Mykki Blanco: A rapper, drag queen and performance artist, Mykki Blanco is fast becoming a formidable force in the music world, gaining hype and critical plaudits for her mixtapes Cosmic Angel: The Illuminati Prince/ss and Betty Rubble: The Initiation. "We have recognizable gay icons on daytime TV and I think those are good things for gay culture but at the same time, no gay celebrity who really has pull in this country ever promotes or calls attention to serious LGBT rights," Blanco once told SSENSE magazine.

John Grant: Singer-songwriter Grant's album Pale Green Ghosts, the lyrics of which touched on his diagnosis of HIV, received widespread critical acclaim last year - and he was praised for speaking out about a subject that is still taboo for some. "I guess one of the reasons I talked about it was because I felt like I couldn't and shouldn't," he told the Guardian. "Because I still feel ashamed. But I know there are a lot of men in the gay community going through this, and it was for them."

Tegan and Sara: The twin sister duo have been producing perfectly crafted indie pop since their 1996 formation - and have been open about their sexuality from the moment their careers begun. The musicians are, of course, outspoken about LGBT rights, especially the oppression in Russia. "We feel comfortable being out and gay and there are so many countries where it's not okay," said Sara. "That's why we're out and that's why we talk about it. Whether they agree with us or they don't, it's important for us to talk about it and be visible and change people's minds - most importantly in places like Russia."

Zebra Katz: Zebra Katz found fame in 2012 with his pulsating, cutting track 'Ima Read' which quickly achieved internet notoriety. His trademark glowering snarl was further showcased on mixtape Drklng, releasing in 2013. Katz has admitted he feels uncomfortable with being categorised in the 'queer rap' genre, but knows being real about his identity is important. "Creating a strong, black, other, queer male is something that really needed to happen because you don't see that that often, especially not in hip-hop," he told The Guardian. "But it's terrifying standing up as a queer man. People are getting attacked all over the world, but you have to use your sexuality as a tool, instead of having them use it against you."

Hozier: The Irish musician's breakout hit, 'Take Me To Church', has become somewhat of a phenomenon thanks in part to its chilling video which references the repression of gay rights in Russia - a topic that has never been more important as it is now. The powerful video tells the story of two men who face a violent backlash when the people of their town find out about their relationship.

Le1f: New York rapper and producer Le1f is making waves thanks to his ultra-danceable, incessantly catchy tracks - check out 'Wut' - and he's also saying what a lot of people are thinking. The world largely fawned over Macklemore & Ryan Lewis' ode to same sex relationships, 'Same Love' - but many members of the gay community weren't so convinced. Le1f was one of them, accusing the rapper of profiting of his advocacy. "I'm gonna write a song about disabled people, or about the aboriginal struggle, cuz mama needs a new fur coat," he tweeted. "News just in: gay people don't care about your video about gay people."

Brooke Candy: LA rapper Candy has become somewhat of an internet legend thanks to her attention-grabbing videos, sex-cyborg costumes and trademark, mile long braids [you can also spot her in the video for Grimes' 'Genesis']. She's also an outspoken advocate for gay rights, as well as delivering feminist zingers in her tracks ['A slut is now a compliment / A sexy-ass female who's running shit and confident']. "It's a gay uprising," she said of the new spate of out and proud musicians.

Angel Haze: Haze has always been a brutally honest and frank lyricist - showcased perfectly in her deeply personal cover of Macklemore's 'Same Love', which resonated so much more than the original track because it was coming from someone who's not heterosexual. The lyrics were painfully honest ["At age 13 my mother knew I wasn't straight/she didn't understand but she had so much to say/she sat me on the couch looked me straight in my face/and said you'll burn in hell or probably die of AIDS"]. Refreshingly, Haze refuses to label her sexuality, declaring "I am whoever I am".

CHRVCHES: As well as gifting us with electro pop gems such as 'The Mother We Share', CHVRCHES vocalist Lauren Mayberry is also refreshingly open and, indeed, eloquent on the subject of feminism and sexuality. Mayberry DJs at a number of LGBT events, including the UK's first lesbian prom back in November 2013,