Boy George: Straight musicians have more influence when advocating for gay rights

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

Singer Boy George has made comments about the music industry, suggesting that straight artists are more influential when advocating for gay rights because people think gay artists are “preaching”.

The Culture Club singer commented on Macklemore and Ryan lewis hit ‘Same Love’, which carries a strong message of support for same-sex marriage, to say that its “impact” wouldn’t have been as strong, had the artists been gay.

He said: “If it had been a gay rapper that had done Same Love I think it probably wouldn’t have had the same impact. It’s a weird thing about our culture. I think Same Love is a great record, I don’t care if he’s straight or gay, it doesn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter, but unfortunately it does.”

“If you’re gay doing that song people think you’re preaching. No, it’s my life. It’s the same as a guy speaking about his girlfriend. For some reason when you’re gay people think you only talk about being gay. I don’t, actually. My sexuality takes up about three hours a month,” he said in the interview with News Limited.

He also discussed Lady Gaga, saying: “Born This Way? You’re a straight woman. But whatever. You’ve got to like her for liking us. That’s nothing to condemn someone for. She’s pro-gay, she loves her gay brothers and sisters and I’m sure she employs a lot of queens…”