Lady Gaga’s ‘The Fame Monster’ Turns 5: Stan & Deliver

Name: Jeremy Cabalona | Location: NYC, USA | Twitter: @jeremycabo

2. Alejandro

There was a moment during The Monster Ball Tour where Gaga performed “Alejandro” to screaming crowds across the globe. In this moment, Gaga is hoisted in the air by one of her dancers and SCREAMS: “HANDS UP, FOR GAY RIGHTS. FOR THE END OF DON’T ASK DON’T TELL.” This was a time when Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the fight for gay marriage and gay bullying were forefront national issues.

To LGBT kids across the country, myself included, it truly meant something to have my favorite pop star screaming for LGBT issues. Looking back, her messaging was surface ­level, but at the time, that’s something that really made me feel empowered and connected to a larger community. Culture as a whole wouldn’t really get the Steven Klein-­directed music video — a statement about gays in the military? The way culture and the church defines masculinity? —­­ but culture did love the catchy summer anthem.

Each time I hear “Alejandro,” I’m transported back to The Monster Ball, and I feel that moment of empowerment and connection.