10 gay pride anthems that made it past censors in S'pore

Because the public servant vetting the lyrics probably could not see it coming.

Jonathan Lim| May 25, 08:20 PM

Yahoo Singapore reported that Jolin Tsai's song 'We're All Different, Yet The Same' will have restricted airing in Singapore. It reported that the Media Development Authority 'sent notices to television and radio stations in the country so as to refrain from airing both song and music video on channels'. This was because the song  had lyrics 'that encourage the pursuit of equal rights of marriage for the LGBTI community'.

The song's MTV had Tsai along with Taiwanese Actress Ruby Lin share a kiss while both wore wedding gowns. The YouTube video of the MTV has over 7 million views thus far.

Last year, another Taiwanese songstress, A*Mei was also directed to not perform her song 'Rainbow' when she was here in Singapore for a concert. The song is a tribute to homosexual couples.

But lovers of songs that celebrate homosexuality need not fret about a couple of banned songs, there are already plenty that are still playing on local radio stations.

Gay anthems according to Wikipedia usually feature "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."

Here are 10 of them which still can be heard on local airwaves:

1. Born This Way - Lady Gaga

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With empowering lyrics like 'I'm beautiful in my way, 'Cause God makes no mistakes', it is no wonder this song is one of the most popular gay anthems in recent times.

 

2. Firework - Katy Perry

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If you are not someone who knows double entendre, this song would be any other pop song. Put on your gay cap and re-read the lyrics and the song takes on a whole different meaning.

Can you appreciate the Firework reference in The Interview better now that you know it's a gay anthem?

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3. Believe - Cher

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I guess you could file this under 'big-voiced diva'.

 

4. Embrace - Mayday

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Now this is a curious song because the updated 2014 MTV features a gay couple, a regular family, and a cross-dresser taking part in a marathon. The original MTV released in the 00s features a female lead who flirts with each band member on different occasions. Which MTV is healthier is up for debate.

Here's the older MTV:

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5. Girlfriend - Icona Pop

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"All I need in this life of sin is me and my girlfriend", this song could either be a BFF song or a lesbian anthem. As long as people are enjoying their jam. Who cares?

 

6. All The Things She Said - t.A.T.u.

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7. Beautiful - Christina Aguilera

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Bet many straight people didn't see this one coming. Yes, Aguilera's Beautiful is a gay anthem. Just watch the MTV and the bulb in your head will light up.

 

8. Let It Go - Frozen OST

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This is the song the radio refused to stop playing. Children refused to stop belting it out in 2014. And surprise! It's a gay anthem too. All that talk about letting go and not holding it in any more and you would think it was talking about having to pee.

 

9. I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor

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Classic.

 

10. Dancing Queen - ABBA

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Not sure if anyone in MDA is having a panic attack knowing that this song popularly used for school mass dance routines is also a gay anthem. Who said the dancing queen had to be a girl?

You know what's another mass dance number / gay anthem?

This classic, which everyone knows the moves to:

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Look at them tight pants.