Check out 10 Spanish LGBTQIA+ rappers selected from the 143 Spanish artists and the 476 LGBTQIA+ artists listed on Madame Rap !
Spain is not just synonymous with sun, beach and paella. It is also a country that proudly flies the LGBTQI+ flag and is a benchmark for rights and equality. The figures speak for themselves:
On the equality podium: Spain is the third most LGBT-friendly country in the world and the fourth in Europe (LGBT Equality Index 2023/ILGA Europe 2024).
Love is love, and Spain has been celebrating it since 2005: almost two decades ago, Spain made history by becoming the third country in the world to legalize marriage and adoption for same-sex couples, thus paving the way for equality and family diversity.
Access to ART for all: In 2021, Spain took another step forward by guaranteeing access to assisted reproductive technology for all women, regardless of their sexual orientation or marital status.
Trans law, a step towards self-determination: In 2023, the Spanish Parliament passed a law that authorizes gender self-determination from the age of 16 and prohibits conversion therapies, practices that violate the dignity and freedom of individuals.
A country that supports equality: 87% of Spanish citizens believe that LGBTQI+ people should have the same rights and freedoms as heterosexual people (Eurobarometer 2023).
Madrid, the world capital of pride: The Madrid Pride Parade (MADO) is a unique celebration. In 2017, it attracted 3.5 million visitors, making it the third largest pride parade in the world, behind New York and São Paulo.
Spain is working to build a fairer and more inclusive society, where everyone can love and live freely. This openness is also reflected in its music scene, particularly in rap, where more and more LGBTQI+ artists are raising their voices and celebrating diversity.
Ptazeta
Hailing from the Canary Islands, Ptazeta has won over audiences with her blunt lyrics and unique style. Openly lesbian, her music combines rap, reggaeton and trap and celebrates LGBTQI+ visibility. From “Mami” to her collaboration with Lali, she continues to inspire and push the music scene forward.
Arkano
A true freestyle master, Arkano identifies as bisexual and uses his music to celebrate diversity. He is one of Spain’s most respected freestylers, winner of the Red Bull battle and world record holder for having rapped for more than 24 hours non-stop.
Tribade
Tribade is a queer and feminist group from Barcelona, made up of Masiva Lulla, Bittah and DJ Big Mark, which celebrates non-normative identities and uses its music as a political tool. While their music mixes rap, reggaeton and R’n’B, their lyrics address issues of gender, sexuality and social justice from an intersectional and anti-capitalist perspective.
K1za
From guitar to rap, K1za has come a long way. Her viral track “Contrato” opened the doors of the music scene to her, where she distinguished herself with her EP Agua y Tiza, which explores the theme of mental health. With her characteristic raspy voice, the Madrid rapper has established herself as one of the most promising Spanish rap artists.
Yer
Yer is known for his melodic flow and introspective lyrics. The artist prefers not to publicly label his sexual orientation, defending fluidity and self-determination. His music fuses elements of rap with alternative sounds, creating a unique style that has won over his audience.
Sara Socas
Sara Socas is one of the leading figures in Spanish rap. Originally from Tenerife, this openly lesbian freestyler and rapper has managed to break down barriers and pave the way for women in hip hop. After a successful career in rap battles, she released her first studio album TFN-MAD in 2023.
Las Bajas Pasiones
Las Bajas Pasiones, a group made up of Trusty, Edu Libra and Toni Taboo, mixes electro, rap and pop, advocates for the diversity of identities and fights for the visibility of LGTBIQ+ people in music. Their concerts are a true catharsis, capable of transforming any space into a protest party or a festive protest.
Jimena Amarillo
Jimena Amarillo says she makes “music for lesbians”. After studying violin and guitar, the Valencian rapper discovered a passion for composition by creating songs inspired by her personal experiences. Her albums Cómo decirte, mi amor and La pena no es cómoda have made her one of the key figures of the new Spanish scene.
Andra Venus
Andra Venus is much more than a rapper, singer and producer. This transgender artist based in Seville uses her music to express her identity. Between rap, R’n’B and hyperpop, her introspective lyrics explore her emotions and celebrate freedom. Her goal: to create a safe space on the music scene and shake up its codes.
Tristan Simone
Tristan Simone does not fit the typical rapper profile, and that is undoubtedly the reason for his success. This openly gay Spanish artist first performed at the Lollapalooza festival before releasing his first album and making himself known to the public. He is now taking the American music scene by storm with a style that fuses rap, jazz, gospel and flamenco, defying gender norms.
