Gay hearts in WeHo are about to go padam, padam.
Rolling Stone can exclusively reveal that Kylie Minogue and Janelle Monáe will headline Outloud Festival, the West Hollywood Pride-held music event, set for June 1 and 2.
Featured on the lineup are queer-beloved artists such as rapper Doechii, Ashnikko, Keke Palmer, Noah Cyrus, Channel Tres, Yaeji, Big Freedia, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor (following the resurgence of her track, “Murder on the Dancefloor,” on Saltburn).
“The community is going to recognize attention-grabbing names from top to bottom,” Outloud CEO Jeff Consoletti tells Rolling Stone. “We’re talking about strong allies and community representation. There seems to be trust from the industry and our fans in what we’re building here. I’m proud of that.”
Also included on the lineup are several rising LGBTQ stars such as The Four alum Vincint, American Horror Show performer Snow Wife, “Tomboy” singer Destiny Rogers (who came out as bisexual in an interview with Rolling Stone last year), and indie singer Black Polish. The rising performers allow the festival to stay true to its mission of being “an incubator for queer talent and queer music,” says Consoletti.
Outloud Fest also will also feature a DJ set from Drag Race star Trixie Mattel, along with performances from Diplo, Salina EsTitties and Jimi the Kween.
The announcement includes the lineup for Saturday and Sunday, since the City of West Hollywood presents a yearly Friday night edition that’s free to the public with performers announced on a later date.
“As we continue to live in a divided country our LGBTQ+ community faces many challenges, especially our communities of color,” says Consoletti. “We need moments where we can come together. Moments of happiness that celebrate our community.”
“With Outloud, we are building an inclusive community and we will be celebrating this diverse community during Pride month and beyond,” he adds. The organization also plans to expand into new cities later this year, especially ones where “we need to be championing for queer voices in a stronger, bigger way.”
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This upcoming iteration marks the third consecutive year the JJLA-organized festival is hosted in West Hollywood. Carly Rae Jepsen and Grace Jones headlined Outloud in 2023, while the previous year saw Marina, Lil’ Kim, and Jessie J.
“West Hollywood is the epicenter of queer culture and entertainment, and we are a proud and vibrant hub where acceptance is embraced and diversity thrives,” said City of West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson in a press release. “The City of West Hollywood takes immense pride in fostering LGBTQ+ community and joy, and we’re excited to bring people together to celebrate at OUTLOUD and WeHo Pride.”