If you believe representation matters for LGBTQ people, it is critical to understand why LGBTQ visibility in music matters, too. LGBTQ stories are not just for film and TV: Music plays a huge role in the lives of LGBTQ+ people. In a 2017 survey released by GLAAD and Nielsen, 92% of LGBTQ+ consumers consider themselves music fans and 53% of LGBTQ+ music listeners say they would be completely lost without their music. Representation in music, whether it lies in the lyrics, the videos, or through the stories told by out-artists can reach millions of people, showing them they are not alone in their experiences with love and loss.

This Valentine’s Day, reach for your own romantic heights by listening to relatable and affirming songs released in the past year.

Check out the list below and listen to the full playlist available on Spotify here.

Best love lyric: “I like a big beard, I like a clean face / I don't discriminate, come and get a taste.”

In an interview last year, Lizzo said, “When it comes to sexuality or gender, I personally don’t ascribe to just one thing. I cannot sit here right now and tell you I’m just one thing.” From feminist and sex-positive lyrics to a funky and care-free style, her single “Boys” is an ode to her sexual freedom.

Best love lyric: “Take a trip into my garden / I’ve got so much to show ya / The fountains and the waters / Are begging just to know ya.”

From his second album of the same name, Troye Sivan’s, “Bloom” is a refreshingly honest song about the joys and pleasures of bottoming. Among flowers and flexing muscles, the music video featured Troye Sivan in high-fashion drag for queer extravagance.

Best love lyric: “Guess I can’t get enough / I don’t wanna wait, no I just wanna take off / Right into your arms / Right to where you are, / Baby you know, what you do.”

After coming out in March 2018, Alyson Stoner released “FOOL” in October of the same year. The song celebrates self-acceptance and letting people into your life. In a Twitter post, she reveals the song was, “[her] 1st song that dives into real vulnerability & intimacy.”

Best love lyric: “Didn't wanna start this verse / with those three little words / 'Cause we both know there is something going on / But I don't wanna play it wrong.”

Ten years after starting his career in the music industry and writing songs for artists like Dua Lipa, Kylie Minogue, and Madonna—and co-writing “Hold Up” with Beyoncé— MNEK began releasing his own music. “Tongue,” from MNEK’s debut album, “Language,” is an all-too-relatable song about falling in love with someone and being too nervous to say anything about it.

Best love lyric: “Baby, don’t make me spell it out for you / All of the feelings that I've got for you / Can't be explained, but I can try for you.”

“Make Me Feel” is the lead single in Janelle Monáe’s third album, “Dirty Computer.” From alternating male and female love and interests in the music video and lyrics like, “It’s like I’m powerful with a little bit of tender / An emotional, sexual bender,” “Make Me Feel” is the ultimate bisexual anthem.

Best love lyric: “Even when you're gone / I still feel you somehow / The things you loved is a part of me now.”

There are few artists with such an eclectic range of style than Shamir; their third album, “Resolutions,” is no exception—taking on a major stylistic change from their previous work. “The Things You Loved” is a tender reminder of the lasting impact our previous relationships leave on us.

Best love lyric: “I hate it when dudes try to chase me / But I love it when you try to save me / 'Cause I'm just a lady / I love it when we play 1950 / So cold that your stare's 'bout to kill me / I'm suprised when you kiss me.”

“1950” is a single on King Princess’ latest EP, “Make My Bed.” In an interview with Genius, she explains how the song’s metaphors are a, “a parallel to unrequited love,” and was, “similar to the way that people once couldn't be gay in public.”

Best love lyric: “And then she asked me to be her bride / And always be right by her side I felt so happy I almost cried / And then she kissed me.”

“Universal Love – Wedding Songs Reimagined” is an album of wedding songs by various artists with gender-specific pronouns adjusted to refer to the same gender as the artists. St. Vincent’s contribution to the project, “And Then She Kissed Me,” was originally written and performed by Kiss.

Best love lyric: “Fireworks from a cloud / Only you in the crowd / Empty table just for two (just for us two) / Time wasted, not with you.”

Jussie Smollett has been displaying his musical talent in the FOX show Empire, since 2015. Three years later, he released his first debut album, “Sum of My Music.” The smooth and sensual R&B song combines affectionate and lustful imagery, and is perfect for any romantic playlist.

Best love lyric: “Can you light the fire / I need somebody who can take control / I know exactly what I need to do / Cos I don’t want to be alone tonight, alone tonight, alone tonight”

Love and romance are frequent themes in many of Sam Smith’s song—and his latest single, “Dancing With A Stranger” is no different. Equally moody and soulful, the song follows the narrative of two people looking to get over an ex in the arms of someone new.

Best love lyric: “But all that glitters isn’t gold, I was blinded / Should have never gave you my heart on consignment.”

Queer rapper Kehlani has never held back from singing about love and speaking out about queer issues. Her latest single navigates a lover’s intentions and not knowing what she wants from her. She writes: "Thought you was mine but you decided to be with him though," ending the track telling her "Just gon' tell me more lies, girl / Just gon' get my hopes high, girl."

Nick Fiorellini is a GLAAD Campus Ambassador and junior at Bard College studying literature. He is member of the school’s QSA, Christian Fellowship, and is currently in the process of reviving the Hudson Sexuality and Gender Discussion Group.