The four-day Chicago music festival Lollapalooza took over Grant Park from July 31 to Aug. 3. Beginning in 1991 and named after something that is “extraordinarily impressive,” the eclectic gathering’s programmers deserve admiration for continuing to book the diverse lineup of artists from around the world.
Blending music genres and cultures has been vital for the success of one of the longest-running festivals in the United States. From the first event, alternative rock, pop and hip hop were given stage time and that has expanded to include soul, country, electronic, Latin and K-pop acts over the years.
Over time, more musicians have moved out of the closet and now celebrate their queer identity openly in front of the massive crowds who have attended. In 2024, Chappell Roan drew in one of the largest daytime sets in the festival’s history thanks to her “Pink Pony Club.” She wasn’t the only one representing the LGBTQ+ community onstage that year. Kesha, Renee Rapp, Victoria Monet, Kevin Abstract, Ethel Cain and The Japanese House all showed their uniqueness and pride during their sets.
In 2025, self-expression has grown even stronger and has cemented Lollapalooza’s reputation for inclusivity. Queer acts this summer included Clairo, Remi Wolf, Rebecca Black, Young Miko and Gigi Perez.
Out and proud, Grammy-nominated performer Durand Bernarr wore a plant costume to match his record titled Bloom at the T-Mobile Stage on July 31. He said before his set that “labels are for food and clothes” and described his artistry as “a therapy session disguised as a musical variety show. My performances are theatrical with a mix of Looney Tunes and Jim Carrey in The Mask.”
Vancouver-based songwriter Jade Lemac performed early on July 31 as well and said she struggled with labels, describing her sexuality as fluid. She was excited to see Tyler perform his set and opened up for singer Role Model in an after-show at Thalia Hall the following evening. Lemac confessed, “My relationship with my girlfriend started off at a Tyler concert. So now we can watch him again together.”
Quirky pop princess Caroline Kingsbury performed at the BMI Stage this year and talked backstage about Chappell Roan’s important influence on her. Caroline identifies as a queer lesbian and came out at the age of 23. Her latest single, “Shock Treatment” is built around reversing conversion therapy and reclaiming words. She said, “Everyone is feeling collective grief for what is happening in this country right now. I feel a responsibility as a musician to bring joy to people.”
She co-headlines Give Me a Tour with another queer performer Maris and describes their friendship as “cosmically connected.” They consider themselves the new Heart and collaborated on the track “Give Me a Sign.” The duo return to Chicago on Oct. 3 at Chop Shop.
Sudanese non-binary artist Dua Saleh brought a section from their recent I Should Call Them Tour to The Grove Stage on Saturday. During a brief interview Dua explained that their role of Cal Bowman on Netflix’s Sex Education series came to them because they were openly gay and trans, adding, “It’s part of my narrative now. There’s too much video footage of me being out to ever go back in the closet.”
The streaming platform Netflix also cultivated another act at the festival thanks to the docuseries Popstar Academy: Katseye. Out of six girls in the group, two of them identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community, with queer Lara Raj and bisexual Megan Skiendiel. Manon Bannerman described Katseye: “One thing about our group is how diverse we are. Not only in our looks and the way we dress, but our sexuality.” The global group attracted a major amount of fans on the afternoon of their set on Sunday at the T-Mobile Stage.
Two important Black queer performers made important impacts this year on that same stage, with Tyler, the Creator headlining on Thursday and one that deserved headlining status Doechii on Saturday. Doechii schooled the children on voguing and twerking in a classroom setup complete with desks. Fans of the rapper are already snapping up tickets to her upcoming Chicago return at the Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom on Oct. 14.
While this is not a comprehensive list of all the rainbow representation found at Lollapalooza throughout the years, it’s meant to cover the highlights. The unfortunate fact is that there are several musicians still in the closet who have graced the Grant Park stages over the years.
The trailblazers from the past have set a standard of being open and honest that often translates well in their curated artistry and live concerts. Lollapalooza is rooted in diversity and has created the perfect place to be out in the park unapologetically. Come out, come out, wherever you are!
Visit lollapalooza.com for future updates on the festivities in 2026.