Queer people always had a hard time making their marks. But, with perseverance and motivation, many of them have triumphed in their respective niches.

Such is the case for these queer musical artists, who have hurdled many trials and tribulations to succeed. From Freddie Mercury to Lady Gaga, here are 6 artists who have shaped the music industry as we know it.

Freddie Mercury

With his four-octave vocal range, the late Freddie Mercury is one of the greatest rock musicians of all time. As the frontman of Queen, Freddie helped thrust the band’s fame with songs “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We are the Champions”, and “Don’t Stop Me Now”, to name a few.

Although most tabloids tagged Freddie as bisexual, others were quick to point that he was openly gay. He was in a relationship with hairdresser Jim Hutton, whom he fondly called his husband.

Unfortunately, Freddie passed away at the ripe age of 45 due to AIDS complications.

Elton John

Elton John songs have stood the test of time, just like their singer Sir Elton Hercules John. Born Reginald  Kenneth Dwight, the prolific singer-songwriter has sold over 300 million records – making him one of the best-selling musicians of all time.

 A true pillar of the music industry, Elton John received many accolades, such as:

• Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee (1992)
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee (1994)
• 3rd of the 100 Billboard Top All-time Artists (2013)
• 49th of the 100 most influential rock and roll musicians (Rolling Stones, 2004)

Apart from being a passionate AIDS activist, Elton is also a devoted father to Elijah and Zachary.

George Michael

George Michael of the defunct Wham! duo is one of the best-selling artists of all time. More than just having 80 million records sold worldwide, he also had 8 songs that topped the Billboard 100 Chart.

While George, who came out in 1998, may be widely known for his musical greatness, he is fondly remembered as a philanthropist. The artist, who passed away in 2016, is a staunch campaigner for AIDS funds and LGBT rights.

Boy George

Born George Ala O’ Dowd, Boy George of the band Culture Club helped introduce the New England musical movement in the 1980s. Known for singing the ever-catchy “Karma Chameleon”, the bisexual singer helped put blue-eyed soul music into the map.

After Culture Club, Boy George found the band Jesus Loves You, where he was an active member from 1989 to 1992.

For his contributions to the music industry, the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors recognized Boy George for his outstanding services.

Ricky Martin

Ricky Martin is a veteran of the music scene, being a member of the boy band “Menudo” since age 12. From here on out, he has released several Spanish-music albums that have earned him the titles “King of Latin Pop” and “Latin Music King”.

While his songs are about romanticizing women, Ricky doted on the same sex. In 2010, after years of thinking he was bisexual, he finally came out gay. Today, Ricky is happily married to Jwan Yosef, with which he has 4 children.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga is one of the most recent queer musical pillars to have emerged. Considered a famous gay icon, the bisexual star has sold 124 million records so far. This has made her the 4th highest-grossing female singer of the year 2010 – and one of VH1’s Greatest Women in Music.

While she is well-known for her outlandish facial prosthetics and over-the-top outfits, the ‘Mother Monster’ is regarded as a passionate crusader for LGBT rights and mental health.

These 6 artists prove that sexual orientation is no hindrance. Today, they serve as role models to many other LGBT artists who wish to dominate the scene.