Gatlin Unveils "Eldest Daughter": A Defiant Queer Coming-of-Age Album

On October 3, 2025, Florida-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Gatlin released her debut album, "Eldest Daughter," a collection of songs that confront expectations, challenge conservative norms, and embrace the complexities of queer identity. In an era where LGBTQ+ representation in music is increasingly vital, Gatlin’s work stands out for its vulnerability and refusal to shy away from difficult truths. Throughout the album’s ten tracks, she shares her story of self-discovery, heartbreak, and ultimate liberation, offering a voice that speaks powerfully to those navigating their own journeys of acceptance and authenticity .

At the close of 2023, Gatlin faced a period of uncertainty, contemplating the possibility of stepping away from music altogether. Disillusioned by the trajectory of her career and dealing with estrangement from her family, she entered therapy—a decision that became a turning point. Through this process, Gatlin began to write with greater honesty and emotional depth, drawing from her lived experiences of queerness and family conflict. The result is "Eldest Daughter," an album that transforms pain into empowerment and survival into celebration .

Gatlin described her previous music as focused on relationships and breakups, but "Eldest Daughter" marks a shift towards exploring personal identity and the effects of growing up queer in a deeply conservative environment. As she explained, “being queer sped up the process of questioning everything I’d been taught in life,” a theme that permeates the album .

"Eldest Daughter" is not only a personal statement but a rallying cry for others facing similar struggles. The album’s opening track sets the tone with confessional lyrics that refuse to conform. The second track, "If She Was A Boy," is especially notable for its direct engagement with Gatlin’s queer experience. Inspired by a 2018 journal entry marking her first admission of same-gender attraction, the song captures the uncertainty and yearning of early self-realization. Praised by Rolling Stone as a “Song You Need to Know” and recognized by GLAAD among the Best Songs of the Week, "If She Was A Boy" has become an anthem for listeners “figuring out their sexuality” .

Gatlin’s openness has resonated deeply with fans, who find comfort and solidarity in her lyrics. She is particularly proud that her work can be a source of support for young LGBTQ+ listeners, providing the kind of reassurance she herself sought during her coming out journey .

Another standout, "Jesus Christ & Country Clubs," co-written with Liza Owen and Jennifer Decilveo, takes sharp aim at the hypocrisy Gatlin observed within the religious and social structures she left behind. The track blends catharsis with satire, as Gatlin “refuses to conform to outdated norms” and exposes the contradictions of her upbringing .

Gatlin’s songwriting process for "Eldest Daughter" was deeply intertwined with personal growth. She confronted patterns of behavior and belief instilled by her childhood, ultimately deciding to write “brutally honest” music that reflected her truth without compromise. The album’s raw emotional core is perhaps best exemplified on "Soho House Valet," where Gatlin’s willingness to “go deep” and relinquish her need to “not rock the boat” results in a strikingly vulnerable performance .

Significantly, Gatlin’s lyrics never accuse or attack without evidence; instead, they offer her perspective with clarity and empathy. Her ability to lay her heart on the line is a skill honed through years of self-reflection and artistic discipline. As she has stated, “Whatever emotion you’re feeling? Feel it deeply. Don’t numb it out” .

The release of "Eldest Daughter" marks a milestone in Gatlin’s career, cementing her status as a rising voice in queer pop music. Her confessional style and commitment to authenticity have garnered a dedicated following, with over 150 million streams since her earliest releases in 2020 . Fans drawn to her earlier singles, such as "What If I Love You" and "2000 Miles," will find an even bolder, more self-assured Gatlin on this album.

The record also showcases Gatlin’s growing presence as a live performer. Having toured with artists like Ashe, Pale Waves, and VERITE, Gatlin has brought her emotionally charged songs to wider audiences, further amplifying her impact as an LGBTQ+ artist .

The physical release of "Eldest Daughter" includes alternate cover art and an extended cut of the track "Pipe Dream," underscoring Gatlin’s dedication to offering fans unique, personal experiences .

For LGBTQ+ listeners, "Eldest Daughter" is more than an album—it’s a testament to the value of living authentically and refusing to be silenced. Gatlin’s journey, marked by the challenges of coming out, familial estrangement, and artistic rebirth, mirrors those faced by many in the queer community. Her refusal to “live by anyone else’s script” and her insistence on telling her own story, no matter how uncomfortable, offer vital representation and affirmation .

By centering her own queer experience, Gatlin creates space for others to do the same, challenging stigma and inspiring resilience. As she says, “It’s not only about taking control of the life I’ve decided to live, but sticking up for it” .

"Eldest Daughter" is a landmark release for Gatlin and for queer music more broadly. Its impact lies not only in its lyrical honesty and emotional depth but in its capacity to foster connection and hope among LGBTQ+ audiences. As music continues to be a powerful vehicle for visibility and change, Gatlin’s debut album stands as a reminder that survival, joy, and truth are worth celebrating—and that queer stories deserve to be told, loudly and without apology.