain whenever she sings. She has an EP to her name, titled “Prologue” wherein she sings about love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Since then, Alisha has released a few singles, but she has recently been absent from the music scene. Additionally, Alisha lent her vocals for the Punjabi verses on the Coke Studio track “Do Gallan” where she performed alongside popular playback singer Vijay Prakash.

7. Nikitaa 

Nikitaa’s music falls in the self-invented genre of Goddess Pop which encompasses strength of femininity, queerness, and more. The artist has been making waves in the international music scene, releasing a new track almost every month since the start of 2024. They are gearing up to release an album soon with their latest single “Pillow Prince.” Their tracks often carry a psychedelic vibe paired with their hauntingly beautiful vocals that catch the listeners in a happy trance.

8. Friends of Linger 

Friends of Linger is an indie musical group that has played a pivotal role in putting queer music on the map of modern Indian music history. Their debut single “Head Held High” was released in 2013 and was a tribute to the LGBTQIA+ community. Since then, their tracks have seen mentions of same-sex relationships, lyrics reflecting daily life, and emotions that resonate with a wide audience

9. Krishna.K 

Krishan.K has been absent from the music scene for a while, but his Instagram shows that he recently graduated with a degree. He frequently shares his daily life and thoughts on social media. His single “Chapter” immediately draws listeners in with its soft acoustic guitar chords, creating a melancholic vibe that beautifully echoes the bittersweet lyrics. 

10. John Oinam 

John Oinam is one of few queer musicians who have successfully broken into the mainstream media. He began as an indie artist, but after participating in music talent shows and winning hearts along the way, he soon found his forte singing soundtracks and original compositions. In his home state of Manipur, nestled in the northeast region of India, he is nothing short of a star. Despite facing significant negativity growing up, he transformed that adversity into his strength. He is dedicated to promoting love, acceptance, and living life to the fullest, and his music beautifully reflects these ideals. He sings effortlessly in English, Hindi, and Manipuri. His track “You and I” is a fun jazzy track accentuated with his upbeat vocals. 

To those who want to listen to more indie Indian queer artists, Jay Anand has curated just the playlist you would need.

Which queer musician speaks to your soul? Tell us in the comments or connect with us over Instagram and X (Twitter).

Edited by Azat Jumadurdyyev