Lady Gaga performed in Raleigh last night and I was lucky enough to be able to go. I've followed her for about a year and a half now and love her music in addition to everything that she stands for. Right before the concert, I was told by my mother than my aunt was disappointed in the show, so to just be apprehensive about how excited I got. Gaga opened with my favorite song "Dance in the Dark" and continued to play almost her entire album in addition to a new song she had just finished. In between sets and songs, Lady Gaga spoke very openly about her support for the LGBTQ community, which I LOVED. I thought it was so amazing that someone so wonderful and powerful also had such amazing political views. At one point, I have to admit, I even teared up because her words were so moving and I couldn't help but think of the LGBTQs that were there that, maybe for the first time, felt free to be whoever it is they wanted to be.

After the first act, The Semi Precious Weapons, and before Lady Gaga came on stage, there was a commercial thing that discussed the charity Lady Gaga supports, called Re*Generation. This charity helps homeless youth, 1 out of 5 who identify as LGBTQ, find homes and stable environments. I know this charity is nothing new, but I couldn't help but get upset to know that 1 out of 5 homeless youth were kicked out of their homes due to their sexual orientation. I have been asking myself all day why the majority of the population doesn't see these wonderful people as just that, wonderful people? How could someone think that just because a person isn't in a "typical" heterosexual relationship that they have any less value or are any less of a person? The LGBTQ community still lives in some sort of fear of being attacked, whether verbally or physically, which is infuriating. These people are still people, and more than that, they are some of the most wonderful people that I have ever met. These people know exactly who they are and are so brave to be able to come out about it, which is way more than most people my age can say. Most of us are still trying to find ourselves and discover what we want to be, etc. so if anything we should be SUPPORTING the LGBTQ community because of their bravery! They make it possible for other people to accept who they are, and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think it's wonderful.

Back to my mother saying that my aunt was disappointed about the show, though. I called her and asked her how on earth my aunt could have been disappointed? Lady Gaga played just about every song she's written, had amazing costumes and insane sets! I should have known. My aunt was disappointed because of Lady Gaga's political views. It's so aggravating for me to hear stuff like that. I know there are so many people who have gotten the bravery to come out because of Gaga's support and messages and I think it's wonderful that she toured all over the world to preach the same message: Those who identify as LGBTQ are amazing people with hearts and feelings just like the rest of us. In fact, Lady Gaga is matching fans' donations to Re*Generation up to $25,000 and proceeds from every show she performed this summer went to this charity.

I truly hope that we can begin to accept people for who they are. Just because someone has different views or sexual orientations than you doesn't mean they're any less of a person. We're all human and we all have feelings. Let's start being more supportive of those who are doing such brave things by coming out. Let's begin to embrace these people for who they are, because their sexual orientations don't make them any different than who they were BEFORE you knew their sexual orientation. Let's all try to do something in our community to help these youth (and adults too!!) who are struggling to tell their loved ones who they are. Everyone should be allowed to express themselves and be who they want to be, no matter what it is. We can volunteer at our local violence center, we can donate to Re*Generation (www.ladyvirgin.com)..even $5 would make a difference, and let's start being supportive of those around us who may have "weird" orientations. If we don't start to do something now, these wonderful and amazing people will continue to live in fear that they'll be abused or disowned, and no one should have to be afraid of who they truly are.

*Ashley