Feminism often gets misconstrued by many people, but certain individuals remind us what the term truly means at its core: equality for everyone, regardless of gender. One of those stars who shines as a feminist is Lady Gaga, an inspiration to many and a pioneer of acceptance for all.
Lady Gaga’s reputation has soared to unexpected heights after her recent role in A Star Is Born, the story of a powerful singer/songwriter who finds acclaim after falling in love with a sultry folk singer. Gaga’s talent is undeniable, but her persona behind the scenes defines her role as a feminist.
The pop queen’s quotes stand out as one of the many reasons to love her. Her quotes resemble love, acceptance, and empowerment. This speaks to everyone, which is the truth at the heart of feminism.
It doesn’t matter if she’s interviewing for a show or on-stage at a concert, Gaga doesn’t hold back from using her platform to spread love and empowerment. “I want my fans to love themselves. It’s almost like I want to hypnotize them so when they hear my music they love themselves instantly.” Her quotes like these are endless.
For the women who need it, Lady Gaga is there to pump their hearts full of encouragement. She’s been quoted to say, “Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you anymore.” Gaga’s veins are flowing with feminism and it’s hard not to applaud in admiration.
One of Lady Gaga’s most inspiring speeches involves her discussion with the Dalai Lama about peace and kindness. She at one point states, “The only thing that we all know, that we all appreciate in one another is kindness, so this has to come before all things and you must operate relentlessly this way.”
She makes a point to say that kindness is the value that connects all of humanity. It transcends the labels we use to divide one another. What would happen if these labels were abolished? Men and women? Feminist and non-feminist? The divisions need to end for equality to synthesize in the world.
Furthermore, Lady Gaga has become a spokesperson and major advocate for sexual assault awareness. As a sexual assault survivor herself, Gaga wants everyone to know that they’re not alone.
Her speech at the ELLE Women in Hollywood Celebration spoke to women’s personal choice in clothing and the right to take ownership of her life as a sexual assault survivor: “We women in Hollywood, we are voices. We have deep thoughts and ideas and beliefs and values about the world and we have the power to speak and be heard and fight back when we are silenced.”
Lady Gaga is an inspiring woman. She is a vocal humanist. And most importantly, she empowers others. She’s more than just a feminist; she speaks against oppression of all forms and fights for everyone who’s ever faced self-doubt.
She’s the role model we should all aspire to be.
Featured Image by Justin Higuchi on Flickr
Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)
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