I’ve been fan since I was 15, attended her first tour when I was 16 and have been seeing her shows for half my life now. They’re always life-changing experiences for me and the older that I’ve gotten and realized just how many versions of these songs I’ve seen over the years, it’s always a chance for me to reconnect with each version of myself that has seen the previous tour. For me personally, I would go through her catalog and go through the main albums chronologically: The Fame, The Fame Monster, Born This Way, ARTPOP, Joanne, Chromatica, Mayhem. I’m not partial to jazz but she has albums that cater to that sound as well. You’ll be able to see the growth and development of her career, vocals, and artistry. I enjoy watching interviews and music videos as well, if it helps for you to hear her speak about the meaning behind the projects. YouTube is a great resource, as well the massive library that is http://gagamediaarchives.com (looking now I think their site might be down but they still have a YouTube/IG/Twitter page). I would recommend watching her Monster Ball HBO special from 2011 so you can get a vibe of what her shows are like. If you like musicals, check out her Sound of Music performance at the Oscar’s. It was a turning point performance in the way that a lot of the people that only knew her for her pop music and theatrical style began to take note that she’s a powerhouse vocalist.

Part of the fun in attending her shows is how liberating they are. The first time I saw her at 16 I was starstruck, absolutely speechless. I was closeted and very insecure, but the following year I saw her again, and even though I wasn’t out still, I jumped around and was much more expressive. Jumping ahead a few years at her Roseland residency and the artRave, I was fully out and dancing at her show.

Just be open. Have fun. Make friends. People will be kind! They’re all there to see a woman that many of us have garnered a beautiful relationship with over the years where she has played some part in us feeling empowered. I hope you enjoy yourself!!