Number 17 on my Queer Icons Pride Project is Singer/Guitarist Melissa Etheridge Born in 1961, Melissa is not only a singer and guitarist, but she also writes her own music and is an activist. She got her start in the late 80s and was considered an underground success. She is known for her smoky/raspy voice mixed together with a pop folk-rock sound. Melissa has been through some pretty serious issues, she feared coming out, she worried she would lose everything and that her fans wouldn't accept her, but realized after she came out that that was anything but the truth. Etheridge came out in 1993 as lesbian and became an activist at the same time. In 2004 Melissa was unfortunately diagnosed with breast cancer, but thankfully after surgery and chemotherapy she beat the disease. Melissa Etheridge inspires me because of her strength and determination, to not only beat cancer but to take the risk and come out. Admitting to yourself and others you're of the LGBTQ+ community is terrifying and it doesn't always have the best results, but Melissa still chose to take that leap of faith and now she continues to inspire next generations of queer artists. @melissa_etheridge #melissaetheridge #cometomywindow #imtheonlyone #rock #folk #pride2022 #prideproject #loveislove #strength #queerartist #gayillustration #pride #rainbow #queer #gay #transgender #lesbian #bisexual #drawing #redsketch #prismacolor (at Turlock, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce5ptROOHJc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
