20 essential songs for your Pride Month playlist

“Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

Much like Madonna, Lady Gaga also grew up in the New York club scene and found her way into the queer community. She was surrounded by interesting members of the LGBTQ community right from the beginning, and when she was starting out, her queer fans were the most vocal.

Queer fans often see that spark in artists immediately, the qualities that make them a favorite in queer circles. Usually, these artists are talented, unapologetic, and unconventional, like Lady Gaga. When she released her first single “Just Dance” she was already being heralded as a new gay icon, compared to artists like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Little did they know, Gaga was exactly the icon they wanted her to be.

Gaga was very vocal about her love of the LGBTQ community and even used her platform to give speeches about gay equality and other political issues. She released the song “Born This Way” as her way of empowering the LGBTQ community, as well as women and other disenfranchised members of society.

The lyrics “No matter gay, straight, or bi, Lesbian, transgender life, I’m on the right track, baby, I was born to survive” caused a huge sensation, because how often do you hear lyrics about being gay or bisexual, or especially transgender, in a mainstream pop song? When this song comes on at a Pride event, it’s almost euphoric to hear the crowds shamelessly singing about embracing their identity.

Lady Gaga set out to make an anthem, and that she did. “Born This Way” is about accepting yourself exactly the way you are, and celebrating your differences. Gaga was always someone who was different, and that’s why she was welcomed so warmly into the queer community.