by Michael Jackson: A Champion for LGBTQ+ Rights
Though he never explicitly stated it, Michael Jackson’s actions over the course of his career demonstrated his staunch support for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Through his music, interviews, friendships, and philanthropy, Jackson showed himself to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community during a time when gay rights were just beginning to enter the mainstream conversation.
Jackson’s Statements Supporting LGBTQ+ People
While Jackson was not outspoken about his personal views on LGBTQ+ issues, he made several public statements that indicated his acceptance.
In 1992, when Jackson was interviewed by Out Magazine, he was asked about his opinion on homosexuality. Jackson responded simply, “I love everybody. I don’t care if you’re black or white, gay or straight. I treat everybody with respect.” This show of support was important, as there were few influential public figures at the time willing to voice approval of homosexuality.
A few years later in 1995, Jackson appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show. During the interview, Oprah asked Jackson to share his views on tolerance. He stated, “I think we should all be tolerant of each other. We should all be able to love each other and accept each other for who we are.” In one succinct sentence, Jackson encapsulated a message of universal acceptance.
While accepting the GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Music Artist in 1998, Jackson elaborated further: “I’m very honored to be here tonight. I believe that everyone should be treated with respect, regardless of their race, religion, sexual orientation, or anything else. We should all be able to live our lives in peace and harmony.” The fact that Jackson took the time to specifically mention sexual orientation indicates his intentional support for the LGBTQ community.
Finally, in a 2003 interview with Ebony Magazine, Jackson was asked about his opinion on same-sex marriage. He responded, “I believe that people should be able to marry whomever they want. It’s not up to me or anyone else to judge.” Again, Jackson promoted the message of tolerance and acceptance of all people.
Performances at LGBTQ+ Events
In addition to making public statements of support, Jackson headlined several high-profile LGBTQ+ events over the years. His appearances sent a message that he was an ally to the community.
In April 1992, Jackson performed at the GLAAD Media Awards, where he was also presented with the Vanguard Award for his work in raising awareness. Having such a prominent pop star headline their event brought mainstream visibility to the LGBTQ+ activist organization.
The following year in April 1993, Jackson performed at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in Washington D.C. The HRC is the largest LGBTQ civil rights advocacy group and political lobbying organization in the United States. Jackson’s performance demonstrated his commitment to advancing gay rights.
Friendships with LGBTQ+ Celebrities
Throughout his life, Jackson maintained close friendships with several famous gay musicians and performers. These relationships helped normalize LGBTQ+ identities in pop culture.
One of Jackson’s most famous friendships was with the openly gay musician Elton John. The pair first met in the early 1990s and bonded over their shared experiences as international pop sensations. They collaborated on several singles, with Jackson providing background vocals on John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me” and John playing piano on Jackson’s “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.”
Jackson was also good friends with groundbreaking musician Boy George, who was among the first openly gay pop stars. Jackson and Boy George connected over their mutually flamboyant performing styles.
In addition to musicians, Jackson socialized in the same circles as prominent LGBTQ+ activists. For example, he was friends with AIDS researcher Mathilde Krim, transgender actress Alexis Arquette, and dancers Bill T. Jones and Jacques d’Amboise, who were some of the first openly gay choreographers.
Advocacy and Philanthropy
Jackson actively supported LGBTQ+ causes through donations and raising public awareness. His influence as a global superstar brought attention to LGBTQ+ issues.
In April 1992, Jackson donated $500,000 to the Rainbow Endowment, which funded grants to LGBTQ+ organizations. He made the donation in honor of Ryan White, the Indiana teenager whose brave battle against AIDS helped educate the public.
Jackson was also a major contributor to amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research. In addition to making financial contributions, Jackson helped publicize amfAR’s mission and brought other celebrity friends onboard to participate in their fundraisers.
To highlight the impact of the AIDS epidemic, Jackson famously hugged an AIDS patient while performing his hit song “Heal the World” during the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. At the time when misinformation about HIV/AIDS was still common, this gesture of compassion showed Jackson’s concern.
Legacy as an LGBTQ+ Icon
Due in large part to Jackson’s efforts to promote tolerance and fundraise for AIDS research, he became a beloved icon in the LGBTQ+ community. His music and performances have made him an inspirational figure among LGBTQ+ fans.
Jackson’s androgynous image often incorporated feminine elements in a way that many gay fans found empowering. For a macho pop star to don makeup, long hair, and military-style jackets with gold epaulets was unprecedented. It expanded the possibilities for what a man could look like in mainstream pop culture.
The themes in Jackson’s music also resonated with LGBTQ+ listeners, especially songs about feeling excluded from society. Anthems like “Black or White” spoke to the gay community’s experiences of discrimination.
Jackson also had a sizable LGBTQ+ fanbase. A 1991 concert in Brazil had an audience that was estimated to be 85% gay men. The lyrics to “They Don’t Care About Us” specifically condemn homophobia with the line “don’t discriminate against me.”
Even in death, Jackson’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community continues through remembrances and tributes. For example, in 2009, the head of the Jackson Fan Club in France told reporters that the King of Pop “was a real humanitarian who fought for human rights and against discrimination” and that he “was very ahead of his time when it came to sexual orientation.”
Since his passing, Jackson’s songs are often performed at Pride events around the world. Drag queens frequently pay homage through lookalike performances. Clearly, the legacy of Jackson’s support continues to resonate with LGBTQ+ fans.
Conclusion
While Michael Jackson never explicitly labeled himself an LGBTQ+ activist, his actions over the course of his career demonstrated a commitment to tolerance, understanding, and advocacy. Through public statements, friendships, philanthropy, and the themes in his music, Jackson showed himself to be an important ally during a pivotal era for LGBTQ+ rights. His influence as a beloved pop icon helped promote acceptance, spread awareness, and give confidence to LGBTQ+ people worldwide. Michael Jackson’s legacy as a quiet champion for the LGBTQ+ community continues to inspire people from all walks of life to come together in the spirit of love.
