Like last year’s Pride celebrations, this year’s take place under the grim cloud of backlash. Trump 2.0 has made life for the transgender community seem increasingly precarious, but even “mainstream” gays and lesbians have to worry whether gay marriage will be overturned. One legal challenge made its way to the Supreme Court, though it was defeated; more are sure to follow. Meanwhile, polls have shown a dip in support for LGBTQ+ rights among Americans since the early 2020s. All in all, it’s not a great picture. Indeed, it’s hard to imagine now that there was ever a time when corporations went all in on Pride banners and products during June. And yet, LGBTQ+ rights are still being fought for, with artists in the vanguard—as our recommendations for the best shows of LGBTQ+ artists during this year’s Pride celebrations make clear.
