Seann Miley Moore: Love Is Love

“The pride and spirit you feel from our community is unbelievable,” Seann Miley Moore tells Apple Music about performing at the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade. “The energy, the smiles, the colour—it’s absolutely 100% rainbow energy.” The Australian singer with Filipino and British heritage is known for his scene-stealing performances in musical theatre, as well as reality shows The X Factor UK and, more recently, The Voice Australia. Throughout it all, he’s become a beloved mainstay performer at LGBTQ+ events, like Mardi Gras—but he’s careful to always remember the history behind the parties. “Mardi Gras is a celebration, but let’s not forget it’s a protest period too,” he says. “It’s illegal to be gay in over 70 countries today, and in some, you can be executed. We fight for our brothers and sisters who don't have the opportunity to march and be their queer selves.” This handpicked playlist encapsulates Moore’s musical memories from one of the most important eras in recent Mardi Gras parade history: 2016 to 2018, the era of marriage equality—and Mardi Gras’ 40th anniversary. Here, you’ll find his favourite songs from the time, from Rihanna and Ariana to Charli XCX and a couple of his own.