Janet Jackson as gay icon

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Gay icon Janet Jackson.
Gay icon Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson (born May 16, 1966) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actress. Jackson has long been considered a gay icon, garnering a substantial gay following during the 1980s and 1990s. Recognized as a long-term ally of the LGBT community, Jackson received the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Album for her Grammy Award-winning sixth studio album The Velvet Rope (1997), which spoke out against homophobia and embraced same-sex love. In 2005, Jackson received the Humanitarian Award from the Human Rights Campaign in recognition of her involvement in raising funds for AIDS Charities and received the Vanguard Award at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards (2008).

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[edit] The Velvet Rope and AIDS charities

During the recording of Jackson's sixth studio album The Velvet Rope, the singer reportedly suffered from depression, which became a central theme to the album among other subjects including domestic abuse, low self-esteem, sadomasochism, lesbianism, bisexuality, and homophobia. The song "Free Xone" dealt specifically with homophobia and same-sex relationships.[1] Speculation over Jackson's own sexual orientation began circulating after the release of The Velvet Rope—especially regarding her cover version of Rod Stewart's 1976 song "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)", which contained bisexual undertones—however, Jackson denied rumors that she has had sexual relationships with other women.[2] Despite denying accusations of lesbianism, Jackson has said she does not mind being called gay.

It never frustrated me. I never got upset behind it. For what reason? Why get upset because someone said you were gay or called you gay? That should upset me? Then it would be something negative to me, and it's not. It's just another rumor, like all the rest of them.

—Janet Jackson, Instinct[3]

The album's second single "Together Again", a hit in several countries, became an homage to loved ones Jackson has lost to AIDS,[4] as well as an elegy to AIDS victims and their families worldwide.[5] The upbeat dance song was arranged to celebrate the spirit of those who have passed on, rather than morn their deaths, as Jackson comments.[6] A portion of the single's sales were donated by Jackson to The American Foundation for AIDS Research.[6] On November 17, 1997, Jackson was honored by the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum for the album's sexual orientation-related content,[7] in addition to receiving the award for Outstanding Music Album at the 9th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in 1998.[8] In June 2005, Jackson was given the Humanitarian Award by the Human Rights Campaign and AIDS Project Los Angeles in honor of her activism.[8]

What I've learned in these recent months is that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and it's real. It's a beautiful light that both comforts our minds and strengthens our souls. Tonight my heart is filled with gratitude for that light. I'm so grateful that prayers are answered, that faith is rewarded and tolerance is celebrated as a virtue. I'm grateful that God is of unconditional love.

—Janet Jackson, ABC News[9]

[edit] Homophobia in the recording industry

In an interview with GayWired, Jackson was asked whether or not having a strong hip-hop fan base, which is known for being homophobic, has ever conflicted with her support of the gay community. Jackson asserted that other people's homophobic views have never affected her work.[10] In 2002, Jackson recorded the duet "Feel It Boy" with reggae singer Beenie Man with moderate success, though Jackson later admitted regret over the collaboration after discovering Beenie Man's music often contains homophobic lyrics; Jackson issued an apology to the gay comunity in an article contained in The Voice.[11] Jackson has stated she would have never agreed to record the duet had she been informed by her label about Beenie Man's controversial lyrics beforehand. However, Jackson's 2004 song "All Nite (Don't Stop)" was remixed by Jamaican dancehall artist Elephant Man, who as also been accused of homophobia.[11]

[edit] LGBT social movements

LGBT social movements, which include the Gay and Lesbian Rights Movement, Gay Liberation, lesbian feminism, and transgender activism, have often garnered celebrity endorsement from many entertainers including Jackson. She has often voiced her support for same-sex marriage, advocating all people have the right to fall in love.[2] In 2008, Jackson appeared in a public service announcement sponsored by the Logo television network and the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in response to the E.O. Green School shooting. The announcement discusses the murder of fifteen-year-old Lawrence "Larry" King and the safety of LGBT youth in public schools. Jackson states that "none of us are safe, until all of us are safe".[12] On April 26, 2008, fellow gay icon Ellen Degeneres presented Jackson with the Vanguard Award at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles.

We are delighted to honor Janet Jackson at the 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles as such a visible, welcoming and inclusive ally of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. Ms. Jackson has a tremendous following inside the LGBT community and out, and having her stand with us against the defamation that LGBT people still face in our country is extremely significant.

—GLAAD President Neil G. Giuliano[8]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Janet Jackson's "Free Xone" lyrics on Yahoo! Music. Yahoo! Music. Retrieved on 2008-04-06.
  2. ^ a b Naff, Kevin (September 29, 2006). We're 'So Excited'. Washington Blade. Retrieved on 2008-04-07.
  3. ^ Cane, Clay (April 1, 2008). Janet Jackson Goes Deep. Instinct. Retrieved on 2008-02-17.
  4. ^ Bronson, Fred (October 1, 2003). The Billboard Book of Number 1 Hits. Billboard Books, 1008. ISBN 0823076776. 
  5. ^ Huey, Steve. Janet Jackson > Biography. Allmusic. Retrieved on 2008-04-25.
  6. ^ a b (October 28, 2003) Jacksons Number Ones. Authors On Line, 196. ISBN 0755200985. 
  7. ^ Gay News From 365Gay.com. 365Gay.com (November 17, 1997). Retrieved on 2008-04-07.
  8. ^ a b c McCarthy, Marc (April 1, 2008). Janet Jackson to be Honored at 19th Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles. GLAAD. Retrieved on 2008-04-01.
  9. ^ ABC News: Janet Jackson. ABC News (June 18, 2005). Retrieved on 2008-04-09.
  10. ^ D'Amboise, Angela (2008-03-07). Janet Jackson Talks Lesbian Love, Madonna and Discipline. GayWired. Retrieved on 2008-06-05.
  11. ^ a b Weekes, Danielle (October 11, 2004). I'm Sorry, Says Ms Jackson. The Voice. Retrieved on 2008-04-05.
  12. ^ GLSEN Partners with LOGO to Launch PSA in Wake of Lawrence King Tragedy. GLSEN (2008-03-10). Retrieved on 2008-05-16.

[edit] External links

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