Standing Up For Yourself

Standing out from the crowd is hard in any country. But what if your sexuality was outlawed and practising it could land you a lengthy jail term? And what if there was no word in your language to describe the very essence of your being?


Will you stand up for yourself? Will you proudly tell people that you are gay or lesbian?


Let's analyse Lady GaGa's Born This Way lyrics more intensely now.




It doesn't matter if you love him or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'Cause you were born this way, baby


Meaning; It doesn't matter if you love somebody of the same sex, or Him (aka God), because you were born that way.




There's nothin' wrong with lovin' who you are
She said, 'cause He made you perfect, babe
So hold your head up, girl and you you'll go far


Meaning; God made everybody perfect, so celebrate who you are.


I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes

Meaning; Everybody is beautiful in their own way; God makes no mistakes! No matter how you were born, you were meant to be here.

Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way
Baby, I was born this way
Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby, I was born this way


Meaning; There is no other way to be but yourself!


Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Don't be


Meaning; Reference to others who wrongfully hate drag queens because of who they are: 
don't be a drag, just be a queen! Stop hating on others because of their preferences.




In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth


Meaning; Be wise and love everybody around you. Respect the truth.


Mi amore vole fe yah


A fifteenth-century saying that supposedly means "Love cannot exist without trust".




The breadth of gay and lesbian experience in East Asia is incredibly varied. It ranges from Chinese lesbians who call themselves 'female comrades' for want of a better word, to 'Muk nar' or transvestites in Islamic Malaysia. 

Even when there are no specific laws prohibiting homosexuality, discrimination occurs through other more obscure laws, such as in Vietnam where men are forbidden from wearing 'weird or sorcerous garments' or in Taiwan where a law against 'overt lewdness in public places' can give police the power to intimidate the gay community.

I want you to be happy for who you really are! If you're gay or lesbians, accept yourself for who you are. You can't please everyone. 

Live for yourself.