WAYJO will be joined by The Resonance Jazz Orchestra and charismatic singer-songwriter Queency for this event presented as part of PrideFEST 2026. It will feature the music of artists like Gloria Gaynor, The Weather Girls, Madonna, ABBA, Kylie Minogue and Chappell Roan, and promises a euphoric soundtrack for the queer community and its allies alike.
The orchestra will deliver some irresistible grooves, soaring brass and infectious energy – it's a place to put your dancing shoes on, dress up, live out loud and join in the big band party.
Here, WAYJO Artistic Director Gemma Farrell lists five queer anthems ahead of the one-night-only concert in November.
One
'I'm Coming Out' by Diana Ross (1980). This song was originally released in 1980 by Diana Ross. At the time, Ross had just left the Supremes, so 'I'm Coming Out' referred to her breaking away as a soloist and was featured on her debut solo album 'Diana', however to the queer community, it became a celebration of becoming your true self. The song originally featured the band Chic and features a horn fanfare written by Nile Rogers, originally performed by legendary jazz and Broadway musicians of the time, so to me, it's an amazing song that makes you want to move.
Two
'Born This Way' by Lady Gaga (2011). Lady Gaga wrote this '90s-like Europop album in 2011 and credits Carl Bean's 1977 song 'I Was Born This Way' as her original inspiration. The chorus of the song is really uplifting and works really well with our horn section. I know Gaga initially intended it for an anthem for marginalised communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community so I imagine this song will be popular at our show.
Three
'I Will Always Love You' (Particularly special for guest artist Queency). Dolly Parton, who was an incredible composer, originally wrote and performed this song before Whitney Houston made her rendition for 'The Bodyguard'. This song was especially requested as part of the setlist by Queency. The key change in the song is a moment that really showcases the vocalists who sing it and I'm sure it will provide a special moment in our show.
Four
'Girl, So Confusing' by Charli xcx (2024). The LGBTQIA+ members of the Resonance Jazz Orchestra specifically requested to play something from Charli xcx's 2024 'brat' album, informing me how big it was for their generation of queer people. The version we will be doing is the remix released after the original, which features Lorde. In this version the two artists spoke about how they had been compared by the media and how they respected each other and wanted to go forward with a positive relationship.
Five
'I Will Survive' by Gloria Gaynor (1978). This song was originally released by Gloria Gaynor in 1978. It featured LA's most in-demand studio musicians and a string section arranged by Dave Blumberg. While Gaynor released it after a messy break-up, it became an uplifting song at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis and has been featured in the film 'Priscilla' in 1994.
’Queer Anthems' is on at The Rechabite (Perth) 8 November.
