All Hail the Queens of Pop

Ok, so I’m totally feeling Lady Gaga lately! (In case you haven’t noticed her sliding into my playlists over the past few months.). Now, let me preface this by saying I am a proud Gen Xer, ride or die, all hail the Queen of Pop Madonna girl.  I feel I have to state that considering the drama, rivalry, and obvious shade between the two of them for over the last decade.

The first time I saw and heard Lady Gaga I immediately dismissed her as a Millennial Madonna-wannabe, and pretty much refused to listen to her.  I was a Madonna snob.  Then, in 2011, I heard the song “Born This Way,”and I thought “Whoa! Ok, this chick actually has a message!”  Yeah, yeah, I know…  There are many similarities between “Born This Way” and her Royal Highness’s “Express Yourself.”  Regardless, where Madonna’s message was a shout-out to the LGBTQIA community in her song, Lady Gaga’s lyrics are a blunt punch in the face — and she’s earned my respect!

Growing up in the 80s, and being a former dancer, I was (and am) a staunch gay rights (now LGBTQIA) advocate and HIV/AIDS activist.  Sadly, I lost many colleagues and dear friends during that era.  Madonna was one of the few artists who stuck their neck out and used their fame to help change the stigma around the gay community and AIDS epidemic.  As far as music moguls go, Madonna started the fire of equality in the 80s and 90s, and now Lady Gaga is throwing gasoline on it!  Both of these fire starters now hold a special place in my heart.

I’m loving Miss G’s latest album Chromatica.  It is entirely reminiscent of 80s/90s house music and disco vibes.  This sound leaves me nostalgic for my favorite twenty-something nightclubs, which I frequented when I had little responsibility and could dance tirelessly into the wee hours of the morning... ah, the good ol’ days!  When I discovered Chromatica in December, it lifted my spirits and had me dancing, albeit alone, all through my house while I decorated for the holidays and enjoyed my favorite gin & tonic concoction.

The album really resonated with me and, reminding me of the dance club days of my youth, inspired me to finally pay my own tribute to the divine Lady G.  I curated a playlist of her uplifting tunes and empowering messages for my Vinyasa Warrior class. (Spotify link below for your listening pleasure.)

In addition to her many talents and accolades, Lady Gaga’s vast philanthropy efforts are admirable, to say the least.  Notably, she birthed the Born This Way Foundation, a non-profit organization which focuses on youth empowerment and teen mental health — a subject that is grossly overlooked. Gaga’s initiative to support the well-being of our youth and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health is something we will be thanking her for in decades to come.

 So, to Her Royal Highness Madonna, I say: Imitation is the greatest form of flattery. You’ve influenced Lady Gaga’s powerful pipes, as an artist and an activist. You both advocate for equality, promote peace, help the less fortunate and support those in need. Be proud, My Queen! Your reign has not ended; your monarchy and kingdom have just grown. This world needs more fierce and forceful female voices to start fires and light up the world!  Your crown will always be safe with me.

So don’t be a drag, just be a Queen!

As I write and reflect on the accomplishments of these dynamic divas, I am again inspired.  I’m feeling a full-on “Warrior Queens - Madonna & Lady Gaga” musical mash-up class for charity.

Stay tuned!

Namaste,

Kelly

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