PRIDE IN THE REFLECTION YOU SEE

Lady Gaga – Born This Way

https://open.spotify.com/track/6r2BECwMgEoRb5yLfp0Hca?si=e0287ac9b9cb4b70

“There's nothing wrong with loving who you are"

We are different. We often fight who we are because of our culture and family values. The more courage is in accepting who you are!

“Don't hide yourself in regret . Just love yourself and you're set . I'm on the right track, baby . I was born this way”

You were born as you are. It is a part of out! Regardless of what others believe you are hurting yourself by pretending to be someone else.

Madonna – Vogue

https://open.spotify.com/track/7j5TIXPi0cCbSSqItmbyZy?si=5d2eb949309343b2

“Come on, vogue (vogue) . Let your body move to the music (move to the music) . Hey, hey, hey . Come on, vogue (vogue). Let your body go with the flow (go with the flow). You know you can do it”

Madonna’s advocacy for her support of the LGBTQ community has always been visible in her music. The simple concept of “vogue” has played a large role within the community. It allowed an association between fashion and the culture that surrounded high arts society to by linked to the various gay communities. It could be simplified as providing a sense of community belonging to those who felt comfortable to accept!

George Michael - Faith

https://open.spotify.com/track/0HEmnAUT8PHznIAAmVXqFJ?si=5c82878c25f248ca

“Oh, when that love comes down without devotion. Well, it takes a strong man, baby. But I'm showin' you the door”

This song is important as it was very important in history. One of the biggest love songs that existed between the two individuals of the same gender, and in this case two men. Michael is unique because he provided an insight of a gay man rather than the lesbian perspective we usually hear! A rare sight in music and film, a strong gay male presence!

Ke$ha – We Are Who We Are

https://open.spotify.com/track/0Ji2g9AlYLVHAMG5PJoHPU?si=548e9cc1f6c845fb

“Just like the world is our our-our our-our-ours. We're tearin' it apart part-part pa-pa-part. You know we're superstars, we are who we are!”

The world is ours and our perception is up to us to interpret! The words are so simple but meaningful! The idea of destroying standards and stereotypes to make the world fit us rather than having to fit the world! A real life example for everyone to actually follow. None of this living in the shadows feeling hate for they are.

Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman

https://open.spotify.com/track/1oFiPGBafH9Woo9AMwgBSl?si=4653d9736cdf4bb4

“Anything you want done, baby, I'll do it naturally. I'm every woman, it's all in me. I can read your thoughts right now, every one from A to Z”

Chaka Khan has been a supporter for the LGBTQ community for years. Her loyal fan base in built through members of the community. Her terrific ballads have become anthems to the supporters of the community!

Tegan and Sara – Closer

https://open.spotify.com/track/4dTVgHZFPlaq9nPbLVVLSG?si=5748168aee0b47fc

“I won’t treat you like you’re oh so typical. I want you close. I want you”

Whitney Houston – I wanna Dance with Somebody

https://open.spotify.com/track/2tUBqZG2AbRi7Q0BIrVrEj?si=a5c497264d4749de

“Oh, I wanna dance with somebody. I wanna feel the heat with somebody. Yeah, I wanna dance with somebody. With somebody who loves me”

Diana Ross – I’m Coming Out

https://open.spotify.com/track/3SnGymj6ijE2iuUfWxLo1q?si=ec639044521349b3

“Love is called. My old piano. I have a ball. With my old piano”

Madonna – Like a Prayer

https://open.spotify.com/track/2v7ywbUzCgcVohHaKUcacV?si=e217c71081ae456e

“Life is a mystery. Everyone must stand alone. I hear you call my name. And it feels like home”

The identity is not specific to a gender. But regardless of who it is, the person represents home and or love. I think that the choice to not include gender allows anyone to attach themselves to the words. It opens the song to individual interpretation rather than one group!

Lorde – Royals

https://open.spotify.com/track/2dLLR6qlu5UJ5gk0dKz0h3?si=dd170e30486f46e4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFasFq4GJYM

“And we’ll never be royals (royals), It don’t run in our blood. That kind of luxe just ain’t for us”

Mykki Blanco – Love Me https://open.spotify.com/track/6fymekeOPKNAxv2i6OoUkj?si=d689df443a704622

“Never faking, never fronting. Kinda fitting on you. Without you by my side, I swear, I'd probably be a gonеr. [?], some real shit”

An openly transgender individual in hip hop. A genre that is built on masculinity and so called gangster pasts. It is inspiring to see Blanco succeed in the New York hip hop scene with no care of the opinions of the audience. They have always advocated for gay rights and continue to fight stigmas that have been attached to their career. Rather than discourage growth, they remain a strong example for people to feel pride in who they are.