Aug 25
Bisexual Brazilian Icon Ludmilla Talks "CAM GIRL," Romance, and Global Queer Representation
READ TIME: 4 MIN.
This week, the global music scene witnessed a powerful moment for LGBTQ+ representation as Brazilian superstar Ludmilla and American R&B icon Victoria Monét released their sultry, hip-moving bilingual single "CAM GIRL."
The song, celebrated as Out Magazine’s "Gayest Song of the Week," explores themes of self-expression, sexuality, and empowerment, marking a significant cultural milestone for queer artists in mainstream music .
In an interview with Out Magazine ahead of the release, Ludmilla—recognized as the most-listened Afro-Latina artist on Spotify—opened up about her journey as a Black, bisexual woman in the music industry, her relationship with wife Brunna Gonçalves, and her hopes for global queer visibility .
Ludmilla’s rise to international stardom has been defined by both her musical talent and her unapologetic embrace of her identity. With over 4.4 billion views on YouTube, 30.5 million followers on Instagram, and an average of 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify, Ludmilla has become an influential figure not only in Brazil but across the globe .
In her interview with Out, Ludmilla reflected on the resonance of her music and story, especially for fans outside Brazil who identify as queer, Black, and/or Latino. "I'm loving the lovely response that I'm receiving! The fact that people from outside Brazil are identifying with is very special," she shared .
Ludmilla’s success is underscored by her accolades, including a Latin Grammy Award for Best Samba/Pagode Album in 2022 and nominations for six MTV Europe Music Awards and the BET Awards . Her openness about her sexuality and relationship with Brunna Gonçalves has made her a role model for queer youth and artists navigating industries where LGBTQ+ representation remains limited.
"CAM GIRL" stands out not only for its infectious rhythm and steamy lyrics but also for its bold celebration of queer desire and authenticity. The bilingual nature of the song bridges audiences across language and cultural divides, reinforcing Ludmilla’s commitment to inclusion and representation.
In the interview, Ludmilla emphasized the importance of songs like "CAM GIRL" in affirming queer identities: "Queer people have the right to love, feel, shine," she said, echoing the song’s central message .
The collaboration with Victoria Monét, herself a celebrated queer artist, was highly anticipated after the duo were spotted leaving a Los Angeles studio together earlier this month (Instagram: @galore, https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNg9uLYtn3l/, 2025-08-19). Their partnership on "CAM GIRL" is being hailed as a moment of solidarity and mutual uplift within the LGBTQ+ music community.
A significant theme in Ludmilla’s Out Magazine interview is her romance with Brunna Gonçalves. The couple’s relationship has been widely celebrated in both Brazilian and international media, with fans expressing support in multiple languages. Ludmilla acknowledged the beauty of seeing their love embraced globally: "I saw that there have been several news articles and social media comments about Brunna and I, supporting our love in Spanish and English, which we think is really beautiful" .
For Ludmilla, visibility is more than personal—it is a responsibility. She spoke candidly about the importance of paving the way for other LGBTQ+ artists and fans: "It's about showing that our stories matter, and that we have every right to take up space in music, media, and beyond" .
Her influence extends beyond music into fashion and social media, where her street style and unapologetic presence inspire millions (Instagram: @ludmilla, https://www.instagram.com/p/DNqsrmEvzsY/, 2025-08-22).
The release of "CAM GIRL" and Ludmilla’s Out Magazine interview highlight the growing demand for LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment. Industry figures and fans alike have praised Ludmilla for her authenticity and willingness to challenge stereotypes, especially as a Black, Latina, bisexual woman in the global spotlight.
Music critic Mey Rude of Out Magazine called "CAM GIRL" the "Gayest Song of the Week," underlining its significance for queer audiences . Rude, herself a transgender Latina lesbian journalist, noted, "Queer singers Ludmilla and Victoria Monét have teamed up for the sexy Gayest Song of the Week, 'CAM GIRL.' Check it out!"
Fans have taken to social media to share their excitement about the single and Ludmilla’s visibility. Many have remarked on the importance of seeing queer love and self-expression front and center in mainstream music.
Despite her success, Ludmilla remains aware of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ artists, particularly in regions where queer identities are marginalized or criminalized. In her Out Magazine interview, she expressed hope for a future where all LGBTQ+ people can "love, feel, shine" without fear or limitation .
Ludmilla’s career continues to inspire change, both through her music and her activism. She has used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, highlight the intersections of race and sexuality, and encourage fans to embrace their true selves.
Ludmilla’s conversation with Out Magazine, coupled with the release of "CAM GIRL," marks a watershed moment for queer representation in music. Her journey from Brazilian pop star to international queer icon is a testament to the power of authenticity, love, and resilience.
As Ludmilla herself puts it, "Our stories matter," and with each new project, she is carving out space for LGBTQ+ voices to be heard, seen, and celebrated around the world .