The Gays & Girls Are Gov Balling!
Gov Ball is almost here and NYC is buzzing with excitement. We teamed up Linux, THE New York Downtown IT-GIRL, to share our list of LGBTQIA+ artists and allies on this year’s lineup!
Friday, 6/6 | 8:45 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Tyler, The Creator
Tyler, The Creator might keep his sexuality under wraps, but his bold, colorful vibes and queer-coded lyrics speak volumes. The rapper and producer often explores themes of identity, self-expression, and relationships. He continues to push the boundaries of what is considered "normal," most recently with his new album Chromatopia.
Friday, 6/6 | 5:00–5:45 PM | The Grove Stage
Photo:THE BEACHES
The Beaches are Toronto’s fierce all-female rock band, proudly featuring several queer members. Known for their bold feminist lyrics and electric performances, they promote LGBTQIA+ visibility loud and clear. During Lesbian Visibility Week, they even highlighted their song “Edge of the Earth” as a powerful queer love anthem. Perfect for the occasion.
Friday, 6/6 | 2:45–3:30 PM | Kiehl’s Stage
Photo: MANNEQUIN PUSSY
Philadelphia-born punk rock band Mannequin Pussy, with queer members like Maxine Steen, has built a solid fan base over 10+ years. Their latest album, I Got Heaven, boldly takes on religion’s oppression of LGBTQ+ people, exploring sexuality, self-love, and political rage through raw, powerful work.
Friday, 6/6 | 2:15–3:00 PM | The Grove Stage
Photo: Matt Champion
Matt Champion is “still figuring it out.” Open about his attraction to both men and women, his music reflects this honest journey of self-discovery and fluidity, resonating deeply with many on the same path. Think you haven’t heard him before? Think again, he’s a member of BROCKHAMPTON and ready to take the Gov Ball stage solo this year.
Friday, 6/6 | 12:15–12:45 PM | The Grove Stage
Photo: Strawberry Launch
Like your rock music a lil gay? Brooklyn’s very own queer pop-rock band Strawberry Launch is here to be your newest obsession. The group has had electrifying live performances since 2018, and their newer releases encompass growing older in an earnest and honest way.
Saturday, 6/7 | 8:45 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Olivia Rodrigo
While Olivia Rodrigo hasn’t publicly identified as LGBTQ+, she’s a loud and proud ally, consistently showing support for the community through her words and actions on and off the stage. It’s no surprise she’s headlining this year, with music that deeply connects with fans of all identities. Her raw, honest lyrics about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery especially resonate with the LGBTQ+ community and the new generation of women.
Saturday, 6/7 | 6:30–7:30 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Conan Gray
Conan Gray doesn't do labels, only hits! This year marks the 5-year anniversary of his debut studio album Kid Krow, now re-released with three bonus tracks that will definitely have you in your feels. Our real question is, will he sing "Heather," his unrequited love anthem? We sure hope so.
Saturday, 6/7 | 5:30–6:30 PM | Kiehl’s Stage
Photo: Young Miko
Take a masterclass in “Classy 101” with Puerto Rican rapper and singer Young Miko. As an openly lesbian artist, she brings a fresh, bold, and inclusive perspective to Latin trap and reggaeton. With her Grammy-nominated debut album, opening for Karol G, and collab with Bad Bunny, Young Miko has proven her Gov Ball set is one you won’t want to miss.
Saturday, 6/7 | 4:45–5:30 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Wallows
Meet Wallows, lovingly dubbed the “straight band for gay people.” Their indie pop hits have been fueling fans for years, with shows at iconic venues like Terminal 5, The Wellmont, and even Madison Square Garden. While none of the members identify as LGBTQ+, they consistently show genuine support, partnering with local LGBTQ+ nonprofits on tour and encouraging fans to donate to them.
Saturday, 6/7 | 3:30–4:15 PM | The Grove Stage
Photo: Orion Sun @gnodsgn
Orion Sun is a queer artist whose music blends R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. She has collaborated with fellow queer artists like Moor Mother and serpentwithfeet. Her work explores themes of love, grief, isolation, insecurity, mental health, and gender dysphoria, drawing from personal experiences such as being kicked out because of her sexuality.
Saturday, 6/7 | 3:15–4:00 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Marina
Marina is a Welsh singer-songwriter specializing in indie and alt pop! Before headlining WeHo Pride 2022, she gave a heartfelt shoutout to her LGBTQ+ fans and named Freddie Mercury her ultimate queer icon. Now, her new album P.O.P. drops Friday, 6/6, Gov Ball, get ready for an iconic first look!
Saturday, 6/7 | 2:00–2:30 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Yaya Bey
Yaya Bey is the ultimate "Sir Princess Bad Bitch," a gender-queer singer-songwriter who uses her music as therapy. Her soulful blend of R&B explores themes of Black womanhood, love, and resilience. Plus, she’s from Brooklyn!
Sunday, 6/8 | 8:30 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Hozier
Hozier is a queer ally and icon. Period. He’s stood steadfast in this support for LGBTQ+ rights for years and his music video for "Take Me To Church" only solidified his stance. Plus, most lesbians love the way he writes about women, so you can’t really argue with that.
Sunday, 6/8 | 5:30–6:30 PM | Kiehl’s Stage
Photo: Clairo
From breakout hits like “Pretty Girl” to deep cuts like “Bubble Gum,” queer singer-songwriter Clairo brings a soft yet powerful presence to the Gov Ball stage year after year. If you haven’t seen her live yet, this is your chance. Her introspective indie-pop resonates with a wide range of listeners, from queer audiences to anyone who’s ever felt just a little too tender for the world.
Sunday, 6/8 | 4:00–4:45 PM | Kiehl’s Stage
Photo: The Japanese House
Led by openly queer artist Amber Bain, The Japanese House is with music that thoughtfully explores queer identity and relationships. Recent songs like “Boyhood,” “Sad to Breathe,” and the joyful new single “:)” showcase this band's lush alt-pop sound, honest songwriting, and emotional depth.
Sunday, 6/8 | 3:15–4:00 PM | GovBall Stage
Photo: Raye
Vocal powerhouse Raye shares a deep and genuine connection with the queer community, often calling queer crowds her “safe space” and expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout her career. Recent songs like “Genesis,” “Body Dysmorphia,” and the viral hit “Escapism” showcase her powerful storytelling and emotional honesty that resonate with a wide audience.
Sunday, 6/8 | 2:30–3:15 PM | Kiehl’s Stage
Photo: Amaarae
Amaarae is a standout artist who openly embraces sexual fluidity and challenges gender norms through her music and public image. Her sound spans pop, R&B, afrobeats, and alté, exploring themes of sensuality, confidence, and queer identity, making for an exciting and vibrant set.
Wanna hear more from Linux? Follow her on Instagram for all the hot goss, party with her at Paul’s Doll every Wednesday, and listen to her podcast Pumping It for nightlife life lessons you can’t miss.
Updated May 2025
