Classic gay anthems to play at your fabulous NYE party

Music is an ever-changing medium that can help you create lasting memories of good times. A classic gay anthem playlist from the past has the power to remind you of the most important moments in your life, and also to highlight why being authentically you matters.

Whether you're planning to get together with your lover, your family, friends from the LGBTQ+ community, or a hot guy you've clicked with on Gay Chat Zone, on New Year's Eve you will need a sensational mix of music that gets everyone in the mood for dancing and singing along.

To inspire you to curate your own unique party soundtrack to welcome in 2026, check out our playlist of songs that musically define queer culture...

Retro disco hits

I Feel Love - Donna Summer

Back in 1977, the Queen of Disco, Donna Summer released the futuristic 'I Feel Love' as a disco record. The heavily synthesized song, boasting the distinctive composing and production style of Euro disco and electronic dance music pioneer Giorgio Moroder, was named one of The Best Dance Songs of All Time By Billboard magazine.

You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) - Sylvester

Recorded by flamboyant, gender-bending disco/R&B singer Sylvester in 1978, 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' is undoubtedly an epochal record in disco history. Almost 50 years on since the release of Sylvester's only mainstream hit, the hypnotic retro dance song that's all about freedom has become a LGBTQ+ legacy anthem.

We Are Family - Sister Sledge

Written and produced by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards of Chic fame, for the four siblings of Sister Sledge, this Top 10 '70s hit has deeply resonated with the extended family of the LGBTQ+ community throughout the decades.

I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

Another hot contender for LGBTQ+ legacy anthem status is Gloria Gaynor's iconic 'I Will Survive'. Released in 1978, the strong lyrical meaning of this timeless female empowerment disco record has inspired both gay and straight people to overcome personal challenges in life.

I'm Coming Out - Diana Ross

Those Chic disco lovers Rodgers and Edwards were inspired to write 'I'm Coming Out' after seeing three drag queens impersonating Diana Ross, at a New York disco. The definitive queer pop anthem was released in 1980 by the legendary Motown diva.

It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls

Originally known as the duo Two Tons o'Fun, ex backing singers for disco favourite Sylvester, Martha Wash and Izora Armstead opted for a name change and to record a song that Diana Ross, Donna Summer, Cher and others had passed on. 'It's Raining Men' become a massive hit for The Weather Girls in 1982.

Dancing Queen - Abba

No party is complete without a singalong anthem from Abba. This '70's classic karaoke favourite is guaranteed to get even the most reluctant partygoer joining in.

The dancing queens

Born This Way - Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's thumping dance-pop, club-ready anthem 'Born This Way' is very much a favourite at Pride parades, and has reached the No.1 chart spot in over 25 countries. In 2023, the global hit was named 'the most inspirational LGBT Song of All Time by Rolling Stone magazine. This modern classic continues to inspire everyone in the vibrant LGBTQ+ community to reflect on the beauty of being who we were born to be.

Padam Padam - Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minoque's large gay fanbase may argue that the Aussie pop princess deserves to feature on a NYE party playlist more than once. Her mega hit 'Padam Padam' however boasts the perfect mix of infectious beats, playful lyrics, and gay codeword to warrant its place on your night-to-remember soundtrack.

Hung Up - Madonna

Showcasing a prominent ABBA sample of 'Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (A Man After Midnight)', gay icon and Queen of Pop Madonna's global hit 'Hung Up' is top of the list of banging dance floor fillers with a retro disco vibe.

Pull Up To The Bumper - Grace Jones

Powerful black gender-bending icon Grace Jones channelled her rebellious spirit into bold songs and daring performances back in the day. Queer fans especially adore the funky fusion of reggae and disco music with suggestively sensual references on this '80s hit.

Finally - CeCe Peniston

Famously featured in the award-winning, Australian road movie The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, this Top 10 euphoric gay anthem still hits the spot after all these years. Former beauty queen CeCe's classic was released in 1992.

Dancing On My Own - Robyn

Pairing upbeat electronic pop with poignant lyrics, Swedish singer-songwriter Robyn's 'Dancing On My Own' is one modern, sad banger that will motivate you to move your body on the dancefloor, with or without a partner.

Gay guy icons

Relax - Frankie Goes To Hollywood

Banned by the BBC in 1984, the video for Frankie's No.1 chart topper featured leather clad macho mustachioed men and dominatrix drag queens. Both controversial and commercial, 'Relax' was one of the most successful records of its decade.

Freedom! '90 - George Michael

Released in 1990, before George Micheal came out, this funky liberation anthem is widely considered to be one of his best songs.

Bohemian Rhapsody - Freddie Mercury and Queen

Freddie remains one of the most enduring gay icons ever. His flamboyant performance style, boundary-pushing fashion, and powerful voice gave many LGBTQ+ people a sense of pride and belonging. Some interpret 'Mama, I just killed a man' as Mercury killing his old, heterosexual self to embrace his true identity, a metaphor for coming out.

A Little Respect - Erasure

Erasure are pure gay-anthem royalty. The duo brought unapologetic queerness into mainstream pop throughout the late ’80s and ’90s. Tracks like A Little Respect remain dance-floor staples, celebrated for their joy, vulnerability, and euphoric synth-pop sound. Their music has long been a soundtrack to queer love, pride, and resilience — perfect for a NYE party vibe

Smalltown Boy - Bronski Beat

Bronski Beat were groundbreaking in putting explicitly gay stories into pop music at a time when it was still risky to do so. Led by the unmistakable falsetto of Jimmy Somerville, their iconic anthem “Smalltown Boy” captured the pain of rejection, escape, and self-acceptance that resonated deeply with gay men. Fierce, political, and emotionally raw, Bronski Beat are essential to any list of classic gay anthems.

Don't Leave Me This Way - The Communards

The Communards' high-energy cover of "Don't Leave Me This Way" is celebrated for its euphoric, danceable energy, and its positive message of LGBTQ+ resilience and identity. It successfully transforms the original song's plea of desperation into an uplifting and powerful pop anthem

During the festive season, when you're chatting and flirting with hot gay, bi and straight men on Gay Chat Zone - the UK's leading gay chat line - don't forget to ask them for their favourite contemporary gay anthem recommendations to add to your NYE party playlist!