Gay Anthems v1 - a podcast by Keith a.k.a. K j A M

Exactly what constitutes a "gay anthem?"  According to Wikipedia, "A gay anthem or LGBT anthem is a song that has become widely popular among, or has become identified with, the LGBT community; usually with gay men. The lyrics of gay anthems are often marked with hope against the odds, pride, unity, or defiance."  The book Queer even takes it further by breaking it down into categories":











Big voiced divas: Rather than a particular song, this area of gay anthems is more akin to a cult of personality of a large gay male following for some particular diva-style pop music vocalists who are almost always female gay icons.



Overcoming hardship in love: Usually a narrative of a wronged lover who comes back stronger than before.



You are not alone: Songs about coming together as a community or reassurance to the lonely that there are others like them out there.



Throw your cares away: A carefree narrative about putting your troubles aside and partying.



Hard-won self-esteem: Here the themes involve fighting through oppression, darkness or fear to gain freedom, beauty or self-esteem.



Celebrating unashamed sexuality: The theme here is of transcending cultural shame to celebrate one's sexual nature.



Search for acceptance: Songs about a welcoming promised land where the dream of acceptance and belonging and hope lives.



Torch song for the world-weary: A narrative about being used, abused and surviving to tell the tale of lament.



Love conquers all: Tales of not giving up on love despite seemingly insurmountable odds.



No apologies: Here the theme revolves around defiantly living one's life despite what others may want.









Looking over the list, I can honestly say "gotcha covered."  I have taken some liberty by extending the definition to include specific songs that hit a nerve with the gay dance community despite the lack of a big diva voice, despair, empowerment or defiance in its overall theme.  In fact, a gay anthem could just be some HUGE song that we all know the words to and the minute the first notes ring out of the speakers in the club, the floor is immediately packed and our hands are raised in the air while we lose ourselves in it's sugar-coated, meaningless lyrics and repetitive beats.

Another area that I thought was important to cover in this list are songs that were never intended to be any type of anthem.  Instead, these would be pop songs that we all know and love and have been performed by many a drag queen over the years.  Fortunately, the fabulous boys over at Almighty Records understand our affiliation and importance of these songs and have even taken some of them and remixed them into high energy powerhouse monsters for the floor.  Now folks, it just doesn't get any better than that.

Probably one of the most important aspects of a good gay anthem is that of empowerment.  One that says "we're mad as hell and not going to take this shit no more."  One that asks you to "rise up" or "stand up for what you believe."  One that says "keep up the good fight" or 'we shall overcome."   Yes, there definitely is a theme within this context and there's plenty of that and moreover the four sets I have compiled.  Probably the best thing about gay anthems is that you can move your body and shake your ass to a message that melds with the beats.  From the divas to the messages to the hypnotic memorable hook, gay anthems are what keeps us moving, immersed and most importantly they're what unifies us.

With that said, ladies and queers may I introduce "Gay Anthems 2009" volume 1.  Enjoy!

I just want to remind everyone that these mixes are for your enjoyment, but more importantly,

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