2021 marks the ten year anniversary of the Born This Way album, written and produced by Lady Gaga. The single “Born This Way,” released on Feb. 11, 2011, is an ode to the LGBTQIA+ community, exhibiting Gaga’s passion and determination to advocate for the community’s rights.

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known as Lady Gaga, may not even consider herself a true member of the LGBTQIA+ community, but she has consistently and publicly supported those who are a part of it. 

Gaga, inspired by the 1970s song “I Was Born This Way,” wrote “Born This Way” as a freedom song and a way to fully embrace herself, in all of her glory. 

The song’s release inspired countless people to accept themselves and eventually gain the confidence to tell the world. Various groups, not only the LGBTQIA+ community, sing this song as a way to showcase their pride in themselves and one another.

Miami Palmetto Senior High junior and member of the LGBTQIA+ community Catherine Baylis believes that this song has had a significant impact on LGBTQIA+ individuals.

“‘Born This Way’ is a big reason why a lot of people have felt comfortable enough to come out, or even just accept themselves for who they are,” Baylis said. “‘Born This Way,’ to me, was probably most helpful with internalized homophobia and recognizing that being part of the LGBTQ community isn’t a bad thing.”

Prior to the release of the song, Gaga repeatedly showed her support for the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2009, she traveled to Washington, D.C. to attend the Human Rights Campaign and the National Equality March. Her appearance at these events exemplified her early advocacy for the community.

After the “Born This Way” album dropped, in 2012, Gaga and her mother, Cynthis Germanotta, co-founded the Born This Way Foundation. The foundation aims to help youth with mental health, while working with them to create a kinder world. During a conversation with Oprah at the launch of the non-profit, Gaga made it a point to establish her views on making communities safer, more tolerable and promoting kindness towards one another.

Overall, Gaga has shown members of the LGBTQIA+ community how powerful embracing one’s identity can be. 

“She has instilled a sense of pride and confidence in LGBTQ people… She’s definitely made the process of self-acceptance easier for a lot of LGBTQ people,” Baylis said.