Lady Gaga Considers Herself Part Of The LGBT Community

Lady Gaga has openly discussed her physical attraction to women in the past, but in a new interview for the August issue of The Advocate, Gaga says firmly that she is not just a gay activist, but is an actual member of the LGBT community. “The b letter,” she said.

Mostly in the the interview, though, Gaga addresses recent backlash over her affiliation with gay equality rights—with some accusing her activism as a way to pander to her fans, while others criticize her for co-opting a subculture to which she doesn’t totally belong.

To say that I would use the gay community to sell records is probably one of the most ridiculous statements anyone can make about me as a person. I would say the top thing I think about every single day of my life, other than my fans, loving the music, and my family being healthy, is social justice and equality…Anyone who says that I’m not genuine is not interested in overcoming this fight.

She goes on to address whether or not her interest in activism is as superficial as her interest in fashion:

At the end of the day I could be rolling around in Rolls-Royces, buying mansions for myself, making records, and dancing around in my underwear. But to be honest, I’m not interested in doing that at all. I’d rather be at rallies with the fans, being a part of their voice, helping to mobilize and enforce change. If people don’t believe me, they don’t have to be a part of it.