12 Artists Repping Queer Energy Through Identity, Sound, and Impact
To celebrate Pride and highlight the city’s creative pulse, Out in STL is proud to announce the inaugural Q12 List—a curated set of twelve standout music artists repping queer energy through identity, artistry, and impact. These artists aren’t just shaping sound, they’re making space.
Each name on this list was selected through a combination of community suggestion, local buzz, and editorial review. Not simply popularity or press, but presence. Whether new voices or seasoned performers, these artists remind us that queer creativity continues to evolve, expand, and demand the spotlight.
Meet the 2025 Q12:
S O U M I R
Multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, model, and all-around creative force. A fluid artist with effortless range visually, sonically, and spiritually. @soumir__
BATES AND THE STRANGERS
A seasoned rapper and community force, Bates also fronts The Strangers : a genre-bending band made up of musicians, singers, rappers and even fellow queer artists. She’s also the founder of FemFest. @bates_stl
ELDRACO PRICE
An eccentric vocalist is known for a whimsical, high-energy performance style that feels part cabaret, part cosmic portal. @eldracoprice
KRISTOPHER LAY
A slick lyricist with razor-sharp flow. Their artistic expression goes beyond music: it’s in every stitch, gesture, and detail. @kristopherlay
FRANKIE DOWOP
The funky queen of St. Louis, Frankie brings soul and swagger to every stage. Unapologetic, powerful, and deeply rooted in groove. @frankiedowop
PO MIA
A creative visionary blending vocals and instrumentation into performances that are as visual as they are musical. Drenched in color and whimsical intention. @po._.mia
DANIEL ALLYN
A rising star with a dancer’s precision and a vocalist’s soul. Daniel brings full theatricality to the stage, complete with dancers and concepts. @itsdanielallyn
JALISA RENAY
Singer and poet with a voice made for live band storytelling. Whether solo or with her group, Jalisa’s sound is grounded, soulful, and affirming. @jalisarenay_official_music
KV THE WRITER
Poet. MC. Architect of musical truth. KV has quickly become a force in St. Louis, blending wordplay with vision and intention. @kvthewriter
GOLLIDAY
Distinct vocals and undeniable stage presence. Golliday’s delivery is smooth and stylish, with an R&B feel that’s all their own. @gollidaymusicofficial
TOWN CARS
Led by Melinda Cooper, this band has been creating feel-good music for years, consistently delivering warmth, connection, and a timeless sound. @towncarsmusic
S.A.Y.
Emerging from the Kre8 Place community, S.A.Y. blends R&B with hip-hop flavor : a rising talent with style and soul to spare. @saywizzle
This list is just a start. Dozens of other artists continue to make St. Louis a force of queer musical brilliance. Expect more to come more voices, more energy, and more space made visible.
