Out Musicians Raise Their Voices for Candidates

Though many musicians have spoken up on behalf of the candidates they support for president, many LGBT public figures — musicians and otherwise — remain tight-lipped, likely because no candidate has pledged their full support of the LGBT community. As we approach November, out celebrities have the opportunity and the platform to make a difference by publicly calling on the presidential candidates to be leaders in the quest for equality.  

Last Thursday, March 27, out rocker Melissa Etheridge participated in a national conference call for the Stonewall Democrats, along with Chelsea Clinton, out Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and Oklahoma Corporations Commissioner Jim Roth, the state’s first openly gay public official. More than 1,000 Stonewall Democrats listened in at house parties across the country as the four discussed how the LGBT community can continue to keep its issues on the forefront of presidential politics well into the general election season.

Etheridge is no stranger to the political platform. Back in August, she participated as a panelist in the HRC/Logo Presidential Forum. At that time, she had not announced her support for any candidate, but on the Stonewall Democrats call, she spoke as a representative of Sen. Barack Obama.  

Sir Elton John has been a long-time supporter of Sen. Hillary Clinton, and is pulling out the stops to help fill Clinton’s campaign coffers. On April 9, the music legend is hosting a special concert to help raise funds for Clinton’s campaign. Elton and Hillary: One Night Only is taking place at Radio City Music Hall in New York. This will be John’s first solo concert at the venue in eight years, and seats are filling up quickly.

As November approaches, we hope to see more out celebrities play a vocal role in talking about the issues facing our community this election season. 

Damon Romine is Director of Entertainment Media