In the spirit of Pride month and all it represents, here are five amazing LGBTQ+ creatives you should check out today.

1. Arinze Ifeakandu

Arinze Ifeakandu is a fictional writer who was born and raised in Kano, Nigeria before migrating to Tallahassee, Florida where he currently lives. He studied literature at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and is a graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop where he won the 2018 Richard Yates Short Story Contest. He was shortlisted for the 2017 AKO Caine Prize for African Writing and is the recipient of the 2023 Swansea University Dylan Thomas Prize. His short stories have appeared in the Caine Prize Anthologies, The Kenyon Review, Ploughshares, One Story, A Public Space, Guernica among others. His debut short story collection, God’s Children Are Little Broken Things has been described as intoxicating, staggering and a fresh perspective on what it means to be gay in Nigeria.

2. Quay Dash

Quay Dash is an American rapper, singer and songwriter who is in a "life-long devotion to herself." She lived most of her early years in New York City but eventually found a home in the Bronx and the city’s thriving club scene. After a series of Soundcloud hits, she reintroduced her art to the world in a fierce five-song EP titled Transphobic. In Transphobic, Quay Dash addresses the struggles she faces as a black trans woman. The five-heat extended play has been described as defiant and a timely record especially when viewed against the background of what was a devastating time for trans women in the United States. Dash continues to challenge stereotypes with her music whilst unapologetically living her truth.

3. Moore Kismet

California-based electronic musician Moore Kismet creates an explicit blend of atmospheric trap and rhythmic bass music influenced by trance, dubstep, house and other genres. Born Omar Davis, the DJ, songwriter, screenwriter, visual artist and voice actor started their recording career at the age of 13. They were quick to earn praise for their creative, spirited and emotive productions. Their Extended Play 'Revenge of the Unicorns' is said to be informed by their journey in coming out as non-binary and pansexual. Representation has been a consistent theme of their work. Their stage name Moore Kismet, meaning “more than fate,” is an expression of their creative self, one that sees them as a multifaceted creator, with a focus that also includes graphic design and visual arts.

4. Andrea Di Giovan

Andrea Di Giovanni is an Italian singer and songwriter. Growing up in a country with strict, anti-gay views, he was unable to express his queer self and live his truth but thankfully Andrea was able to live openly and boldly after he moved to London at the age of 19. Andrea's music is often crafted to have engaging catchphrases backed by heartfelt vocals. He describes music as a way to convey his feelings and explore his inner world. Andrea loves to use music to educate people about his struggles and hope that listeners' can resonate with his message, and be happier with themselves.

5. Jiae

Jiae is a South-Korean singer who was a member of a girl group called WA$$UP. WA$$UP was disbanded in 2019 and Jiae has since been pursuing a musical career independently. Jiae continues to enjoy the backing of her fans who contributed enormously to the release of her first album Love Is Love. Love is Love chronicles Jiae’s journey to self-discovery as an artist who is finally being true to herself.