Trending 23rd September 2024 by Stellar Magazine

Lady Gaga Refused To Address Rumours About Her Gender – & She Was So Right

"I didn’t feel like a victim with that lie"

 

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In a recent interview with Bill Gates, Lady Gaga addressed longstanding rumours and speculation about her gender, which were spread throughout her early career in the late 2000s.

The star has used this opportunity to reaffirm her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for trans and gender non-conforming individuals, emphasising that her actions were motivated by a commitment to the “wellbeing of others”.

Throughout her career, the pop singer and actress has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ issues, particularly in supporting same-sex marriage.

Her art and lyrics reflect her commitment to the community, as seen in lines like, “No matter gay, straight, or bi, lesbian, transgender life, I’m on the right track. I’m beautiful in my way cause God makes no mistakes.”

Identifying as bisexual herself, Gaga has attracted a significant LGBTQ+ audience through her music and artistry. Her lyrics resonate deeply with the community, making many feel seen and accepted.

The star has also been very outspoken against anti-trans legislation in the US and publicly supported Caitlyn Jenner’s transition when many others criticised it.

Additionally, her eccentric performances and camp outfits often draw from LGBTQ+ culture, particularly the art form of drag.

Unfortunately, all this advocacy hasn’t come without backlash and hate toward the artist. Back in 2011, CNN journalist Anderson Cooper made offensive and inappropriate transphobic comments towards to the star, asking her to address rumours of her having a “male appendage”.

 

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This rumour started because of a photoshopped image which was circulated on the internet. Gaga did not confirm, deny or seem offended when asked this, she simply responded “Maybe I do, would it be so terrible? Why the hell am I going to waste my time and give a press release about whether or not I have a penis? My fans don’t care and neither do I”.

Throughout her early career she was harassed by the media and people online who were determined to find out the “truth” about her gender.

Over 13 years since the CNN interview, Gaga told Gates why she had been so reluctant up until now to address the false rumours and misinformation.

She said: “I went all over the world… almost every interview I sat in they said, ‘There’s rumours that you’re a man. What do you have to say about that?”

Gaga revealed that she didn’t make a big deal of the rumour in order to protect others, specifically fans of her who might feel victimised by similar accusations – “The reason why I didn’t answer the question is because I didn’t feel like a victim with that lie,” she said.

“I thought, ‘What about a kid who is being accused of that who would think that a public figure like me would feel shame?’”

Instead, Gaga decided the turn the rumour around to “create another point of discussion.” She went on to say that she has gotten used to “lies being printed” about her since she was 20 years old. “I’m a performer, and I think it’s kind of funny,” she said.

Gaga’s interview on Gates’ new show coincides with the anticipated release of Joker: Folie à Deux, where she will star as Harley Quinn alongside Joaquin Phoenix.

 

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The singer has also hinted on Instagram to her return to pop music with a single from her seventh studio album. This single is to be released sometime in October.

One thing we know for sure is Lady Gaga is going to continue to live unapologetically and use her platform to be a voice for those who can’t be heard.

Words by Sorcha Keane

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