Why Gaga Fights for LGBT Equality: Top Quotes from New Advocate Interview

While topping the charts, Lady Gaga always makes a point to defend, speak out, and fight for gay rights, marriage equality, and the repeal of DADT.

Advocate spoke to the Monster Queen about her commitment to her LGBT community, activism, Born This Way, and everything that makes the most eye-catching performer in music today who she is.

Check out some of the most quotable pieces from the unprecedented cover story about Gaga’s gay activism now:

“My love for my gay fans is just pure, authentic love for them as supporters of me from the beginning, and me feeling connected to their struggles as someone who is a part of their fight.”

...Though she’s recently ended an on-off relationship with musician Luc Carl, Gaga has discussed her attraction to other women in the past. As to whether she also considers herself an actual member of the LGBT community — “yes” is her response after a brief pause. “The b letter,” Gaga answers, and lets out a giggle.

“To say that I would use the gay community to sell records is probably one of the most ridiculous statements anyone can make about me as a person… I would say the top thing I think about every single day of my life, other than my fans, loving the music, and my family being healthy, is social justice and equality.”

…She tells a story about a 20-something gay serviceman she met at Best Buy last night. “He was afraid that he would be discharged and that he would be judged or found out. [He said] that the fight in America against ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ and the fight for equality made him feel stronger and made him feel safe, and he gave me his service jacket. And we just held each other and cried. Anyone who says that I’m not genuine is not interested in overcoming this fight. That was such a pure and wonderful moment that we shared, and I remember thinking, There’s no album sale, no number 1, that could compete with this moment. That is what the fuck it’s all about. What the fuck it’s all about is if I can write one song that could change one person’s life.”

“I would say that’s precisely what Born This Way is all about. It’s not about just being born in one moment; it’s about being reborn over and over again until you find and become that unique and special person inside of you that is the most brave and the most sure and the most ready to take on the world. And I was born this way. And that’s who I am. Some people weren’t born to wear masks, but I was. I was born to wear masks and wigs and fashion. To express myself through my clothing and my performance art, and that’s who I am. And the song is meant to be liberating not only from an individual perspective but from a creative perspective.”

“As much as I love the fantasy of the Monster Ball, it is a fantasy; it’s a place to escape to. Whereas when I’m working as a political activist, we’re rooted in reality. We’re rooted in the reality of the fight.”

“I believe I was destined to be an artist. At the end of the day I could be rolling around in Rolls-Royces, buying mansions for myself, making records, and dancing around in my underwear. But to be honest, I’m not interested in doing that at all. I’d rather be at rallies with the fans, being a part of their voice, helping to mobilize and enforce change. If people don’t believe me, they don’t have to be a part of it.”

Read the complete interview now, for more on Gaga'stireless commitment to her fans, how she deals with criticism, rumors, her music and more in the complete cover story on Advocate.com.