“There are some people in this world that believe being gay is a choice. It’s not a choice, we’re born this way”
Lady Gaga, 2Day FM (March 2010)
Introduction
Let’s go gaga over this month’s Gaydar, because we’re featuring Lady Gaga, an American singer-songwriter and performance artist. Born on March 28 1986, Lady Gaga’s real name is Stefani Joanna Angelina Germanotta. She is famous for her unique performances and unconventional costumes. At 22 years old, Lady Gaga rose to international stardom with her debut album “The Fame”, becoming one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Her chart-topping hits, including “Bad Romance,” and “Poker Face,” which not only achieved commercial success but also became a cultural icon.
Most importantly, “Born This Way”, the lead single from her second album empowered the LGBTQIA+ community with song lyrics that celebrates diversity and self-acceptance.
“No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgender life”
“I’m on the right track, baby, I was born to survive”
Revelation of Gender Identity
In 2009, Gaga publicly came out as bisexual in an interview with Barbara Walters. She shared that her attraction to women inspired the song “Poker Face.” During a 2013 release party for her album Artpop she said: “You know what? It’s not a lie that I am bisexual and I like women, and anyone that wants to twist this into ‘she says she’s bisexual for marketing’, this is a f**king lie. This is who I am and who I have always been.”
In a surprising turn of events, Gaga’s queer identity became questionable. In 2016, Lady Gaga gave an emotional speech at a rally for the victims of the Pulse shooting. “I hope you know that myself and so many are your allies,” she told a mourning LGBTQIA+ community, in a clear embrace of the “ally” label.
In the LGBTQIA+ community, there is a clear distinction between an ally and a member of the group, and it is even more significant coming from a famous celebrity. As LGBTQIA+ community rallies together with her music, with songs like “Born This Way” and “The Edge of Glory” becoming anthems, it would be a huge revelation to the community that Lady Gaga is not a bisexual, but actually an ally.
Nonetheless, regardless if she identifies as a bisexual or an ally, the community is tremendously grateful for everything she’s done as a singer, role model, and advocate. Lady Gaga will always be a LGBTQIA+ icon that inspired the community to band together through music.
Contributions to the LGBTQIA+ Community
Besides her advocacy for LGBTQIA+ rights through her music and performances, she has gone over and beyond. Together with her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, they co-founded Born This Way Foundation in 2012. This non-profit organization aims to promote kindness, combat bullying, and support mental health awareness among youth. Some examples of their programs are the annual #BeKind21 movement, Teen Mental Health First Aid in 2019, and the Kindness in Community Fund in 2022.
Over the 2016 holidays, Lady Gaga paid a surprise visit to LGBTQIA+ homeless youth at New York’s Ali Forney Center. “I spent a beautiful morning w/ [LGBTQ] youth at Ali Forney Center, the largest drop-in center in the [world]. I brought [presents] & led them in a group meditation,” she later tweeted in an emoji-filled message.
Conclusion
Lady Gaga’s impact extends far beyond her music. Through her advocacy, artistry, and fearless self-expression, she has become an icon for the LGBTQIA+ community to look up to. Lady Gaga’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community, coupled with her philanthropic efforts through the Born This Way Foundation, has inspired millions worldwide, making her legacy as a cultural icon and advocate for positive change.
