The unprecedented pre-release anticipation for Lady Gaga’s latest single “Born This Way” owed as much to its being touted as "the next great gay anthem" as it did to Gaga-mania. When the song, which the superstar claims to have composed in 10 minutes, finally arrived last Friday, some fans rejoiced while others were underwhelmed. But whether you love it or don't quite hate it, let’s give the lady her due. “Born This Way” is one of the few mainstream anthems that unapologetically embraces queerness. Just try to name another chart topper with “transgender” in its lyrics.
For decades we’ve appropriated countless songs as our own, reading gay subtext into vague lyrics, empathizing with the longing in Judy’s “Over the Rainbow,” the exuberant joy of The Weather Girls' "It's Raining Men" or relating to the painful isolation in Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own,” but few actually wave a flag to flaunt our individualism.
The Advocate counts down 13 other great LGBT empowerment anthems (see the full list here) that preceded Lady Gaga’s latest. Here are a few of the songs that made the list:
"True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper
The spirited singer’s signature ballad was so powerful it served to launch an acclaimed tour that benefits numerous LGBT organizations.
“Raise Your Glass” by Pink, 2010
"So raise your glass if you are wrong in all the right ways," Pink sings in her ode to underdogs, who she toasts to never being "anything but loud."
"I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross, 1980
The title says it all, really. This Pride float staple was written by Nile Rodgers after seeing three men imitating Ross at a drag club.
“Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera, 2002
Stop hating on Aguilera. Her stunning ballad (composed by out songwriter Linda Perry) about maintaining self-esteem won her a Grammy award. And the gorgeous LGBT-inclusive video was honored by GLAAD.
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