Popular music is built upon artists that have toyed with the gender binary. The influence of musicians like Prince, Wendy Carlos, and Genesis P-Orridge on the musical landscape is especially being felt in the modern age, where gender has become a much more openly discussed topic. Artists that identify as transgender or non-binary are finally beginning to see an increased acceptance in the musical world. However this acceptance does not immediately equal an open door, which many of these artists are still fighting to kick open. The cisnormative lens of popular music keeps these musicians fighting for attention. It's important to highlight artists existing in certain minorities, as other people belonging to these groups can see themselves and see someone with a similar identity existing successfully. There is hope in recognition, and mainstream music is often very exclusive when it comes to someone who is not straight, cis, or white. Personally, I identify as nonbinary, and it is comforting to see musicians like me being successful in their fields. Anyway, onto the list..
