Tag Archives: Icon

Is Katy Perry a Gay Icon? Or Did She Use the Gay Community to Launch Her Career

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Katy Perry, the once reigning popstar that dominated the charts for much of the 00’s who famously made reference to gay community in multiple of her songs.

But did her mention of the gay community help or hinder it?

Now this is a question that has garnered fierce debate from all sides as there seem to be two different camps on her impact, she emboldened the community or she embarrassed it.

In the song that truly launched her career, “I kissed a Girl” Perry manages to bring forth the topic of homosexuality while problematically  referencing several stereotypes which largely stems from they lyrics at the beginning of her song:

“I got so brave, drink in hand, lost my discretion”

Although seemingly harmless in nature this lyric set reinforces that age-old stereotype that in order to be gay, or experiment – you need to be blackout drunk. Or in some way lose your discretion (Ability to make responsible decisions)

This song was not even the worst of her offenders the next song of debate cuts right to the chase and offends many in the title alone “Ur So Gay (And you don’t even like boys)”

This WHOLE song is based on Gay male stereotypes in her lyrics Perry gets quite catty with some of her remarks. She even goes as far as to list off things that can make someone “Gay” without even liking boys which include: being a vegetarian, driving an electric car, listening to indie rock and even wearing sunscreen???

I need not list the problematic lyrics from this song, just listen for yourself and you will quickly find the whole song a problem.

So what’s the verdict?

Honestly, I don’t think Perry’s absolute disregard for any respect for the gay community was entirely intentional. But personally, I can’t forgive her particularly for the latter song which opens up with “I hope you hang yourself with your H&M scarf”.

Although in 2017 Katy Perry was the recipient of the National Equity Award for her “Work with the gay community” … no, I am not kidding.

All I can say is that if I were judging for that award I would surely have the criteria checked. But that’s my opinion.

What’s yours?

Do you feel that Perry rose to fame by capitalizing on gay stereotypes to get people talking? Or do you believe that in the 10 years since these songs have come out that people have gotten a little sensitive?

Let me know what you think in the comment section below.

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Thanks for reading,

Colin

Becoming Myself, Digitally

Ellen, How One Woman Became a Champion for the Gay Community

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If there is anyone from the last twenty years that comes to mind when you think of queer icons, its Ellen Degeneres. Her bubbly personality, sense of humor and ability to broach difficult topics at the same time made her a perfect role model for gay people everywhere.

Although I was too young to recognize it at the time, Ellen’s famous coming out in the “Puppy Episode” of her hit TV show Ellen was a huge step forward for the gay community and personally,  I can’t imagine the political landscape of gay culture without Ellen at its forefront.

The feelings Ellen displays in her famous coming out scene are relatable for many people who have come out and for many who have yet to come out still, in true Ellen fashion she incorporates some tasteful comedy into the scene:

After this famous scene, Ellen found herself in the heart of a media frenzy which polarized Americans and fueled debate and discussion around the world which undoubtedly accelerated the acceptance of gay people into western society.

Whether Ellen knew what she was getting herself into or not she had been catapulted into a rainbow spotlight that was cast on her anytime a big event happened within the gay community.

One such instance was where Ellen found herself in the spotlight was at a vigil for one Mathew Shepard who found himself murdered as a result of his sexuality. Her raw and powerful speech humanized gay people unlike ever before:

If you haven’t heard of the Mathew Shepard story I recommend checking out the movie written about his life and final moments, Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine.

As for Ellen, I am sure a day will come where a movie will be made on her life and legacy as a result of her contributions to the LGBTQ community.

Thank you, Ellen, for all that you have done and continue to do for all of us.

Do you have any Queer Icons that stood out for you? Let me know by commenting on this post.

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share it on social media.

Thanks for reading,

Colin

Becoming Myself, Digitally

Macklemore, How the Thrift Store Rapper Helped Me Come Out

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The title of this post may come off as a little bit of clickbait seeing as Macklemore did not personally help me come out. However indirectly through his lyrics and his activism, he played a part in giving me the courage I needed to come out and be myself.

What drew me to Macklemore, is not that he is gay but that he is straight.

This probably sounds a little bit confusing but for me, he truly introduced me to what an “Ally” is. Up until that point I was not concerned about what women or other gay people would think of me I was particularly concerned about what my straight male friends and family members would think of me.

That’s why for me he really stood out especially as a rapper his message was amplified by all of the hate and negative connotations that homosexuality got, and still gets to this day in rap music.

His song “Same Love” was for me at first listen, a recipe for an ugly cry.

But for all the right reasons. He managed to capture in his short 7-minute video so many things that at that point in my life petrified me. Religion, Stereotypes, and the belief that homosexuality was something that could be “cured” and many more awful thoughts that run through the mind of a scared kid questioning their sexuality.

I grew up in a very supportive household, but this song helped the only person who it would turn out didn’t accept me for being gay. Me, it helped me accept myself.

It is amazing how profound the effect of a strangers voice and well put together music video can be for so many people.

I decided to share my admiration for Macklemore to help anyone out there who feels like they aren’t accepted to find a voice of hope. Whether they don’t feel accepted for their skin color, religion, sexuality or for any other reason; for this song serves not only as a gay anthem but as a call to action for human rights as a whole.

I’ve included a few other songs below that have empowered me over the years:

Born This Way

Giant in My Heart

Follow Your Arrow

If you have any songs that have significance to you I’d love to hear them! Please, comment or share them with me directly: Let’s Connect

If you’ve enjoyed this post, feel free to share it on social media.

Thanks for reading,

Colin

Becoming Myself, Digitally