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Is Hip-Hop Inclusive of LGBTQ Artists in 2023? The Past, The Evolution, and The Future
Hip-hop is a prominent style in today’s global musical landscape. The genre has progressed since its inception, but its history is rife with homophobia, misogyny, and the sexual objectification of women, notably bisexual women. Discussions on whether to include LGBTQ artists who are vocal about our contrasting experiences or dare to incorporate our identities into our aesthetic often lead to contentious (profitable) debates.
Many artists raise their hands as bisexual, gay, lesbian, or trans after they have achieved fans and fame.
Has society (specifically in the United States) considered the hardships and triumphs of LGBTQ artists in hip-hop? What is the future of this intersection of race, identity, and expression in hip-hop?
Hip-hop at the Core
Hip-hop was built on self-expression and community. The genre was created in the chaotic cultural melting pot of the South Bronx in the 1970s. It originated as a form of self-expression among marginalized people of color, predominantly Black and Latino youngsters. Hip-hop provided a forum for these…