By Trenton Straube (Copy Editor, POZ)
Lady Gaga's latest hit single "Born This Way" must be the most overtly pro-gay song to perch atop the Billboard Hot 100, where it currently waves like a rainbow flag on a Pride float. (You can read the lyrics at the end of this post).
Though her message to love and express yourself has been labeled a "gay anthem" linked to LGBT causes--for example, to counter gay teen suicides--Gaga's empowering dance track also does double duty as a battle cry against HIV/AIDS.
How? Simply put, LGBT people who love and respect themselves are less likely to put themselves at risk for HIV, compared with those who are struggling with their sexuality or who are rejected by their communities. This is because those who aren't empowered and accepted are more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse, to depression, low self-esteem, homelessness, unhealthy sexual relationships and myriad other factors that increase one's risk for contracting the virus.
What's more, the very title "Born This Way" is a powerful rebuke to the ex-gay movement. This fundamentalist religious ideology posits that LGBT people are not born this way, baby. Indeed, the ex-gay theory goes, same-sex attractions result from childhood trauma, sexual abuse or unhealthy relationships with parents. This, in turn, means that being gay can be overcome with reparative therapy and the power of God.
Gaga's not having it. She opens "Born This Way" by stating: "It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M, just put your paws up, 'Cause you were born this way, baby."
Amen. And by the way, this ex-gay ideology is not a fringe belief system to be snickered at by those of us lucky enough to live out, loud and proud lives. Its dangerous premise continues to devastate individuals, families and communities (Uganda, anyone?) while helping spread HIV in the process. For more details, click here to read POZ's recent cover story linking the ex-gay movement with the spread of HIV.
Of course, Gaga isn't the first artist on the planet to trumpet loving yourself and living a healthy life. Back in the day--1977 to be exact--openly gay singer Carl Bean had a hit disco anthem titled "I Was Born This Way" (and Bean's version itself was a remake of a 1975 track by Valentino; the chorus goes "I'm happy, I'm carefree and I'm gay / I was born this way"). Bean went on to found the Minority AIDS Project and is now the archbishop of the Unity Fellowship Church in Los Angeles.
But has any celebrity ever sang about HIV and queer equality backed by the star-wattage of Gaga? The week after launching her track, an alien-looking Gaga appeared on Good Morning America wearing what she described as a "latex and condom-inspired outfit." But there's a method to her madness. She was there to speak about the MAC AIDS Fund, for which she's a spokesperson.
"It's shame and stigma around [sex and taboo subjects] that make people not protect themselves [from HIV], that make you not treat yourself with respect," Gaga said during the interview, adding that "'Born This Way' is about self love, and MAC AIDS Fund is about self love."
Keep in mind that this 24-year-old reaches a gazillion little monsters--the nickname for her fans--across the globe. "My fans think it's cool to be aware of social justice and...things like HIV and AIDS and protecting yourself," she told the GMA audience.
Unfortunately, positive messages and good intentions do not automatically a classic gay anthem make, nor do they put an artist above reproach. Indeed, "Born This Way" has reportedly birthed a bitchy backlash against Gaga by the gays--well, at least from a cynical segment of the gay population that's of a certain age and zip code and that perhaps can't relate to how empowering her lyrics can be, for example, to a 14-year-old in rural Alabama. But that's a blog post for a different day.
For now, I am one little monster happy to put his paws up (and his "POZ up"!) in honor of Lady Gaga.
Lady Gaga's latest hit single "Born This Way" must be the most overtly pro-gay song to perch atop the Billboard Hot 100, where it currently waves like a rainbow flag on a Pride float. (You can read the lyrics at the end of this post).
Though her message to love and express yourself has been labeled a "gay anthem" linked to LGBT causes--for example, to counter gay teen suicides--Gaga's empowering dance track also does double duty as a battle cry against HIV/AIDS.
How? Simply put, LGBT people who love and respect themselves are less likely to put themselves at risk for HIV, compared with those who are struggling with their sexuality or who are rejected by their communities. This is because those who aren't empowered and accepted are more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse, to depression, low self-esteem, homelessness, unhealthy sexual relationships and myriad other factors that increase one's risk for contracting the virus.
What's more, the very title "Born This Way" is a powerful rebuke to the ex-gay movement. This fundamentalist religious ideology posits that LGBT people are not born this way, baby. Indeed, the ex-gay theory goes, same-sex attractions result from childhood trauma, sexual abuse or unhealthy relationships with parents. This, in turn, means that being gay can be overcome with reparative therapy and the power of God.
Gaga's not having it. She opens "Born This Way" by stating: "It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M, just put your paws up, 'Cause you were born this way, baby."
Amen. And by the way, this ex-gay ideology is not a fringe belief system to be snickered at by those of us lucky enough to live out, loud and proud lives. Its dangerous premise continues to devastate individuals, families and communities (Uganda, anyone?) while helping spread HIV in the process. For more details, click here to read POZ's recent cover story linking the ex-gay movement with the spread of HIV.
Of course, Gaga isn't the first artist on the planet to trumpet loving yourself and living a healthy life. Back in the day--1977 to be exact--openly gay singer Carl Bean had a hit disco anthem titled "I Was Born This Way" (and Bean's version itself was a remake of a 1975 track by Valentino; the chorus goes "I'm happy, I'm carefree and I'm gay / I was born this way"). Bean went on to found the Minority AIDS Project and is now the archbishop of the Unity Fellowship Church in Los Angeles.
But has any celebrity ever sang about HIV and queer equality backed by the star-wattage of Gaga? The week after launching her track, an alien-looking Gaga appeared on Good Morning America wearing what she described as a "latex and condom-inspired outfit." But there's a method to her madness. She was there to speak about the MAC AIDS Fund, for which she's a spokesperson.
"It's shame and stigma around [sex and taboo subjects] that make people not protect themselves [from HIV], that make you not treat yourself with respect," Gaga said during the interview, adding that "'Born This Way' is about self love, and MAC AIDS Fund is about self love."
Keep in mind that this 24-year-old reaches a gazillion little monsters--the nickname for her fans--across the globe. "My fans think it's cool to be aware of social justice and...things like HIV and AIDS and protecting yourself," she told the GMA audience.
Unfortunately, positive messages and good intentions do not automatically a classic gay anthem make, nor do they put an artist above reproach. Indeed, "Born This Way" has reportedly birthed a bitchy backlash against Gaga by the gays--well, at least from a cynical segment of the gay population that's of a certain age and zip code and that perhaps can't relate to how empowering her lyrics can be, for example, to a 14-year-old in rural Alabama. But that's a blog post for a different day.
For now, I am one little monster happy to put his paws up (and his "POZ up"!) in honor of Lady Gaga.
"Born This Way" Lyrics:
Intro:
It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were born this way, baby
Verse:
My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir
"There's nothin wrong with lovin who you are"
She said, "'cause he made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"
Chorus:
I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
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
Post-chorus:
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Ooo there ain't no other way
Baby, I was born this way
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be a drag - just be a queen
Don't be!
Verse:
Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth
A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (hey hey hey)
I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (love needs faith)
Repeat chorus + post-chorus
Bridge:
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're lebanese, you're orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'Cause baby you were born this way
No matter gay, straight, or bi,
Lesbian, transgendered life
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to survive
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made
I'm on the right track baby
I was born to be brave
Repeat chorus
Outro/refrain:
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!
Click here for more lyrics.
u go gaga. fight for all of us and stand up for what u believe in!!!! i have faith in u!!!!!
I have to say that I wasn't sure what all the hoopla about GaGa was until I read these lyrics. I am definately a fan now, because anyone who writes such powerful messages about being who you are is wonderful in my book. Thank you for standing up for those who need a voice in this world. I am living with HIV and we need more people in this world willing to stand up and say that it is a social disease, where stigma and shame breeds death.
iam very happy about the song lADY GA GA WROTE IT GIVES PURE SELF PRIDE NOT SELF HATE ITS NOT ABOUT JUDGEING A PERSON BUT PURE LOVE AS CARL BEAN SAYS IT WAS HIS LOVE THAT LEARNED PEOPLE LET GO OF HATE HOLD HEAD UP SMILE KNOW YOUR SOME BODY NOT DIRTY HE IS THE FATHER OF US ALL I AM ONE HIS KIDS LADY GA GA TEACHS ALL PERSONS BE YOU ITS A SONG NEEDS BE EVEN SONG IN CHURCHS SCHOOLS THANK YOU LADY GA GA
Ugh, what an insult!
LGBT people who love and respect themselves
are less likely to put themselves at risk
for HIV
What the fuk?! I am not HIV+ because I didn't love myself! It was because I was too damn young and dumb to do the right thing! Jeez! And there has been countless singers whom sung about HIV, love, tolerance, etc! I'm 29yo and even I recognize that, so whomever is older wise and leave the self-ignorance aside to just be "cool" and "young," still.
Let's see:
1. Madonna -- In this life (1993-when it was really a disease still killing thousands!)
2. Bruce Springsteen -- Philadelphia (1994)
3. Annie Lennox -- 2007
I LOVE the song & I love myself, I even love someone who is HIV poz, and I still Love capital H-I-M! I respect myself enough to forgive H-I-M(and myself) for unknowingly passing HIV to me.
There are as many diffrent ways people get infected with HIV as there are different ways to love someone. Respect & Love others, for each of us has a unique story and perspective of living positive.
Peace
im hiv and i love myself what is she saying?
its unbelievable how brilliant this woman knows her fan base,such a cliche filled pile of trash aimed straight for the brainless gay masses,hope there are ones as bright as myself to not believe the crap written by the authour of this article.....puulllleeeeezzz,been poz for 20 plus years and trust me sweetie,this song does NOTHING for ppl living with hiv.talk about getting caught up in a pop-culture whirlwind,get a mind,fella!
After reading this article and these rediculous lyrics I dislike Lady GaGa to a whole new level.
I am HIV+ because I made a serious mistake, I didn't use protection. Not because I was embarrased of my sexuality or who I am.
And even though being postive has opened up a whole different world for me I still love myself and only hope that pathetic lyrics like these do not end up in mainstream music.
My only other question is really Lady GaGa do you have any experience with these topics. Because it seems like to me the only issue for you lately is dealing with the redicule of your rediculous attention hungry attire.
I wasn't a fan of Lady GaGa until I read this and now that I know she is a power to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS I will listen to her more to hear her message. I am HIV positive since 2002 by my husband and I wish I had someone back then speaking out for all positive people cause no one wants HIV/AIDS.
This is a bit of a stretch Trenton. We didn't all get this disease because we were self-loathing or stupid. I for one simply made a freaking mistake. Until society comes to understand that mistakes happen, everyone makes them and sometimes they have worse consequences than others, we won't be able to hold our heads high amongst any group. Our infections don't have to be the results of profound emotional failings.
I am a born again little monster. I am 51 and my diva has always been Deborah Harry of Blondie. At 66 she is still touring and recording. But, when Lady Gaga had her HBO special "Live from Madison Square Garden", I decided to watch to see why the younger generation had gone gaga for Gaga. I was immediately drawn in by her positive, loud and proud affirmation of GLBT rights among her fans. But when the concert ended with "Born This Way", I had a new theme for all the reasons the author describes. The next day, I bought all her albums and started downloading to my iPhone every version of Born This Way I could find. I had never thought of how this anthem is HIV+ resonsible until the author quoted the lyric about respect and regret could be a call for HIV education and social responsibility. The author has found another reason for me to love this song. He found more depth and meaning than I had. So through his insight and reporting on Lady Gaga's HIV activism, I have more reason to love this anthem. So, with respect to Deborah Harry (whom Lady Gaga loves), I am proud to say that I too am a little monster.