by Mary J. Blige is widely considered the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul” for her pioneering work blending hip hop and R&B. Over her 30-year career, she has won nine Grammys and sold over 80 million records worldwide. However, beyond her immense musical talents, Blige has also used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. She has been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ+ community for many years through public statements, event appearances, and leveraging her fame to bring attention to important issues.
Public Statements of Support
One of the earliest and most prominent ways Blige voiced her support was in a 2007 cover story interview with The Advocate, a leading LGBTQ+ magazine. In the interview, she acknowledged the large LGBTQ+ fanbase that has supported her career from the beginning. “The gay community was there for me from the very beginning,” she said. “They were the ones buying my records and keeping me going.”
Blige went on to explicitly state her support for same-sex marriage rights. “I believe in gay marriage 100 percent,” she told The Advocate. “I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t believe in it. Love is love.” Her public endorsement came at a time when marriage equality was still a controversial issue and mainstream support was growing but far from universal. As a hugely popular artist, Blige helped normalize support for LGBTQ+ rights among her fans.
She has reiterated her pro-equality stance in numerous interviews over the years. In a 2012 interview with Entertainment Weekly, Blige said “I’m all about equal rights. I don’t see why anybody wouldn’t want two people to be happy and share their lives together.” More recently, in a 2021 interview with People, she emphasized that “Love is love, period. Who are any of us to judge anyone else and what makes them happy?”
Blige has consistently used high-profile media opportunities to publicly state her belief in marriage equality and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights when many other celebrities remained silent. Her consistent advocacy over 15+ years has helped shift cultural attitudes on this issue.
Appearances at LGBTQ+ Events
In addition to statements in interviews, Blige has also lent her star power to appear at prominent LGBTQ+ events. In 2012, she voiced her support of then-President Barack Obama and marriage equality during a performance at the Democratic National Convention. Her appearance and words helped energize LGBTQ+ voters and allies.
She has also performed at Pride festivals around the world, bringing joy and visibility to LGBTQ+ communities. In 2016, Blige headlined WorldPride in NYC, one of the largest Pride events in the world. During her performance, she told the massive crowd “I love you for who you are. You should be able to love who you want.”
Blige understands the importance of showing up in person at LGBTQ+ celebrations. Her appearances affirm the community and help counter the isolation that LGBTQ+ people sometimes feel. They also allow her to directly communicate her advocacy and bring more attention to issues of equality and acceptance.
Advocating Through Her Music
In addition to public statements and events, Blige has used her music as another vehicle for advocacy. Her 2008 song “Work That” became an anthem celebrating self-empowerment and overcoming struggles. The accompanying music video prominently featured LGBTQ+ imagery and drag queens.
The video sends a message of uplifting marginalized communities. As Blige said in an interview, “That video was a celebration of all people – gay, straight, whatever. It was a party!” By including LGBTQ+ representation in her art, Blige normalizes and celebrates queer lives and culture.
Her 2017 song “Love Yourself” contains the lyrics “Love who you want to love ’cause it ain’t up to me. Only you can tell your heart who feels right.” The message of empowering people to love freely without judgment is a clear advocacy for LGBTQ+ relationships and intimacy.
Blige continues using her songwriting talents to spread positive messages of acceptance. Her music spreads her advocacy to wider audiences and gives LGBTQ+ fans anthems that affirm their identities and relationships.
A Lifelong Ally and Advocate
Over the past 15 years, Mary J. Blige has been unwavering in her public support for LGBTQ+ rights, marriage equality, and celebrating queer lives. From interviews to live performances, she has consistently used her platform to advocate for issues important to the community. As one of the most successful artists in history, Blige understands the power and responsibility of her influence.
By speaking out early in support of same-sex marriage when many remained silent, she helped shift opinions on LGBTQ+ rights issues. Her appearances at Pride events bring joy and visibility while countering isolation. And her music spreads inclusive messages to even wider audiences.
Blige’s advocacy did not end with marriage equality either. She continues voicing support for transgender rights and opposing policies targeting the LGBTQ+ community. As a lifelong ally, Mary J. Blige will surely keep using her influence to champion equality, acceptance, and love for all people in the years to come. Her advocacy has left an immense positive impact, and she deserves recognition as one of pop culture’s foremost champions for LGBTQ+ rights.
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