valentine’s day
Page: 2
For centuries, love stories — in the form of songs, plays, books or films — have used the concept of “forbidden love” as a narrative device to heighten the tension and drive a story forward. So, should it really come as a surprise that LGBTQ artists write some of the best love songs around?
After all, queer folks were told on a regular basis throughout history that their way of loving was wrong (let’s be honest — in many cases and places, we are still being told that). So when given a platform to express themselves openly, it’s no wonder that LGBTQ talents have penned or performed exceptionally moving, deeply affecting love songs. Look no further than Melissa Etheridge’s “Come to My Window” or George Michael’s “Fastlove” for proof.
In recent years, as queer artists have gained more mainstream visibility in the music industry, the content of queer love songs has noticeably shifted in new, bold directions. No longer relegated to writing non-specific ballads of generalized longing, queer artists starting using proper pronouns for their lyrical lovers more regularly, explicitly spelling out the dynamics of relationships and taking the opportunities afforded to straight artists for years to sing frankly about sex and desire. Some of those songs have even gone on to top the Hot 100, making history for the LGBTQ community.
With so many gay love songs to choose from, Billboard decided to offer some help. Below, we list out 30 of our favorite gay love songs — specifically in which men sing about loving men — ranging from sensual dance bangers to tender pop ballads.
Valentine’s Day is the time to tell the ones you love how you feel about them. But it’s also a day to remember the people in your heart who you can’t share a box of chocolates with anymore. That seemed to be the mood P!nk was in on Tuesday morning (Feb. 14) when she shared a snippet of a moving ballad from her upcoming Trustfall album dedicated to her late father, Jim Moore, who passed away in 2021.
“Sometimes love leaves us too soon. On Valentine’s Day – I cherish the love I have that I can touch – and the love I have in my heart for those who have gone on to the next adventure,” she wrote alongside a 30-second video preview of the song “When I Get There.”
“This one’s for you, Daddy Sir,” she added, using her affectionate nickname for the Vietnam veteran who provides voiceover for the clip. “I thought it would be nice if you had some memories of how it all began and where you all came from,” Moore says over images of P!nk hugging her dad, as well as a montage of school pictures of the singer from childhood through her teen years and film of her parent’s wedding.
“It’ll always be so important to all of us,” Moore says before revealing footage of the singer on her first birthday as the song’s majestic piano bed swells up. “I think of you when I think about forever,” P!nk sings amid a montage of video of her and her dad together. “I hear a joke, and I know you would’a told it better/ I think of you out of the blue.”
P!nk recently revealed the dance-heavy video for the album’s title track; Trustfall is due out on Friday (Feb. 17) via RCA Records. In addition to the singles “Never Gonna Not Dance Again” and the title track, the Lumineers lend a hand on “Long Way to Go,” First Aid Kit join her on “Kids in Love” and Stapleton helps to close things out with final track “Just Say I’m Sorry.”
The high-flying singer has also announced the dates for her massive 21-city “Summer Carnival 2023” stadium tour featuring Brandi Carlile, as well as new Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pat Benatar & Neil Girlado on select dates and Grouplove and KidCutUp on all the shows.
Check out P!nk’s “When I Get There” preview below.
Looking for a last-minute Valentine’s Day gift? If you missed out on our best Valentine’s Day gift guide, don’t panic just yet. Flowers are a great way to show your love for Valentine’s Day (or Galentine’s Day), and you can have them delivered in time for the big day.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Door Dash, for example, offers same-day delivery on Valentine’s Day flowers from thousands of local and national florists, but if that’s not sweet enough, you can also get them on sale! From now until Feb. 16, shoppers can enjoy 40% off flower orders with code: VDAY40 (up to $25 off). Door Dash is also offering 40% off select retail gifts, décor and more for Valentine’s Day (up to $25 off) from now until Feb. 16 (use code: ANYTHING40) and if you feel like pampering yourself, pick up a Self-Love Bouquet for Valentine’s Day.
If food is your one true love, you’ll find a number of local restaurants, franchises, coffee shops, bakeries and more on delivery apps along with wine, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks.
From heart-shaped pizzas to heart-shaped donuts, delectable cakes, cookies and chocolates, delivery apps have you covered for Valentine’s Day. Besides Door Dash, Postmates, Grub Hub, Uber Eats and Instacart are offering Valentine’s Day delivery options as well (visit Instacart’s Gifts Hub for gift ideas ranging from affordable flower bouquets, candies and more). You can also try flower delivery companies like Pro Flowers (the limited-edition Whitney Houston bouquet sold out already, but there are several other Valentine’s Day bouquets to shop), 1-800-Flowers and FTD.com for bouquets, balloons, teddy bears, etc.
For jewelry, clothing and other gift options, major retailers like Macy’s, Nordstrom, Target, Kohl’s and Walmart provide in-store pickup (usually within about two hours after placing an order online) and Amazon Prime members get free same-day and one-day shipping on millions of items.
Where to Stream Valentine’s Day Movies Online
Because Valentine’s Day doubles as “single’s awareness day,” spending time alone doesn’t mean you can’t treat yourself. Whether you’re spending V-Day alone of with someone special, romantic comedies are required viewing for Valentine’s Day. Find classic and newly released rom-coms such as When Harry Met Sally, While You Were Sleeping, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Somebody I Used to Know, Shotgun Wedding, The Best Man (and The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Bridget Jones’s Diary, The Wedding Singer, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Sweet Home Alabama, Brown Sugar, Marry Me, Hitch and other bingeworthy movies on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, Hulu, HBO Max, Starz, Paramount+ and other streaming platforms many of which already have lists curated for Valentine’s Day.
Whether or not you celebrate, whether you find it sweet or mawkish, Valentine’s Day is good for one thing — grand, sweeping declarations of love.
Every year as Feb. 14 approaches, many significant others consistently try (to varying degrees) to turn their love lives into a scene from their favorite romantic comedies. Whether they’re channeling Heath Ledger from 10 Things I Hate About You to perform Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” with a full marching band, or evoking the spirit of Say Anything’s John Cusack for a simpler, boombox-assisted rendition of Peter Gabriel’s “In Your Eyes,” Valentine’s Day is the day to tell your partner — and everyone else in their general vicinity — just how much you fancy them.
Naturally, the catalyst for many a romcom romantic gesture is the music that accompanies it. Some love songs are just naturally thought of in moments like this — Taylor Swift’s “Love Story,” Beyoncé’s “Love on Top,” Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and John Legend’s “All of Me” come to mind as perfect soundtracks for Valentine’s Day romanticism.
But what about artists from the LGBTQ community? In the extensive history of romcoms, queer folks don’t usually get to have their voices represented when it comes to the saccharine storytelling genre — so why not show your support by tracklisting your Valentine’s Day with songs from a community that often finds itself left out of the proceedings?
Below, Billboard lists 20 loves songs performed by LGBTQ artist for you to jam out to this Valentine’s Day.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: John Shearer / Getty
DJ Khaled is back in his brand ambassador bag once more and this time, he’s taking on the role of model. For Savage X Fenty’s new Valentine’s Day campaign, the We The Best Music honcho donned some relaxed fits for the hot-selling fashion line.
DJ Khaled, 47, revealed that he was soon to take to the runway as a model for Savage X Fenty in an exclusive first look at the campaign in a Zoom chat with BET Lifestyle. The Miami star was grateful for the opportunity to work with Rihanna’s brand and saluted the Barbadian businesswoman’s vision.
“I want to thank Rihanna and Savage X Fenty for letting me be part of this campaign,” Khaled said. “Rihanna is a visionary, and for her to give me the opportunity to wear the clothes, it was so dope and organic. I love that she lets me be myself. I promote to the world to always be yourself. She inspires me.”
Rihanna announced the Valentine’s Day campaign as only she can on Jan. 12, and the entire collection for both guys and gals and whoever can be purchased now.
To see DJ Khaled and his Savage X Fenty look, check out the post below.
—
Photo: Getty
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Valentine’s Day is in three weeks!
For those who haven’t formulated a list yet, we rounded up a collection of gifts that are outside the typical heart-shaped box of candies, jewelry or flower bouquets. From apparel to electronics, the items on our list are perfect for that special someone in your life – even if that someone happens to be you.
See below for a roundup of the 25 best Valentine’s Day gifts for every budget.
Explore
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
Best Fashion & Beauty Valentine’s Day Gifts
Converse
Chuck Taylor All-Star Move Platform With Hearts
$80
These Chuck Taylors platforms will make a cute gift idea for a stylish Converse fan. Customized with a special Valentine’s Day-inspired Chuck Taylor ankle patch with gold-foil embroidery, the hi-tops feature a durable canvas upper with a comfortable platform heel.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Renewal Remade Heart Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
$59
Give someone a heart this V-Day. This oversized tie-die crew neck sweatshirt is an upcycled, crew neck shirt from Urban Renewal and features a relaxed crew neck with long sleeves and rib-knit banding at the neck, cuffs and hem. The shirt is available in pink, purple and black.
Nike
Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Joggers
$55
The Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Joggers combine a classic look with the soft comfort of fleece for a comfortable outfit for Valentine’s Day and beyond. Complete the look with a Nike Sportswear Club Fleece Mens’ Full Zip Hoodie.
Gap
Heart Print Boxers
$14.95
These heart print cotton boxers from Gap will cost you less than $15. The cotton boxers (available in XS-XXL) have received dozens of positive customer reviews for their comfortable fit and affordable price. Click here to shop men’s boxers and boxer briefs up to 7XL.
Savage x Fenty
Live in the Clouds Iridescent Lace Caged Demi Bra
$2 for $29 (VIP offer)
Feeling savage? Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty is one of the hottest brands for “heartbreakers season.” The lace caged demi bra pictured above is available in band sizes 32-46 and cup sizes from A up to H. The matching panties are available in sizes XS to 3X. The bra and panties are available in rose violet pink and blackened gray pearl. Click here to visit the Savage x Fenty V-Day shop.
Kate Spade
Kate Spade Sam Icon Intarsia Heart Faux Shearling Small Tote
$398
Special delivery! Meet, the Intarsia Heart Faux Shearling Mini Tote by Kate Spade. This adorable purse features a magnetic snap closure with an interior zip pocket and slip pocket and an adjustable crossbody strap. Want more V-Day options? Check out Kate Spade’s 3D Heart Coin Purse ($110), Heart of Heart Ring ($128) and Embellished Overlapping Hearts Tea ($98).
Ted Baker London
Ted Baker London Brittes Hat and Gloves Set
$66 $95 31% off% OFF
Spring hasn’t sprung just yet, so if you know someone who could use a cozy gift for Valentine’s Day, gift them with a hat and gloves set from Ted Baker London. The wool-blend set is available in red or blue.
ColourPop
ColourPop Cheeky Duo
$22
Looking for a cheeky gift? ColourPop dropped a Valentine’s Day-edition of its cheek duo in heart-shaped compacts. The set contains Hot 2 Touch pressed powder in a bright, cool-toned shade and Love Struck pressed powder highlighter in silver/baby pink. Shop the collection here.
Macy’s
Dior Savauge Eau de Toilette Spray
$199
You can’t miss with a fragrance gift. Dior Savauge Eau de Parfum Spray blends woodsy and sweet notes of radiant Calabrian bergamot, pepper and Amberwood. Find additional men’s fragrances here and be sure to see our list of the best fragrances gifts sets.
Amazon
Tame the Wild Premium Beard Straightener Kit
$40.99 $43.99 7% OFF
Grooming gifts are great for Valentine’s Day. This kit includes a heat protectant, bear soap, beard balm, a wooden brush and storage case.
Best V-Day Tech Gifts:
Uncommon Goods
Long Distance Touch Bracelet
$from $12.99
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, but it’s also great to stay connected. This waterproof bracelet lets you connect with loved ones without the need for social media or video calls. Simply download the app to connect the Long Distance Love Bracelet and set and tap your bracelet to send a Bond Touch to someone you love
Amazon
Victrola Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Suitcase Record Player with Built-in Speakers
$69.40 $89.99 23% OFF
Perfect for a living room, office or bedroom, this Victrola suitcase record player features upgraded premium sound quality with three RPM speeds (33 1/3, 45 and 78) and sits on sound isolating feet to prevent vibration. The record player also has Bluetooth and wired connection options to play music from a desired device or CD player.
Amazon
1 BY ONE Belt Drive Turntable with Bluetooth Connectivity
$159.97 $199.99 20% OFF
If you prefer something free-standing for less than $200, the 1 By One belt drive turntable is crafted from an aluminum die-cast platter and a polished stainless-steel spindle. This Bluetooth turntable has a high-torque DC motor durable rubber belt to help produce uniform inertial mass (for exceptional stability and rotation). It also has an Audio-Technical Moving Magnet-type cartridge with stylus to produce rich, warm audio and outstanding sound clarity. For a pricier option, Victrola’s Stream Onxy Turntable is officially available for pre-order. The $600 turntable works with Sonos speakers and features an Audio Technica AT-VM95E cartridge for high-fidelity sound.
Amazon
Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS + Cellular 41mm] Smart watch
$489.00
The Series 8 is the most up-to-date timepiece in Apple’s watch series. It’s equipped with an always-on retina display, optical heart sensor, sleep monitor, blood oxygen sensor, 32 GB of storage, Bluetooth 5.0 and the battery lasts for up to 18 hours on a single charge. Apple Watch Series 8 is available in a range of different colors including, red, black, white and blue.
Amazon
Beats Fit Pro – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds –
$199.95
The Beats Fit Pro Earbuds have a trio of soft, silicone ear tip options for the ultimate comfort. The earbuds are designed with a flexible wing tip so that they stay secure in your ear while providing high-quality acoustics. Special audio with headtracking deliver a truly immersive listening experience and distinct listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode. The battery in Beats Fit Pro Earbuds lasts up to 26 hours with charging case. Looking for a cheaper option? Try JLab Go Air Pop Bluetooth Earbuds ($24.88).
Harman Kardon
Harmon Kardon Onxy Studio 4 Speaker
$99
The Onxy Studio 4 Speaker offers dual device connections, eight hours of playtime, and built-in voice logic, echo and noise cancellation. The speaker can connect to other speakers via Harman Kardon connect+ app, plus it has a cool shape.
Boozy Presents for Valentine’s Day: Best Alcohol Gifts for Cocktail Lovers, Wine Drinkers & More
Boozy drinks are an easy way to check off your Valentine’s Day list. And for those who don’t drink there are a lot of great non-alcoholic options and cocktail-inspired candies.
Choosing the best boozy gift isn’t always easy, namely because there are so many options. If you can’t decide on what to get, a bottle of wine or champagne is always a safe choice.
For whisky and bourbon lovers, Woodford Reserve Barrel Select ($54.99) and Glenmorangie ($146.99) are a two great options that won’t break the bank. Click here to shop best-selling vodkas.
And then there’s tequila. Founded in 1870, Tequila Herradura offers a range of different tequilas, including silver and reposado, but the Legend stands alone.
Reserve Bar
Tequila Herradura Legend
$131.99
This unique, añejo tequila is made from the finest agave and aged in new, heavily charred and grooved American White Oak barrels.
Ethel M Chocolates
Ethel M Chocolates Cherry Cordial Collection 12-Piece Premium Chocolate Assortment Box
Not your average candy! These boozy candies are spiked with Paul Mason VSOP Brandy and topped with a dark chocolate coating.
Tipx
Pinaq Rose
$36.99
More points for originality! Pinaq rosé is a pre-mixed tropical liqueur made with French VSOP Cognac, Premium Dutch Vodka with raspberry and apple flavors and a splash of rosé wine in a beautiful, pineapple-style bottle. Pinaq is available at retailers such as Total Wine, Tipx and on Drizzly.
Thoughtful Gifts for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show your love — whether your’e shopping for a significant other, friend or family member. Keeping that in mind, we rounded up a few, thoughtful and useful gifts for the kitchen, bedroom and the close.
Urban Outfitters
Heart-Shaped Mini Waffle Maker
$16 $18 11% off% OFF
Small but mighty, this mini waffle maker makes a great gift for a breakfast-obsessed foodie. The waffle maker includes nonstick coating and an ultra-compact design for easy storage.
Le Creuset
Le Creuset L’Amour Collection Soup Pot
$275
This cookware might steal your heart! Le Creuset’s L’ Amour Soup Pot is covered in pink and red hearts and perfect for cooking soups and stews.
Uncommon Goods
Kissing Mugs
$65
Smooches! These Kissing Mugs hold up to 11 ounces of liquid and are available in red and tan (pictured) and blue and gray.
Amazon
Infmetry Capsule Letters
$12.99
More proof that you can find a thoughtful gift at any price! Each capsule has a blank piece of paper to write whatever you like. The bottles are available in small, 25-piece capsule and larger, 90-piece capsules.
Uncommon Goods
The Wellness Deck
$19
Shopping for co-workers? Get a Work Wellness Deck. Each of the 60 cards features an actionable way to bring more balance to your work life, whether it’s mental health, physical well-being or co-worker relationships.
Amazon
KingZiYu Love Sign Set of 4 Ceramic Small Flower Vases
$49.99
This vase set will bring a little love in the room. The ceramic vases measure just six inches, making them small enough to fit on a mantel, window seal, bookshelf, dinning room table and more.