Article by Ben Haynes
As we reflect on the year of music that is 2023, it’s safe to say that the gay world has been pretty spoiled this year. Whether you donned your silver, shimmery attire for the latest Beyoncé concert or traded friendship bracelets with fellow Swifties, our pop music icons treated us to a year like no other. But why is it that us gay men find ourselves enamored with the musicians who light up the stage?
Safe Spaces for All
One thing that’s been true since the dawn of time (or pop music) is that we tend to gravitate toward the ladies of pop music as they understand that their performance areas have become something of a place of worship for us. We feel as though we can truly express ourselves and find peace and safety in the beat of their music.
Madonna, Britney, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Cher, Gaga, and so many more always understood how important their music is to us. Several of them even dedicated entire albums or concert tours to our community. Because of this, we find ourselves able to truly let go and embrace who we are, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Old Friends and New Ones, Too!
Music has a way of bringing people together. Think of the best pride party you ever attended and I’ll bet that part of what made it so great was the pulsating, catchy music playing all around you. Pride anthems are anthems because the person on the other side of the song understood the assignment.
It’s a safe bet that several of your closest friends share your tastes in music, and you spend a great deal of time obsessing over the latest doings of the divas you follow. It’s also an easy way to figure out who to trust when meeting new people! If they don’t feel the urge to sing along to “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” then girl, bye!
Their Influence Can Bring About Real Change
Despite the fact that it’s 2023, our community still finds itself faced with bigotry and prejudice at every turn. Politicians incessantly try to silence us and pass legislation to prevent us from having basic human rights.
Not only do our leading ladies of pop music offer an escape from all of that, but they so frequently speak up in support of us. It’s a comfort to know that the icons we devote countless amounts of hours and energy to equally love us and want to see us live our best lives. Though their voice is also just one of many, they understand theirs has impressive power to influence the opinions of others.
Though they are only human beings, our favorite divas of pop music empower us through their talent and make us feel unstoppable.
