Tatchell attacks faux-gay pop sensation Katy Perry

PinkNews logo surrounded by illustrated images including a rainbow, unicorn, PN sign and pride flag.

American singer Katy Perry has rejected criticism of her new single UR SO GAY.

She came to prominence this year with her worldwide hit, I Kissed A Girl, that angered some gay and lesbian rights activists.

The song, which includes the lyrics “I kissed a girl and I liked it, the taste of her cherry chapstick”, was an instant number one hit.

Slant Magazine said the song: “isn’t problematic because it promotes homosexuality, but because its appropriation of the gay identity exists for the sole purpose of garnering attention—both from Perry’s boyfriend and her audience.”

Now gay rights activist Peter Tatchell has spoken out.

UR SO GAY mocks a former ‘metrosexual’ boyfriend of Perry’s with lyrics that one critic described as “schoolyard homophobia.”

“I hope you hang yourself with your H&M scarf

“While jacking off listening to Mozart

“You bitch and moan about LA

“You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys

“No you don’t even like, no you don’t even like, no you don’t even like boys

“You’re so gay and you don’t even like boys.”

Perry’s tune has infuriated outspoken activist Peter Tatchell, who said the song demeans gay people.

“I am sure Katy would get a critical reception if she expressed comparable sentiments in a song called ‘UR so black, Jewish or disabled.'”

Perry defended her song’s use of the word ‘gay.’

“We live in a very metrosexual world,” she said.

“You know, a girl might walk into a bar, meet a boy, and discover he’s more manicured than she is. And they can’t figure it out. Is he wearing foundation and a bit of bronzer? But he’s buying me drinks at the same time!

“I’m not saying you’re so gay, you’re so lame. I’m saying, you’re so gay, but I don’t understand it because you don’t like boys!”

Perry started out as a Christian pop artist, listening to gospel music and strutting her siren’s voice at church.

Perry’s parents, Evangelical preachers Mary and Keith Hudson, spoke out against her song.

Mrs Hudson said:

“We hate it. It promotes homosexuality, which the Bible clearly states is a sin, and it is shameful and disgusting.

“When it comes on I bow my head and pray.

“She is our daughter and we love her and can’t cut her out of our lives.

“But we strongly disagree with how she is conducting herself and she knows how disappointed we are.

“Katy is not a homosexual and has just been led astray by Hollywood.

“She changed when she went to LA and is going through a period of rebellion.

“She’s told me, ‘Oh Mom, I’m not going to turn into Amy Winehouse,’ but I pray all the time God will help her find salvation.”

Comments (0)

MyPinkNews members are invited to comment on articles to discuss the content we publish, or debate issues more generally. Please familiarise yourself with our community guidelines to ensure that our community remains a safe and inclusive space for all.

Loading Comments