Discussion: Why are people so unappreciative of Gaga's LGBT work?

RobynYoBank

Despite whatever anyone says, being a visible LGBT-rights vocalist isn't a commercially beneficial choice for a massive pop star. We've seen Gaga turn from the fascinating new star to the ultimate niche megastar, but why is it that so many members of the LGBT community are so upset that she's associated with the community?

No, Lady Gaga is not dating a woman. There is evidence of her doing it in the past, and even more importantly, there is nothing but evidence of her standing up for the LGBT community throughout her entire life. Contrary to people say about Gaga, she doesn't promote flamboyance or skew the idea of what a gay should be. But she does know the reality of what a lot of gays go through, mostly because she's been around it her entire life.

Of all of the pop stars in history, can we honestly say that anyone else with her level of fame has been quite so dedicated to the promotion of gay rights? She gives speeches, she starts foundations, she donates money, she spends her time getting to know and offering everything she can for the community, and she's one of the most visible--if not the single most--human beings on the planet. Every step along the path of her rise to fame was filled with her relentless support for LGBT issues and not a single iconic awards show appearance has gone without a mention from her. She devoted the lead single from the album she wanted to create her entire life to the idea of equality, and quite honestly, suffered the consequences of releasing an album that explicitly encourages the idea of freedom and self-empowerment.

I guess the main point is, as a member of the LGBT community who presumably seeks equality, why hate on her efforts or dismiss them as either a commercial trick or "trying too hard?" Why shouldn't she try so hard to encourage something she cares about? And as a member of the community, what better platform could you ask for than the biggest star in the world who has staked her entire career on dedication to such an issue? People crucify songs like Born This Way and wonder how she could release such a "terrible song" with upfront lyrics, but really, why should it be done anyway. What better way is there to honor such an issue than with a vichyssoise of direct, honest words and decades of empowerment music?

I mean, she never claimed she was THE only representative or member of the LGBT community, but I'll be damned if she isn't one of the most dedicated and treasured.

ethan

I'd say it's been quite commercially beneficial for her... she's doing very well and I'd say by and large it's because of the gays she supports.

I will say, however, that she does go above and beyond to show support; bringing the dismissed gay soldiers from the army to whatever event that was, stuff like that. I don't think she treats it as a gimmick, but it definitely has been beneficial to her.

ChapStick

because a lot of people think she's doing it only for publicity.

Sunshine.

Quote:

Originally posted by ChapStick

because a lot of people think she's doing it only for publicity.

Pretty much this. She's singled out the gay community (not saying whether good or bad) and from some perspectives it looks as though she's trying to pander to them.

GotMyBlueprint

because theyre self hating gays

Belle

Quote:

Originally posted by ChapStick

because a lot of people think she's doing it only for publicity.

Yeah, she's been totally smashing this era

pika

Quote:

Originally posted by Belle

Yeah, she's been totally smashing this era

2AM

It is one thing to show your support and love for the community, it is another to get too involved and it become one of your primary focuses.

Vin

Quote:

Originally posted by ChapStick

because a lot of people think she's doing it only for publicity.

She clearly cares, but she is mostly using it for publicity. A whole album,
a whole era called "Born This Way?" C'mon, now... that is what we call "milking it."

She would be more credible if she kept politics out of her music. e.g. Shakira.
She's a very political person who gives back to the community, but she
keeps it separate from her records. She's not profiting from it.

...Vin

iLays

RobynYoBank

Quote:

Originally posted by Vin

She clearly cares, but she is mostly using it for publicity. A whole album,
a whole era called "Born This Way?" C'mon, now... that is what we call "milking it."

She would be more credible is she kept politics out of her music. e.g. Shakira.
She's a very political person who gives back to the community, but she
keeps it separate from her records. She's not profiting from it.

...Vin

Milking one of the most radical declines of the decade. Interesting.

K@rm@

Because It doesn't seem as genuine as she tries to make it out to be.

Lyzz the Monster

Gaga has done SO much more than just releasing a song to follow that be-yourself trend. I ****ing hate how people say she only cares about her gay fans, how many times did she actually mention the word GAY on her album? How many songs of her that are about the gay community? Her message is about self-empowerment, is it THAT hard to realize?

Regardless what people say, Gaga has a stronger and bigger following from the LGBT community than anyone else, no matter how every pop star these days sing about that same topic. That alone shows how people, or at least the LGBT community themselves, appreciate her dedication.

GotMyBlueprint

Quote:

Originally posted by Vin

She clearly cares, but she is mostly using it for publicity. A whole album,
a whole era called "Born This Way?" C'mon, now... that is what we call "milking it."

She would be more credible is she kept politics out of her music. e.g. Shakira.
She's a very political person who gives back to the community, but she
keeps it separate from her records. She's not profiting from it.

...Vin

only 2 songs really mention homosexuality
and who cares if she benefits on the side as long as shes helping out

RobynYoBank

Quote:

Originally posted by Kats

It is one thing to show your support and love for the community, it is another to get too involved and it become one of your primary focuses.

Why should it not be one of her primary focuses? I don't understand the logic. At all.

Amaru

Quote:

Originally posted by Vin

She clearly cares, but she is mostly using it for publicity. A whole album,
a whole era called "Born This Way?" C'mon, now... that is what we call "milking it."

You think she's selling more now that she's catering to a gay demographic when it's clear that she's lost more fans than she's gained through her activism?

Twai

Quote:

Originally posted by Vin

She clearly cares, but she is mostly using it for publicity. A whole album,
a whole era called "Born This Way?" C'mon, now... that is what we call "milking it."

She would be more credible if she kept politics out of her music. e.g. Shakira.
She's a very political person who gives back to the community, but she
keeps it separate from her records. She's not profiting from it.

...Vin

What gay kid looks up to Shakira for all she's done in bringing LGBT issues to the forefront

Orsay

Quote:

Originally posted by ChapStick

because a lot of people think she's doing it only for publicity.

This, but that's entirely foolish.

Gaga has her roots in gay clubs, we were the ones who loved her from the start and truly brought about her career, she has every ****ing right in the world to show us some love back.

Vin

Quote:

Originally posted by GotMyBlueprint

who cares if she benefits on the side as long as shes helping out

So, you agree -- she is profiting from using the gay community.

...Vin

crumprKID

Quote:

Originally posted by Amaru

You think she's selling more now that she's catering to a gay demographic when it's clear that she's lost more fans than she's gained through her activism?

Not to take away from her activism but she has a solid fanbase now. Way more important than maybe selling a million more albums with some casual buyers.