多伦多有它好的时候to a supply of talented queer bands and musicians. But what does it mean to be a queer musician? What makes these artists different than any others? Like all minorities, there are differences in certain ways we experience life, especially when it comes to love, loss, and relationships. These musicians provide a voice for our stories. Perhaps you can relate to the downfalls of having PMS to the power of two. Or, you know what it's like to pretend you don't recognize your barista fromGrindr. Whatever it may be, what I'm trying to say is this - queer musicians have a way of putting our experiences into just the right words.

Names likeDiamond Rings,Ohbijou, andOwen Pallett几乎在每个人的雷达,所以这单吗sets out to highlight those who aren't quite as widely known. The following ten bands and musicians range from veterans of the industry to young up-and-comers; all possessing the ability to create outstanding music.

The Cliks
Lead-singerLucas Silveirais a hero in the queer community, becoming the first "out" transgender man ever signed to a major record label. Since 2004, The Cliks have released four albums, performed on national late night TV, and have toured withCyndi Lauper,The Cult, andThe New York Dolls. The band is continually developing, and their latest album,Black Tie Elevator, has a matured blues-rock sound that has taken them in a whole new direction.

Gentleman Reg
Over the past decade, Gentleman Reg's career has skyrocketed. He first gained recognition by lending his music to the hit showQueer as Folk, and the cult filmShort Bus. In 2008 he signed toArts & Crafts, where he released the albumsLittle BuildingsandJet Black. He has spent a lot of the last three years working on his latest releaseLeisure Life, launching his side project,Light Fires, and collaborating with influential acts likeBroken Social SceneandTegan and Sara.

Courtney Lynn
In the last four years, Courtney Lynn has taken her poetic solo-project to venues likeThe Drake Hotel,RivoliandThe Cameron House. She's opened forThe Strumbellas, Dan Griffin of theArkells, andForest City Lovers. Her expertly crafted independent debutThe Green Wood Symphonyhas a quirky modern folk feel, and was recognized with a nomination for Best Acoustic Song by theIndependent Music Awards.

Steph Bosch
Keep your ears open for this multi-talented lady, she's about to be everywhere! You may have heard of her band,The C'mons, who were listed as one ofBlogTO's break out bands of 2013. They are set to release their second EP this February, and they'll be hitting upNXNE, andToronto Pridelater this year. Aside from the band, Steph has lent her vocals to collaborations withTre Mission,Richard Beynon, andDavid A. Under the nameThes, the launch of her ambient solo project is under way. She's currently working on her debut EP with Montreal producerxSDTRK, and you can get a taste of her vocals on his tune "Powder".

Mitchell Moffit
Mitch is a self-taught singer, producer, and composer who makes the kind of music that hooks you after only one listen. He recently recordedan EPwith intentions to focus on his budding music career, while at the same time his YouTube channelAsapSCIENCEreceived a casual 2 million subscribers. He's a little busy at the moment, but plans to pursue more writing and performing in the near future.

Kelly McMichael and The Gloss
Kelly is hugely sought after musician - she's performed withGentleman Reg,Ohbijou,Sarah Harmer,The Hidden Cameras,Forest City Lovers,Allie Hughes (ALX),The Magic, andDevon Sproule. Kelly is responsible for the electro-pop bandRougewho played several Canadian music festivals and toured regularly between Ontario and St. John's, NL. Now with a project under her own name she's released a 5 song EP,Liminal, recorded withOhbijou's James Bunton, and she's been playing frequently with The Gloss regularly to promote it.

The Fox and the Moon
This trio is representin' the folkier side of things. The group met in school atRecording Arts Canada, where they found their singing and songwriting talents to be perfectly complimentary. They are new to the Toronto scene, but their polished sound has gained them headlining slots galore. In less than a year, they've appeared atLee's Palace,Cherry Cola's,Rivoli,The Central,The Cameron House, and played for theFolk Music Ontario Conference. Keep an eye on these folks, they are just getting started.

Molly Thomason
This 19-year-old has an astounding number of accomplishments already under her belt. She's received multiple nominations forMusic Nova ScotiaandEast Coast Music awards, and has achieved finalist slots in theJohn Lennon SongwritingandInternational Songcontests. She won Young Performer of the Year at the 2011Canadian Folk Music Awards, as well as theShe's the Onecompetition at the 2012 Ottawa Bluesfest, and the Emerging Artist Series at Summerfest in 2013.

Boy Pussy
If you frequentThe Beaver, you probably have seen this sassy powerhouse performer. Boy Pussy hosts parties all over the city, decked out in drag, working her husky tone, singing songs about gender, love, and - you guessed it - sex.

Lisa Bozikovic
Lisa was named one ofCBC's top artists to watch in 2010, and since then, she's opened forOhbijouacross Canada, collaborated with Stevie Jackson (Belle and Sebastian) , and played festivals all over the country. Her 2012 releaseThis is How We Swimwas recorded by Heather Kirby (Ohbijou) and features members ofTimber Timbre,Bry WebbandMuskox.

Photo of The Cliks by J.J. Deogracias