Hayley Kiyoko: Our Sapphic Saviour

When I think of my formative years as a queer person, I hear Haley Kiyoko’s discography. Her early hit songs play in my mind as the memories rush through.

Kiyoko’s music enlisted me with hope when I needed it most. Coming out as a lesbian at 14 years old was not easy, but, with songs like “Girls Like Girls”, (which I played on the daily) it was easier. It was easier knowing that I wasn’t alone in my feelings, and that it was possible for me to find love.

“I’m hooked on all these feelings…”

Speaking of feelings, that’s the title of one of my favourite Kiyoko songs! “Feelings” is an upbeat banger about being overcome with the emotions of yearning. As someone who is very emotional and constantly yearning, I appreciate when that can be conveyed through a song that also makes me want to get up and dance.

Image courtesy of the rolling stone

“Feelings” comes from Kiyoko’s debut studio album, “Expectations”. This album came out in 2018, when I was 17. Before that, the only music that us young, yearning lesbians had were her EPs, “Citrine” and “This Side of Paradise”. Other than that, there were only a few sapphic singles by other artists, such as “Honey” by Kehlani, “She Keeps Me Warm” by Mary Lambert and “I Kissed A Girl” by Katy Perry. Kiyoko frequently cites “I Kissed a Girl” as her gay-pop-star awakening. Even though the song is bi-curious in nature, it was gay enough to show Kiyoko that women-loving-women music can exist and be celebrated. It can even hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.   

“Expectations” is Kiyoko’s highest grossing album to date. This isn’t surprising—I listen to it far more than her other works, simply because of the nostalgia that it holds for me. Specifically, the song “Sleepover”—it still gives me a visceral reaction to this day. The song, and its music video, were there for me during my first (devastatingly painful) crush on a girl. So, when I hear the song or see the video, I feel the pang in my chest all over again.

First Came Stella

Image from “Lemonade Mouth”, courtesy of pluggedin.com

Before ever releasing music, Kiyoko appeared as Stella in Lemonade Mouth. In 2011, this movie took the Disney channel by storm, becoming one of its most iconic releases to date. I still scream the lyrics to “Determinate” with my childhood best friend quite often.

In an interview with Zach Sang, Kiyoko says, “This is almost like an eerie parallel to what ended up happening in my life; where like, this character, Stella, is like standing up… like stand up for what you believe in… very gay energy I would say.” She goes on to speak about how playing the character of Stella helped her come to terms with her sexuality. “Stella was the progressive version of myself. Stella was ahead of myself.”

Unbeknownst to Kiyoko, Stella would also go on to be a progressive symbol for other young queers struggling with their identity. Stella was not openly queer in the movie, however her edgy style and outspoken attitude showed unparallelled self-confidence that inspired many viewers as well as Kiyoko, herself.

The One and Only

Cover for Kiyoko’s album, “PANORAMA”

I can’t write about Hayley Kiyoko without mentioning the fact that she has been deemed the one and only “Lesbian Jesus”. According to her interview with Paper Magazine, Kiyoko has no clue where the nickname came from, but she feels that it is an honour to have. Other famous lesbians have seemingly respected this and let her have it (as they should). I certainly believe she has earned the title for being a pioneer in gay pop and supplying young women-loving-women with a safe space and music to relate to. She may feel honoured to have the title, but we should feel honoured to have her music.

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Jade McConkey is an eclectic creative, a cat mom, and a Professional Writing student at Algonquin College. More than anything, she is passionate. Jade considers herself an enthusiast of many things, such as crafting, songwriting, drag, and lesbianism. When she is not playing with clay or writing songs that will never see the light of day, you can find Jade watching old seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race or Glee—the shows that gave her comfort in her queerness. Jade is also the self-published author of “This Journal Will Be Your Future Book,” a guided journal for writers, available on Amazon.

Doechii: From Church Pews to the Grammy Stage

DOECHII. COURTESY OF JOHN JAY.

Doechii is one of the most influential rappers in the game right now. Her 90s-coded inspiration and crafted sound throughout her discography has us eager for more.

In the last few years, she’s made an incredible name for herself. As the Billboard 2025 Woman of the Year and 2025 Grammy-winner for Best Rap Album, there’s no denying her superstardom.

“All of my artistic values and training came out of my church”

Doechii, real name Jaylah Ji’mya Hickmon was born on August 14, 1998 in Tampa Florida. She knew from a young age that performing was her destiny. Her grandparents gifted her a music kit when she was young, and that inspired her to take up music. She spent six days a week singing gospel music and dancing in a Christian marching band.

Doechii struggled to fit in at school and faced severe bullying and homophobia growing up. In only the sixth grade, she was having suicidal thoughts. She opened up, saying “...it pushed me into living. I’m actually grateful that it happened, because now I know why I’m here, and I’ve never lost that.” That summer, she reinvented herself as Doechii–who we know as the incredible musician she is today.

The Path to Digital Stardom

Doechii started freestyle rapping at Howard W. Blake School of the Arts in 2016. She graduated with a diploma in vocal tech and classical choral singing. In 2020, she released her solo EP Oh The Places You’ll Go, and the track “Yucky Blucky Fruitcake” went viral on TikTok. Top Dawg Entertainment noticed her talent and she was the first female rapper to sign with the label in 2022. But nothing says Doechii like her latest persona, the “Swamp Princess” and breakthrough mixtape, Alligator Bites Never Heal.

Embracing Sexuality and Sobriety

DOECHII, AS ALTER EGO RICARDO. COURTESY OF SARAH PARDINI.

Growing up, Doechii didn’t feel comfortable being outwardly gay as a Black woman from the south, until she went to art school. “Once I had gay friends, it was like ‘OK, I can be myself, I’m good.’” Today, she’s openly in a queer relationship and expresses her sexuality in her songs, like “NISSAN ALTIMA” and “Alter Ego.” In September 2024 in an interview with Paper Mag, Doechii got dressed in another alter ego, Ricardo: An eight-pack, mustache-wearing drag king. “Since they [comments online] keep saying I look like a man, I’m gonna f*cking give them a man.” She loved the experience, saying she wanted to try drag for a while.

Sobriety is a prominent theme in Doechii’s new album. She expressed how hard it is to go sober in the music industry, because where there’s music, there’s alcohol and drugs. Alligator Bites Never Heal was written in a single month, after Doechii unpacked how substance abuse was getting in the way of her creativity. “That’s why my project sounds like it does…it’s not coming from liquor, it’s not coming from a party environment, it’s coming from me.”

Redefining Rap

ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL COVER ART. COURTESY OF TOP DAWG ENTERTAINMENT.

Doechii’s most authentic self shines through the sound of Alligator Bites Never Heal (and yes, she’s holding a real alligator!). She reveals her theatre-kid roots in her track “DENIAL IS A RIVER” that follows moments in her life in a raw but humorous way. In an interview with Genius, she tells us the track is written like a journal entry, while infusing classic hip-hop storytelling with inspiration from Eminem and Nicki Minaj. She took a risk, ignoring her label and avoiding industry formulas with this project–which worked exceptionally well. She shows her dance skills with her live hip-hop choreography, which is so electrifying to watch!

Doechii was the third woman to win the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2025, behind Cardi B and Lauryn Hill–making history!

This is exactly what the music industry needs right now. Doechii is an inspiration to the world through her authentic personality, extra-queerness, and sobriety!

Listen to my favourite performance of “NISSAN ALTIMA”!

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Kayla Latulippe is a level 3 Professional Writing student at Algonquin College. Though she’s still learning, she feels most powerful when connecting with her indigenous (Mi’qmak) heritage. If she’s not studying, she’s indulging in some kind of art–music, writing, photography, painting, and most notably–drag. She was introduced to Canada’s Drag Race in 2020, which skyrocketed into an unhealthy obsession with all things drag, so much so that she started a fan page. Life is a drag, so we know, but she still makes the most of it.

Chappell Roan: Sparking Change and Being Unapologetically You

Get it hot like Chappell Roan! This Midwest Princess has wasted no time establishing her voice and advocating for change in the music industry. Upon the release of her single, “Good Luck, Babe”, Roan’s popularity exploded, and she became an instant hit with queer people. The song explores the hardships of compulsory heterosexuality, which many lesbians struggle with in their lives. Her music empowers the queer community because she sings about our experiences in ways we don’t often see in pop culture. Roan’s music is a genuine and proud celebration of the lesbian life, but her authenticity doesn’t end there.

Embracing the Queer Life

Chappell roan for “the rise and fall of a midwest princess”. Photo by ryan clemens.

In contrast to the lesbian popstar’s current lifestyle, Roan grew up surrounded by Christianity in a conservative Missouri town. She has since reflected on the impact that upbringing had on her and how it’s shaped who she is today. For years, she struggled with understanding her sexuality because she lived such a sheltered life and her religion was so against it. Eventually, Roan felt so suffocated she decided to leave her small town behind. She moved to Los Angeles to explore who she truly is.

When Roan arrived in Los Angeles, she found her way out of her shell, along with finding her people. Inspired by her first trip to a gay bar, Roan explored ignoring expectations and being your authentic queer self with her hit-song “Pink Pony Club”. Ask just about any queer person, and you’ll find the song has hit close to home and resonates with them deeply. Roan truly captured what it feels like to break out of your shell and embrace your queerness.

Setting Boundaries

Not long after her rise to stardom, Roan did something we aren’t used to seeing from female celebrities. She quickly established boundaries between her personal life and her life as drag popstar Chappell Roan. In a TikTok post, Roan expressed her feelings about obsessive fan behaviour and affirmed it was unacceptable.

CHAPPELL ROAN. photo BY ANTHONY HARVEY.

At first, her statement sparked controversy. She was called ungrateful and spoiled. Many claimed that she didn’t understand that these things come with being famous, but that is exactly what Roan is standing up against. She took to her Instagram to back up her statement. She said, “I embrace the success of the project, the love I feel, and the gratitude I have. What I do not accept are creepy people, being touched, and being followed.” When an artist blows up, they aren’t signing up for parasocial relationships and creepy behaviour. They are signing up to make their craft and share it with the world. An artist is not your best friend. They’re just a person.

Roan continues to establish boundaries and has even influenced change in paparazzi behaviour. Early in her stardom, she called out rude behaviour of photographers and reporters. Roan demanded respect right off the bat, which lead to her being treated in a significantly more respectful manner at the current point of her career. Hopefully, her courage will begin to shift paparazzi behaviour towards all celebrities in the future.

Pushing for Change

chappell roan. photo by josh darr.

Roan not only pushes for the change in celebrity treatment from fans and paparazzi, but she also calls for change within the music industry. At the 2025 Grammy’s, Roan received the award for Best New Artist and used her acceptance speech to call out the poor treatment of artists. She spoke up about her experience of being dropped from her label in 2020, saying how she felt dehumanized and betrayed by the system for leaving her with nothing after giving them her everything. Roan’s speech advocated for better standards, healthcare security and financial support for artists.

Roan is also an active member on the platform Propeller, where fans can donate to social causes of a celebrity’s choice. This lets her activism go beyond herself, giving fans a chance to support causes they resonate with alongside Roan. By August 2024, fans of Roan had raised $160,000 for reproductive, LGBTQ+ and human rights.

A Powerful Voice

Despite still being a fairly new artist, Roan has already pushed for so much change with her platform. Her voice has given queer people a safe space where they are celebrated loudly and proudly, and her activism promises hope for a shift in industry standards. Change has to start somewhere, and Roan is opening the doors for her fellow artists to stand up for themselves.

Listen to my personal favourite Chappell Roan song, “Red Wine Supernova”!

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Olivia Senecal is a second-year student in the Professional Writing program at Algonquin College. While she doesn’t have a solid preference to one genre, she likes to write about things that come from the heart. Making space in her work where queer people feel seen is a strong goal of hers, as growing up she struggled to find that space for herself. In her spare time, she’ll likely be found lying on a patch of grass somewhere or thinking about Caitlyn Kiramman from Arcane.  

Softcult: Music With a Message

PHOENIX ARNHORN (LEFT) AND MERCEDES ARNHORN (RIGHT) OF SOFTCULT. PHOTO BY KAYLENE WIDDOES.

Canadian grunge-rock duo Softcult is taking the worldwide stage by storm with their dream-pop and grunge sound. From Toronto to Bangkok, Japan, Softcult’s riot grrrl tracks are captivating audiences and leaving them with a new favourite artist to play on repeat.

Twins from Kitchener, Ontario, Mercedes and Phoenix Arnhorn formed Softcult in 2021, after a decade-long run with their previous band Courage My Love. The two felt stifled by their record label, Warner Music Canada, which led to the band’s breakup. 

A Fresh Start

Softcult’s birth was inspired by grunge rock and riot grrrl bands from the '90s, such as The Smashing Pumpkins and Bikini Kill. The band’s name, defined by Mercedes, "...could be anything from a church, a government, a family, a band, even. It’s anything that you don’t really question when you follow your group of people. We’re all in soft cults in society that we don’t realize we’re a part of.” Softcult’s sound draws from personal experiences with mental abuse, misogyny, sexual assault, and the struggles they faced growing up in the music industry.

This time, they didn’t try to write radio singles or aim high; they crafted their authentic sound, and fans came running. Softcult is a breath of fresh air in the music industry, with fiery lyrics and dreamy guitar riffs.

Riot Grrrl Revival

Softcult’s scripture zine covers.

Riot-grrrl culture is at the forefront of Softcult. The band has adopted many traits of the 90s riot grrrl movement, such as making political statements during shows and relying on DIYs. Phoenix handles production and artwork; Mercedes writes, produces, directs, and edits their personal music videos. Softcult releases a monthly zine called SCripture, another riot-grrrl way. Zines gave women in the 90s the opportunity to voice their experiences and enact change regarding sexism and racism in their communities.

The hand-made zines filled with poetry, artwork, and opinion pieces discuss important issues in a raw and compelling way. SCripture Volume 38 is a political statement from the band after the U.S. 2024 presidential election.

One of the Pack

another bish by softcult cover art. courtesy of easy life records.

As a queer and feminist band, the two wanted to be loud about the obstacles that women and feminine-presenting people face both inside and outside of the music industry. The band’s first single, “Another Bish,” was released in 2021, with a mixed-media cover of a woman’s face with a dog’s mouth, and her neck chained on a leash. The lyrics, “I won’t sit, I won’t stay / rollover, obey / I’m just another bish that you’ll never tame,” are rebellious and tell listeners that they won’t be controlled.

Softcult’s music and artwork are their voice. The song, “One of the Pack,” is the band’s feminist anthem. When the track was released, Softcult said in an interview, “...we wanted to celebrate women supporting women… we want anyone listening to our music to know that people of colour, trans women, and non-binary people will always be a welcome and crucial part of our grrrl gang.” The music video features Ontario drag performer Miss Conduct, and meaningful lyrics, such as “Girl, if you need me / you know I’ve got your back / I hope when you see me / you know you’re one of the pack.” The lyrics send an important message to all women that there are people who see, love, and support them. In an overwhelmingly hateful world, Softcult welcomes people of all backgrounds to enjoy their music. 

Softcult’s dreamy, progressive sound and confessional lyrics throughout their discography are reminders that the punk and riot grrrl movement is still alive. This is just the beginning. In 2024, the band opened for both Incubus and MUSE and was nominated for Alternative Album of the Year at the Juno Awards for their 2023 EP, See You in the Dark.

The band’s debut album, When a Flower Doesn’t Grow, is out on January 30, 2026.

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Kayla Latulippe is a level 3 Professional Writing student at Algonquin College. Though she’s still learning, she feels most powerful when connecting with her indigenous (Mi’qmak) heritage. If she’s not studying, she’s indulging in some kind of art–music, writing, photography, painting, and most notably–drag. She was introduced to Canada’s Drag Race in 2020, which skyrocketed into an unhealthy obsession with all things drag, so much so that she started a fan page. Life is a drag, so we know, but she still makes the most of it.