Discover Up-and-Coming LGBTQ Musicians Making an Impact

Black LGBTQ musicians shape music and culture, even when mainstream attention is lacking. These artists celebrate and uplift one another, persevering despite major challenges. Their impact will endure beyond fleeting cultural trends. This year, I honor remarkable, often overlooked, Black LGBTQ creatives who have recently transformed the music scene.

Dua Saleh

Musician and actor Dua Saleh infuses their artistry with the rich tapestry of their journey. Born in Kassala, Sudan, Saleh’s family fled when civil war ravaged their homeland. Resettling in the snowy heart of Minneapolis-St. Paul, Saleh channeled the shock of uprooting into evocative poetry. Their creative spirit flourished as they charted their course through St. Paul Central High School.

Saleh went on to major in sociology and gender studies at Augsburg University. Soon after, they turned their love of poetry into music. They released their first single in 2017 before debuting their first EP in 2019. As the Black Lives Matter movement hit its peak in 2020, Saleh gained national attention for the song “Body Cast.”

Years of musical output preceded Saleh’s debut album, released in 2024. They released their sophomore release in 2026. In addition to music, they delved into acting in Seasons 3 and 4 of Netflix’s Sex…