This passionate speech by Lady Gaga about correct pronouns is everything: ‘We’re in this together’
Lady Gaga in the music video for ‘Born This Way’. (Screen capture via YouTube)
Lady Gaga is, as we know the ultimate ally, and once urged fans to asks people what pronouns they use in an impassioned speech about LGBT+ equality.
The long-time supporter of LGBT+ rights made the comments in a fired-up and articulate speech at a concert in New York City back in 2019; it’s an amazing, important message that has stood the test of time, and it’s well worth remembering.
Lady Gaga: Ask people what pronouns they use
She said: “I have learned so much over the years from all my fans. I feel so blessed, thank you for showing me and teaching me.
“I’ve learned something very important to those people now, and I wish to share this with everyone who’s listening, not just in this theatre, but around the world.
“Ask the question: ‘What is your pronoun?’
“Because for a lot of people, it’s really hard, and their pronouns aren’t respected or they’re not asked, and for me I’ve grown and changed over the years in a lot of different ways — I’ve felt misunderstood in different ways.
“All our hardships are different; I don’t mean to compare; I just mean to say we’re in this together, and I’ve had a million reasons to want to give up, and sometimes if you’re lucky you just need one good reason to stick around.”
Lady Gaga reinforced the importance of pronouns and the necessity for #Pride during her concert at #GAGAApollo on Monday night https://t.co/j8ztsOmRqO pic.twitter.com/CTlARTKA2C
— Variety (@Variety) June 25, 2019
Most people use the pronouns “he/him,” “she/her” or “they/them,” but it’s always better to ask people about the pronoun they prefer, rather than just make a guess based on their assumed gender presentation.
In the speech, Lady Gaga paid tribute to the legacy of the Stonewall riots and trans activist Marsha P. Johnson.
She said: “It’s Pride week. I wish it could exist 365 days of the year, but I’ll take a f**king global week.
“On Friday, the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. That was when our community said enough is enough. All hail to so many, including Miss Marsha P. Johnson. What bravery, what courage.
Respect people’s pronouns! You can help by putting yours in your Twitter bio and email signatures #IDAHOBIT2018 pic.twitter.com/RxADOfzrwy
— PinkNews (@PinkNews) May 17, 2018
“In the spirit of acceptance, the spirit of tolerance, the spirit of courage to be seen as you see yourself.”
Lady Gaga has long been a vocal ally
The “Born This Way” singer has always been a loud and proud supporter of equality, and has attracted a large gender-diverse LGBT+ fanbase.
She has become even more vocal under the Trump administration.
Speaking on-stage previously, she said: “Mike Pence, who thinks it’s acceptable that his wife works at a school that bans LGBTQ—you’re wrong.
“You say we should not discriminate against Christianity. You are the worst representation of what it means to be a Christian.
“I am a Christian woman, and what I do know about Christianity is that we bear no prejudice and everybody is welcome.
“So you can take all that disgrace, Mr. Pence, and you can look yourself in the mirror and you’ll find it right there.”
