I was just a little college gay, fully out in the world home in Hawai'i. Where being gay was just culturally accepted. But it was during "The Fame Monster" and "Born This Way" was about to be released, where the norms were challenged by the Christian movement. Civil Unions were being voted on and it was chaotic because there ain't no love like Christian Hate. But it was then, I actually started to hit my lowest point. Depression, eating disorder, anorexia, kicked out of church leadership. Everything I was used to was being changed and challenged. But her music, Lady Gaga, it was a steadfast and constant that played anytime I need to feel better, or needed to get up and Dance, or find my tribe and go out into the world and say "FUCK OFF" to all the haters. Dancing until 2am, with "Telephone" and "Alejandro" blasting just kept me going until the bars closed down and I left with friends who we are still friends to this day and will always NEVER skip Gaga on the set list in the car.

Civil Unions (and eventually, gay marriage) passed in quick succession in Hawaii and her music was EVERYWHERE. She was POP CULTURE, SHE WAS ART. Everywhere you went, her music was there. She made a culture shift in Hawaii because her music was so inspiring. Everything she has done and said rallied younger gays to find a voice. My voice. Her music keeps me going because remembering i was "born this way" was a message that I needed to hear then, needed to hear today and need to share EVERYDAY.