It’s LGBTQ+ History Month honoring pioneers like David Bowie, Melissa Etheridge, Michael Stipe & Freddie Mercury!
David Bowie paved the way for the freedom to love who you love and declare it without fear. Bowie broke barriers with identity, self-acceptance and expression. From his inclusion of LGBTQ characters on hunky dory … to declaring he was gay in a 1972 interview when it had only recently been decriminalized by parliament…to Ziggy Stardust and his many gender bending costumes. David Bowie gave courage, strength and validation to countless fans.
Melissa Etheridge showed a generation of women how to embrace their sexuality with honor and grace. In 1993, she came out publicly releasing “Yes I Am” later that year, which became her breakthrough album. She’s been honored for her work with the aids foundation, demonstrated the normalcy of being a gay parent, been a champion of same sex marriage, and survived breast cancer and breakups just like straight people do.
Michael Stipe embraced his sexual fluidity refusing to declare himself gay, and instead confessing his attraction to both men and women. At the height of R.E.M.’s success and following rumors that the always skinny Stipe had contracted aids he declared “not that I can tell” and in 1995 he appeared on the cover of out magazine, blurring lines for those who sought a convenient box in which to place him.
Freddie Mercury of queen whose flamboyant stage performances led to much speculation about his sexuality. Mercury struggled with labels, declaring lifelong friend Mary Austin the love of his life, while also proclaiming Jim Hutton his husband saying he “honestly couldn’t ask for better.” regardless of orientation, mercury’s legacy will always be his four octave vocal range and amazing performances that have inspired generations of artists.
Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, America’s Original Craft Vodka, during LGBTQ+ History Month.
