Gay Anthems For A New Generation 2020 | Non-stop Mix Of Modern-day Gay Pride Anthems - a podcast by Keith a.k.a. K j A M

Every year during Gay Pride, the question "what constitutes a gay anthem" has been asked and answered in countless posts about the subject — even on this site. Party Favorz wants to break it down so "others" can have a better understanding as to why certain songs attract gay folk like flies to honey.

By quoting the 2002 book "Queer," Wikipedia gets it mostly right but goes off the rails in other areas:

The lyrics of gay anthems are often marked by themes of perseverance, inner strength, acceptance, pride, and unity. Ten elements were identified by the editors of the 2002 book Queer, which they claim describe themes common to many gay anthems: "big voiced divas; themes of overcoming hardship in love; "you are not alone;" themes of throwing your cares away (to party); hard won self-esteem; unashamed sexuality; the search for acceptance; torch songs for the world-weary; the theme of love conquers all; and of making no apologies for who you are." -Gay anthem from Wikipedia

They go onto list a variety of songs that they think are written down in the gay annals of history with many of them being so off the mark that it leaves us scratching our head in bewilderment. Party Favorz even gets a mention (without mentioning us) when they list "Lady Gaga's "Born This Way", and Ariana Grande's "Break Free" (both of which are included here) considered as gay anthems for the new generation. Sound familiar? That's only a tacit acknowledgement of Party Favorz' contribution to the LGBTQ+ community but we'll take it.



THEMES OF A GAY ANTHEM

The book "Queer" provides the definitive list of the types of songs that meet the criteria for a gay anthem:





* First and foremost "Big-voiced divas" are a given. The women with massive vocal pipes are typically the first one's inducted into our big gay tent (see Whitney, Ariana Grande, Aretha Franklin, Kelly Clarkson, Adele, Sia, and P!nk). Even then, they may just be a persona, an image or style that reflects our personal choices but may not necessarily have the best vocals (see Madonna, Britney, and Kylie) Other times they may be a combination of both (see Cher and Lady Gaga).

* Overcoming hardship and love

* You are not alone

* Throw your cares away

* Hard-won self-esteem

* Celebrating unashamed sexuality

* Search for acceptance

* Torch song for the world weary

* Love conquers all

* No apologies



As you can see — the qualifications are endless but never without reason.

All these themes are explored one way or another in this 5-hour set, which features modern-day gay anthems as well as past anthems reworked for today's dance floors. While by no means complete — I dare you to find anything remotely comprehensive than what's contained here.



THE MAKING OF A GREAT GAY ANTHEM

There is one underlying theme that should immediately appear apparent when you browse the track list. That is the inclusion of an overly abundant remixes by Party Favorz

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