While Chappel Roan might have opened the door for a lot of us and created a space for us to grow further into who we are, two other wonderful people started me down that path before our midwest princess whisked me away.

The experience of growing as a person and figuring things out aided by complete strangers on social media and their music, while also watching them grow and discover themselves more, is something I'm very grateful for.

Ahli and Beth McCarthy are two of those people for me.

22 song playlist featuring Ahli and Beth McCarthy

Ahli

"Girls Kissing Girls" and "Pretty Nervous" were definitely at the top of the replays for 2023 and I absolutely adored their video posts for their songs. I went to check on why I hadn't really seen any updates lately and it turns out Ahli just posted a video this morning about how they have been on tour and not posting updates.

They have been touring different Pride events and opening for Kim Petras so I guess that's a good excuse.

Anyway, Ahli and their music are definitely a permanent part of my life and I'm so happy they exist. Absolute favorite part across all songs? The "Oh god" in Pretty Nervous.

Beth McCarthy

Beth and a lot of others have found out the feelings of not fitting in and not being accepted growing up "straight", don't go away when you come out as bi.

She has navigated her journey of self discovery very openly through her music. My first introduction was "She's Pretty", "What Do You Call It?" and "She Gets The Flowers".

Her interview-on-the-street posts using "What Do You Call It?" were fantastic. She went up to girls on the street and sang out "What do you caalllll it, and it is you?" to find out how they identify. She then proceeded to unabashedly flirt with everyone she interviewed.

Living vicariously through Beth did a lot for my own journey and she always has a place in my heart and ears!

We Did It Girl!

I hope you are finding who you are and finding people who make you feel like you are actually ok. If you aren't, stick around and maybe your journey will start here somewhere. 💜

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