With regards to bops, we’re spoiled, sister! Our favourite pop icons guarantee we’re fed 12 months spherical, releasing heart-palpitating tracks for each event.
However there’s something about Pide Month that makes the beat drop slightly bit completely different. Possibly it’s the whiff of sentimentality within the air, or maybe the overwhelming odor of poppers on the dance ground. Both approach, each queer individual has their very own Satisfaction anthem. So this week, we requested Queerty readers a easy query.
“What’s yours?”
How about we take this to the following degree?
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Responses are beneath!
What’s your final Satisfaction anthem and why?
“For me, it’ll all the time be the traditional ‘I AM WHAT I AM,’ by Gloria Gaynor. It’s from (barely) earlier than my time by way of when it got here out, however the tune’s message of defiance, satisfaction, and dwelling brazenly and truthfully and with out disgrace, irrespective of WHAT others would possibly suppose? I haven’t heard a greater, extra excellent Satisfaction Anthem but in 40+ years,” — Joshua in Oregon
“‘I Am What I Am’ from the Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles. The lyrics are pure satisfaction!” — Allen in Cannon Seaside, Oregon
Wow, two votes for the ’80s disco hit from males in Oregon. The web by no means ceases to amaze! The musical got here first, as La Cage aux Folles opened on Broadway in 1983. The present broke boundaries within the U.S. and was modeled after a French play with the identical title. The primary Broadway musical centered round a homosexual couple, one of many protagonists, a flamboyant drag queen named Albin, sings “I Am What I Am” on the finish of Act One.
The ditty represents self-confidence and queer defiance: Albin’s associate, Georges, informs him that his son, Jean-Michael, doesn’t need him to attend dinner along with his girlfriend’s dad and mom, who head a conservative native political celebration.
Albin indicators the tune with gusto. “I’m what I’m, I’m my very own particular creation.”
A 12 months later, Gaynor, who beforehand struck pop gold in 1978 with “I Will Survive”, launched the tune as successful single. It raced up the charts, inspiring queer individuals for many years to come back!
“‘It’s Raining Males’ by The Climate Ladies as a result of it makes me bear in mind my first Satisfaction.” — Terry in London, Canada
Generally, a title says all of it. The 1983 dance traditional was No. 1 within the U.S. and shortly adopted as a worldwide homosexual anthem. The one is so enduring, a 2014 Fb marketing campaign propelled it again to No. 22 on the charts. We’re glad it is going to all the time be No. 1 in Terry’s coronary heart!
“Vogue and you recognize why !!!!!” — Edward in Ohio
Sure we do, Edward! Madonna took up the reason for LGBTQ+ rights lengthy earlier than it was trendy, making the Queen of Pop the final ally. Out of all Madonna’s queer anthems, “Vogue” might be the gayest, given the long-lasting routine’s prevalence within the ballroom scene. With the tune, Madonna introduced voguing mainstream, together with ballroom tradition.
“‘Born This Method’ — for apparent causes :)” — Hank in Connecticut
“‘BORN THIS WAY’ — LADY GAGA — As a result of you may’t get any extra literal about accepting who you might be than the lyrics on this tune.”
It solely is sensible for Lady Gaga to observe Madonna, given their similarities/friendly rivalry. Impressed by Carl Bean, a homosexual Black non secular who preached about being “born this manner,” Gaga’s 2011 single personifies Satisfaction.
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‘”All For You’ by Janet Jackson. That tune and album have been each enormous the summer time I got here out and so it all the time brings me again to that point in my life after I was a proud homosexual teenager at my first Satisfaction. When the tune acquired huge once more on TikTok this 12 months my internal 17 12 months outdated was so, so completely satisfied.” — Jason
Upbeat and enjoyable, “All For You” was a dramatic swing for the pop legend, who historically integrated heavy and sardonic themes into her tracks. The shift signified a brand new starting for Jackson, celebrating her freedom as a newly single lady. Unsurprisingly, Jackson’s embrace of inner-liberation has resonated with gays and theys for over 20 years!
“In 1978, I used to be shocked and thrilled to listen to the Tom Robinson Band sing ‘Glad to be Homosexual.’ The knowledge and energy of the tune spoke straight to me, although it was ignored by the remainder of the world. My subsequent milestone was 40 years later, listening to Macklemore’s large hit ‘Identical Love’ enjoying on the radio at a bodega in Brooklyn.” — Roman in Berlin
We like it when life comes full circle. Lengthy thought of Nice Britain’s nationwide homosexual anthem, Tom Robinson wrote “Glad to be Homosexual” for London Satisfaction in 1976. The 4 verses, every distinct, criticizes Britain’s institutional and cultural homophobia.
Macklemore’s “Identical Love” takes on a equally political tone. That includes vocals from out Seattle native Mary Lambert, the 2012 single was a press release in help of homosexual marriage rights. It reached No. 11 on the charts.
“‘Everyone’s Free (To Really feel Good)’ — Rozalla. The primary Satisfaction I attended was in 1990. I used to be 15 years outdated and visiting San Diego from Indiana, and I had instructed my household I used to be going to the seaside. However I had taken the bus to Hillcrest and watched the parade earlier than hitting the Satisfaction festivities. This tune didn’t come out till 1991, nevertheless it performed repeatedly over the following few years and can all the time remind me of these first years I acquired to really simply be myself and dance.”
A easy lyric can say a lot. With simply 5 phrases, Rozalla, who was born in Zambia, captures the essence of being out and proud together with her 1991 banger. And man, being out and about for the primary time in a legendary gayborhood? We’d say that feels fairly good certainly!
“‘We’re Household.’ Each time I heard this tune, I needed to get on the dance ground with my besties and dance my ft off! ‘I acquired all my sistas with me’” — Donnie in Texas
Sister Sledge stated it finest! Sing it loud, and sing it proud, Donnie!
When you’re on the lookout for extra bops this month, take a look at the Queerty 2025 Pride playlist!
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