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women in music

Melissa Etheridge on being a 'proud mother' to queer artists and the healing power of music

“I know that my art has healed me just year after year after year. It keeps healing me," Etheridge says. "I’m just so grateful and always hope that my music can do that for people."

Melissa Etheridge on how 'my queerness protected me' in a music scene unforgiving to women

While it hasn't been easy, being queer has given Melissa Etheridge a unique perspective on the music industry.

Women's Music Festival Bans Pre-Op Trans Women

The Seven Sisters Festival in Australia has sparked controversy with its announcement it will ban transgender women who are 'physically men.'

Waitress's Sara Bareilles on Women's Friendships, Food, and Music as Healing

The star, composer, and lyricist of Waitress: The Musical, Sara Bareilles, chats with Advocate Channel about how the show elevates women's friendships as one of the great loves stories, and how the show leans into food and music for the soul.

Women Who Paved the Way: Activist and Folk Musician Ronnie Gilbert

Today's queer woman to know for Women's History Month is an icon of the folk music world and the early women's music scene. 

This Woman Shines Light on Sexual Harassment in the Music Industry

During the Billboard's Women in Music Awards red carpet, we caught up with John Legend's manager, Ty Stiklorious, and asked why we haven't seen more women running the music business.  

Indigo Girls on the History of Queer Women Musicians Who Shaped Them

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers discuss their musical history and the very lesbian and queer roots of what's been called "women's music."

Hunter Valentine Cancels on MichFest Over Antitrans Policy

The long-running women-only music festival has been criticized over a policy that excludes transgender women and is viewed by some as transphobic.

Ladies, Are You Ready for Michfest?

Despite continuing controversy over the rights of transgender women to participate, lesbians around the globe will soon be descending on this international feminist music festival.

Beyoncé & Madonna Dropped New Music Today and It's Like Gay Christmas

While some on social media are pitting the women against each other, many are celebrating the new work from divas who helped change music forever. 

OINTB Star Withdraws From Michfest

Responding to Twitter questions about her decision to perform at the Michigan Womyn's Music Festival, which does not admit transgender women, out actor Lea DeLaria announced that she will not participate.

After Insulting Comments, Recording Academy Makes Changes

Recording Academy Chief Neil Portnow, who said women to need to "step up" in music, announced that the academy plans to open a task force on breaking down gender barriers.

Rapper Baby Tate's pansexual Sexploration

The musician's ambitious EP explores queer heartbreak and the joys of physical pleasure.

Jann Wenner's Legacy: Janis Joplin Lamented Rolling Stone Story Days Before Death

The interview can be viewed in a new light after the magazine’s queer cofounder, Jann Wenner, denigrated Black and female musicians.

Madonna Ill, Tour Postponed

The icon was set to launch a world tour next month.

American Idol's Mandisa: I'm 'not an advocate' for gay people

A day after getting booted from American Idol, Mandisa talks exclusively to The Advocate about the gay controversy that may have done her in.

'The Color Purple' actor Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor slams film for 'sanitizing' lesbian romance

The Color Purple musical movie took "sisters before misters" a little too seriously when cutting elements of a lesbian romance in favor of sisterhood themes, out actor Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor says.