Shea Coulée’s Enduring Pride Playlist: Sustaining Resilience and Celebration Beyond June

While June traditionally marks the vibrant and celebratory Pride Month, the spirit of Pride is far from confined to these thirty days. The achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community since the pivotal Stonewall Uprising, alongside the unwavering resilience demonstrated against continuous physical and legislative attacks, represent an ongoing journey of progress and defiance. Throughout June, HollywoodLife proudly presented The Sound Of Pride, a unique month-long series where influential members of the LGBTQ+ community curated playlists for Pride 2022. As the calendar turns, the inimitable drag performer Shea Coulée takes center stage to conclude this year’s series with a specially curated selection of songs, ensuring that the essence of Pride resonates powerfully through every remaining day of 2022 and beyond. Her picks serve not merely as a playlist, but as an auditory testament to joy, struggle, and unwavering identity.

In an insightful EXCLUSIVE interview with HollywoodLife, Shea Coulée articulated her profound connection to the art of drag, describing it as “just a big middle finger to the patriarchy.” This powerful statement underscores drag’s role as a defiant gesture against societal pressures that seek to mold members of the LBGTQ+ community into heteronormative ideals. Shea elaborated on the political implications of drag, noting with a wry laugh, “they’re so afraid of our art form that they’re trying to create legislation to keep us away from children and fear that we might corrupt or confuse them.” This observation highlights the insidious nature of legislative efforts that target drag performances, often under the guise of protecting children, when in reality they aim to suppress queer expression and visibility. “God forbid we don’t subscribe to your archaic puritanical belief systems,” she added, emphasizing the community’s refusal to conform. “I love the fact that we’re disrupting the system. To me, that’s my favorite part.” For Shea, drag is not just entertainment; it’s a vital form of activism, a beautiful and bold disruption that challenges the status quo and celebrates authentic self-expression in the face of systemic opposition. It’s a loud, proud statement that identity and art cannot be legislated away.

The LGBTQ+ community undeniably faces a challenging and protracted battle ahead, especially in the wake of recent legislative shifts. The overturning of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court sent shockwaves through the nation, not only impacting reproductive rights but also raising serious concerns about other established civil liberties. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, in his concurring opinion, explicitly argued that the court should reconsider and potentially overturn landmark cases guaranteeing fundamental rights such as same-sex marriage (Obergefell v. Hodges), same-sex consensual relations (Lawrence v. Texas), and contraception (Griswold v. Connecticut), as reported by The New York Times. This statement directly threatens decades of progress for the LGBTQ+ community, placing previously secured rights in jeopardy. The community, which stands in solidarity with all those fighting to restore bodily autonomy and a person’s right to choose, understands that this struggle is interconnected and pervasive. They will not “go gently into that good night,” but rather continue to fight with renewed vigor and determination. In this charged atmosphere, music becomes more than just entertainment; it transforms into an anthem for resilience, a rallying cry for justice, and a source of defiant spirit. Shea Coulée’s carefully selected songs capture precisely this rebellious, unwavering spirit, offering solace, strength, and a beat to march forward.

These selections from Shea Coulée are more than just additions to a playlist; they are powerful affirmations and calls to action, designed to fuel the spirit of Pride throughout the entire year. Each track, in its own way, encapsulates themes of liberation, self-love, and unwavering defiance, echoing the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and the celebration of queer identity. From global pop anthems to the empowering beats of drag royalty, these songs offer a sonic landscape for both reflection and resistance, reminding us that the fight for equality is a marathon, not a sprint, and that joy and protest can, and should, coexist.

Beyoncé, “Break My Soul”

When asked about her top pick, Shea Coulée enthusiastically declared, “Right now, I have Beyoncé’s ‘Break My Soul’ on repeat, and I’m sure everybody has said that.” Her prediction was spot on, as this track proved to be a runaway favorite. Beyoncé, an undisputed icon of empowerment and liberation, delivered an anthem that perfectly encapsulates the collective desire for freedom and joy amidst life’s pressures. “Break My Soul” is more than just a dance track; it’s a declaration of resilience, a musical invitation to shed burdens, find inner peace, and embrace authentic happiness. Its uplifting house beats and empowering lyrics resonate deeply with the LGBTQ+ community, who constantly navigate societal pressures and often find solace and strength in communal celebration. The song’s message of breaking free from what holds you back, from systemic oppression to personal anxieties, makes it an ideal soundtrack for sustained Pride. It’s about choosing joy and finding the courage to dance through the challenges, a sentiment vital for enduring activism and self-care.

Editor’s Note: Beyoncé’s “Break My Soul” was not just popular; it was the only song requested multiple times throughout The Sound Of Pride feature, a testament to its immediate and widespread impact. Wrestling superstar Nyla Rose was among the first to express her love for “literally anything by Beyoncé,” setting the stage for its repeated mention. It was subsequently chosen by pop sensation Darren Hayes and rising star VINCINT, solidifying its status as an undeniable anthem for Pride 2022 and beyond. Its universal message of resilience and self-liberation hit a chord with artists and audiences alike, marking it as a timeless addition to any playlist celebrating freedom and identity.

RuPaul, “Catwalk”

For an alternate pick that embodies the essence of queer celebration, Shea Coulée proudly chose a track from her “mama Ru.” “If I were to pick a great alternate, I would definitely have to shout out my mama Ru,” Shea stated, reflecting the deep respect and familial bond often shared within the drag community. After a moment’s playful contemplation, she landed on “Catwalk” by RuPaul, declaring, “Ooh, gosh, but which RuPaul song? I’m living for ‘Catwalk’ [at the moment.] I really do love ‘Catwalk.’ That is a great one.” RuPaul, the undisputed queen of drag, has built an empire on self-love, confidence, and the power of performance. “Catwalk” is a vibrant anthem that encourages listeners to strut with unapologetic confidence, own their space, and celebrate their unique identity. In a world that often tries to diminish queer voices, a song like “Catwalk” serves as a powerful reminder to stand tall, embrace visibility, and command attention. It’s about taking pride in every step, every movement, and every aspect of who you are, making it a perfect inclusion for a playlist that champions ongoing empowerment and defiant self-expression.

Shea Coulée ft. Lila Star + The Vixen, “Cocky”

No Pride playlist curated by Shea Coulée would be complete without a nod to her own impactful artistry. “If I could list another impeccable queer artist,” she confidently asserted, “I would definitely have to say Shea Coulée’s song ‘Cocky’ is just really great at getting your confidence up there. So I will definitely throw myself on the playlist.” This self-inclusion isn’t just a moment of self-promotion; it’s a powerful statement about the importance of queer artists celebrating their own contributions and the role of self-love in the community. “Cocky,” featuring the fierce talents of Lila Star and The Vixen, is an anthem of audacious self-assurance and unapologetic swagger. It’s a track designed to boost morale, infuse listeners with a potent dose of confidence, and encourage them to embrace their inner diva. In a community where self-doubt can sometimes be fostered by external prejudice, a song like “Cocky” serves as a crucial reminder to hold your head high, own your power, and project an image of unwavering self-worth. It’s a testament to the fact that personal empowerment is a vital form of resistance and that celebrating one’s own brilliance is an essential part of the enduring Pride movement.

As the final notes of Shea Coulée’s curated selections fade, the message becomes clear: Pride is not a fleeting seasonal event, but a continuous state of being, a year-round commitment to visibility, advocacy, and celebration. Her powerful song choices – from Beyoncé’s liberating anthem to RuPaul’s confident strut and her own audacious self-affirmation – weave a tapestry of resilience that resonates far beyond the month of June. These tracks provide not just a soundtrack, but a wellspring of courage and joy for the battles ahead, reminding the LGBTQ+ community and its allies that music serves as a powerful tool for solidarity, protest, and unwavering self-love. The fight for equality, autonomy, and acceptance is ongoing, and through the power of art and shared experiences, the spirit of Pride will continue to illuminate the path forward, echoing loudly and proudly throughout every day of the year.