Who’s the reigning queen of the gays?
New York’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center asks that timely question Thursday night when it pits the Material Girl against Mother Monster in a throwdown, “Q & Gay: Madonna vs. Gaga.”
The panelists include drag Lady Gaga impersonator Lady Havokk, drag Madonna impersonator Detox Bustier and Gawker editor Rich Juzwiak. They’ll take questions from the in-house audience and from the Web (Tweet @LGBTCenterNYC with the hashtag #QandGay).
Talking points include whether Gaga’s “Born This Way” is a ripoff of Madge’s “Express Yourself,” or if Madonna, who turns 54 on Thursday, is past her prime.
“They’re two pop heavyweights with undeniable similarities,” says Allison Davis, the evening’s emcee.
“The gay community loves them both, and that’s where the debate comes in. Is it a generational thing? Is it a taste thing? We’ll find out.”
Village Voice columnist Michael Musto, who’s followed both women’s careers closely, says the divas are evenly matched.
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They both play heavily to a gay audience. They both specialize in self-glorifying dance pop. And they both deal with marketing, image and reinvention,” he says.
“Gaga calls out to the impressionable kids who are coming of age, and she gives them great messages about being yourself, independence and expression — and in the ’80s, these same kids would have been Madonna fans.”
Musto also gives insight into the ongoing Madonna-Elton John feud.
“He didn’t take to her from the outset, and I think that over the years he probably developed as much of an envy of Madonna as Madonna has over Gaga,” he says. “So you’ve got three divas fighting it out.”
And it’s clear whose side Elton is on.
“Gaga did a duet with him, she’s the godmother of his child, so naturally he loves her,” Musto says. And in a recent interview, John declared Madonna has been “horrible to Gaga.”
Gaga impersonator and panelist Lady Havokk says that fans are passionate on both sides.
“I don’t know if there’s going to be a winner,” she admits, although she’s backing her muse.
“[Madonna’s] last two albums were crap. I think she's too old for the music she’s singing right now. Gaga is at the top of her game.”
But without Madonna, there would be no Gaga.
“Madonna has a timeless quality, and, just like the queer movement, she’s not going anywhere,” Davis says. “She paved the way for Lady Gaga. I’m not sure who’s going to be No. 1.”
Who’s the reigning queen? See how the artists match up below.
Q & Gay: Madonna vs. Gaga” tix are $10 ($5 if you come dressed as Madonna or Gaga). Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 208 W. 13th St., at Seventh Ave. (212) 620-7310. Info: gaycenter.org
Read more:
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertain...#ixzz23fyZ2vsb
Why?
