With election day upon us, Billboard is here to provide a short playlist of songs for LGBTQ voters, including tracks from LGBTQ artists such as Janelle Monae, Halsey, Billy Porter, Shea Diamond and many more. Check out our choices below.

Janelle Monáe, “Americans”

The most exciting of his masterpiece of 2018 Dirty computer, Monáe’s “Americans” are an oath of allegiance to America’s potential. Throughout this upbeat and uplifting track, Monáe lays out some of the main issues she faces in America today: racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and xenophobia all feature prominently on her. listing. The star sprints lyrically through her hymn of protest, while declaring herself a true patriot, proclaiming: “Don’t try to take my country / I will defend my land.” As the song climaxes, Monáe turns the microphone over to a sermon by Dr Sean McMillan, and the pastor explains that none of the ideas listed above represent his version of America. In the song’s final moments, his voice resonates as he says, “Today I tell you the devil is a liar / Because this will be my America before it’s all over.” And you know Monáe feels the same.

Most relevant lyrics: “We will win this fight, may all souls be courageous / We will find a way to Heaven, we will find a way.”

Halsey, “Nightmare”

Before releasing his latest studio album maniacal, Halsey offered a piece of her wit with her critically acclaimed hymn “Nightmare”. Aimed at misogynists around the world, the star expressed her anger over a perfectly pop-punk track, denouncing the current state of women’s rights in America and around the world. She establishes her rage and refuses to calm her down for anyone, making this song a must-listen protest hymn for your Election Day playlist.

Most relevant lyrics: “I’m tired and angry, but someone should be.”

Billy Porter, “For What It’s Worth”

It’s not a new song, but it’s still relevant today. When Porter released his cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth” earlier this year, the star said Billboard that he wanted this to help motivate people to go to the polls in November. “We have to start thinking about what we are going to do in November,” he said in April. “It’s just my way of saying, ‘Lock that deep in your brain, remember that when we get back to real life, because it’s not going to go away.’“ Now that November has arrived, it is. easy to see why Porter wanted to get his point across early – the classic anthem gets an update from Pose star to ask voters to stop, take a look around and figure out “what’s going on” before they vote.

Most relevant lyrics: “We need a change / change for good.”

Sleater-Kinney, “Broken”

Written following Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony to Congress regarding her allegations that Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh sexually assaulted her in high school, the stunning Sleater-Kinney track “Broken” sees the duo blurting out the pain of feeling “broken inside” following Ford’s hearing. It’s not optimistic, it’s not hopeful, it doesn’t end with a positive message – it’s a song that’s deeply rooted in the pain of going through a traumatic political event, and one that Sleater -Kinney want you to keep hearing, especially when you have the power to change the status quo.

Most relevant lyrics: “I really can’t fall apart right now, but it hits me too close to the bone / I thought I was growing up right now, but I feel like I’ll never be done . “

Shea Diamond, “I am America”

In her provocative and triumphant single “I Am America”, Diamond stepped back into the world, letting people know that, yes, a black trans woman is America. The groovy, horny song sees Diamond daring anyone to try and tell her she’s wrong, as she pushes her way through lyrics such as “The truth is, I even love you. when you’re offended, “cementing her validity as an American woman, and refusing to go anywhere but forward.

Most relevant lyrics: “I know I’m turning you on / My existence is a riot / So don’t even dare to try it.”

Dorian Electra, “My agenda” feat. Pussy Riot and the Villagers

People talk about the “gay agenda,” so Dorian Electra decided to put pen to paper and show the world what their agenda was, exactly. In their raucous track, Electra takes on LGBTQ icons The Village People and Pussy Riot to cheekily mock suspicions that the queer community has some sort of insidious plan to “transform” straight people. But at the heart of the song is a protest anthem in which the star lets those same homophobes know that at the end of the day they’re not going anywhere.

Most relevant lyrics: “Have you seen my brochures? Have you read my blog? / Did you see my army come down to town hall? “

Cocorosie, “End of the Freak Show” feat. Anohni, Big Freedia, Brooke Candy & Cakes da Killa

With five different queer artists on one track, musical duo CocoRosie had a simple mission: to give President Trump a final major ahead of the election. With queer stars Anohni, Big Freedia, Brooke Candy and Cakes da Killa on the runway, “End of the Freak Show” turns into a parade of dissidents expressing their distaste for the president, while urging voters to remove him from office. duties on November 11. 3. If you are interested in doing the same, then this piece is a must-have for your Election Day projects.

Most relevant lyrics: “Burn the house, to smoke them.

Randy Rainbow and Patti LuPone, “If Donald Gets Fired”

If showtunes are more in your alley, then let us introduce you to this new take on Gypsy “If mum was married” – except Rainbow and LuPone are filing for divorce from President Trump. In “If Donald Got Fired,” the couple lambasted the president with some truly brutal roasts, taking him to task for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, his use of Twitter and more. At the end of it all, LuPone makes it clear what she’s going to do today – “There’s no decision / I’m rolling with Biden.”

Most relevant lyrics: “Donald, don’t just sit around laughing / With all due respect, please, please, please.”

Indigo Girls, “Long hike”

One of the main issues voters face in this election is the COVID-19 pandemic. Not only are people looking for which candidate is best equipped to tackle the epidemic, but they’re also going the extra mile to make sure they’re accountable for how they vote. It’s a feeling the Indigo Girls understand, as they express it on their latest single “Long Ride”; the duo sing straight to their fans, letting them know that as long as 2020 may have felt, it will only lengthen if they stay disengaged. The solution, as the duo points out, is to clench your fist, arm yourself with courage and go to the polls.

Most relevant lyrics: “Were you in town hall raising your fists against the racist troll? / Don’t you think it’s time to fix the infected blankets and the laws that breed hatred?”

Muna, “I know a place (acoustic)”

When Muna began performing live her 2017 track, “I Know a Place,” fans noticed singer Katie Gavin added an extended bridge to the LGBTQ anthem. On their magnificent acoustic version of the track, fans can hear Gavin singing these added words, where she calls on her fans to stand against hatred and intolerance, and where she refuses to accept Donald Trump as president. If you need something to uplift you and make you feel that fire on your way to the polls, look no further.

Most relevant lyrics: “I open my arms wide in resistance / He is not my leader even though he is my president.”

Check out the full playlist on Spotify below: