The LGBT community has made rock and metal more colorful for over 50 years, so as cities across the U.S. prepare for Pride, we put together this list of LGBT icons.

Queen’s Freddie Mercury is arguably the greatest frontman in rock history; always powerful and theatrical, his flamboyant persona made him larger than life on any concert stage.

Judas Priest’s Rob Halford remained in the closet for much of his career, but once he came out in the late ‘90s, the metal community embraced the Metal God for exactly who he is. Halford’s love for leather, motorcycles and BDSM culture shaped his image, which was thought of as the epitome of manliness during the ‘80s. Halford is still a man’s man at age 66, killing it onstage every time Priest rolls into town.

When Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace transitioned, fans had no idea it was coming. Despite the initial shock, fans opened their arms to Grace and Against Me! experienced even greater success. The band’s post-transition material, Transgender Dysphoria Blues and Shape Shift with Me, address transgender issues head-on, with Dysphoria Blues becoming AG!’s highest charting record.

Check out our picks for the Top 10 LGBT Icons in Rock + Metal in the Loud List above.

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