LGBT Artists  | Poll Results | Advocate.com

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Results for the following question: Are you more likely to support an artist if he or she identifies as LGBT?

Yes
 61.9%

No
 31.3%

Undecided
 6.8%

Total Votes: 779

Comments:
These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Anonymous
not that it'll make me think their music is better but i'd back em up and support their bravery for coming out in a world that's not always friendly. if their being true to themselves...that's huge so i'd support their honesty and guts if not also their creative pursuits

Jacob Mayhew
I think it's great but doubtful more supportive. If NOT supportive, that could be a problem.

Anonymous
if i read about an LGBT artist, i'll be more likely to seek out a listen, but it doesnt mean i'll buy the CD if i don't like it...its about the music, 1st & foremost... who the bass player is sleeping with doesn't affect whether i can hum along

Michael
It's the same old question. Of course I would support someone who is honest with his/her fans.

Anonymous
If you're good, You're good; regardless of who or what you fuck. I am an art collector who's openly gay.

DMar
I am going to support an artist based on their work. I would not want to give anyone a biased plateau. Sexuality does not make or break someones work.

Tyler
I would support an artist on the work itself rather than who did it, and what their lifestyle is.

Ty, Canada
If an artist openly identifies as GLBT I will make the effort to pay attention to them. The more an artist does for the GLBT community or for equality, the more I will endorse them. However, they need to have creativity, talent, a good attitude (no bloated ego), and good values to have my continued support (and for me to purchase their art).

Eric
My support of an artist is based on his or her talent, not their sexuality.

Anonymous
Support of an artist is about Art, not the sex of the artist unless you're having it with them ...

Richard - Las Vegas
So now as gay folks we not only have to go to only gay bars and gay restaurants, and we have to buy our clothes at gay clothing stores, and we have to take only gay vacations on Atlantis or Olivia, and we can only listen to the music made by gay musicians, but now you want us to only buy artwork from gay artists? How much more ghetto-ized do you want us to be? Should we set up our own state or country, as well?

Brittanie Kehr
ppl who are lgbt just look at everything for what its worth. they want what makes them happy. if they're a guy, and its a guy that makes him most happy, so be it! anyone who chooses to judge them is just a fucking insensitave idiot.

Anonymous
i think that it shouldnt matter what your sexual orientation. you should like them for who they are. its not like just becuz they are bglt that they will like you. wtf??? just cuz they are bglt you tear them down. they are humans just like you. ACCEPT IT.

Anonymous
I hate to admit it. But yes I do. And I'm not even sure why. I guess it's because I can relate to them more. And I also believe that when you are part of a minority, it's important to support each other. That being said... of course quality of the work is the first thing I judge an artist on, not their sexual orientation. But it does play into it.

Robert
If I liked the artist's work the answer would be definitely yes. If I didn't like his work the question would be moot.

Cindy
No. I will support an artist if I like their art. For instance, I absolutely loathe Melissa Etheridge and I avoid her like the plague. Does that make me a bad lesbian because I don't adhere to the "party line"? It's all a matter of personal taste, and I won't support an artist just because of their sexual orientation.

Cindy
No. I will support an artist if I like their art. For instance, I absolutely loathe Melissa Etheridge and I avoid her like the plague. Does that make me a bad lesbian because I don't adhere to the "party line"? It's all a matter of personal taste, and I won't support an artist just because of their sexual orientation.

Robert
If I like the artist's work, definitely yes. Otherwise, the question is moot.

Paul L .
I have found myself collecting all of the work of Morrisey and Rufus Wainwright . I seem to seek out the gay male voice in my music choices .

jazzluv
How stupid a question is this - we are much bigger than our sexual orientation

Anonymous
It depends really. But usually GLBT artists have a greater openness to creativity, emotion, diversity, and tolerance than most straight artists. Plus, GLBT artists are more likely to hold progressive political opinions.

Melainie
I don't think that any of that matters. If they are GLBT then let them be GLBT, if not then that is okay. What matters is if they are good, not who they love.

Michael
I don't go by if a person is gay or lesbian. What I care about is the quality of their work, and if I like their work.

Anonymous
I don't discriminate either way. I have noticed though that most gay/lesbian comics tend to be boring and pretentious

Anonymous
all u lgbt's are spiritually dead

Anonymous
Yes, when the artist is on par with other artists that interest me and when they bring to their art an LGBT perspective with which I can identify.

Kaela
If I agree with what the artist thinks and supports surrounding LGBT culture, then yes I would support them more BECAUSE of that. I would also try to support someone who is bisexual IF they present a good image of bisexuality, since there is a bit of prejudice out there about it. But otherwise, I care more about their art than their sex life.

Rick
I am more apt to support an artist if they are talented, honest, and not relying on media mania to promote their career, regardless of their sexuality. Why can't we just let go of identities of sexual preference, gay, straight, bi, trans-gendered, or whatever. Just be who we are, honest open accepting humans

Anonymous
As a member of a GLBT chorus, I appreciate the support of our Syracuse, NY community. These folks come to see us because we are there for them. This is why I feel sincere GLBT artists deserve our support.

Ronnie
Because this is my community, therefore it is where I spend my money, find support, and choose to be.

Howard
Seems like all my favorite artists these days are gay, but I am much more likely to support the gay artists with purchases of addition CDs, t-shirts, attend shows and whatnot. Since the corporate world tends to not support LGBT artists, I feel that if I have the available money, it is up to me to support them. After all, I want to continue to hear the music, or whatever art form, so I like to put my money where my heart lies.

Outspoken
No way, as this is a form of mental illness, and against everything the Lord stands for. Homosexuality and the like is all just a sickness. It is a shame that people are letting Satan fool them into thinking this is normal. It is sick and very disgusting. There is just no justification for such acts. Society really needs to openly reject these people, and let them know that it is not okay. All we can do is pray for deliverance, as it is a serious problem.

Anonymous
My first instinct was yes. I thought about it for half a second and of course I thought, "oh that doesn't matter", but I definitely find that I am more willing to give an artist a second listen if I know that they are gay.

Anonymous
I would never support any gay.

Ken
I will buy music that I like from an artist, LGBT or otherwise, but I am more likely to try music from queer artists that I am not familiar with.

D. Murray
If the Artist is good, that is question. Also, being an artist, you should be open and able to have your art viewed,accepted and purchased by a wide variety of people, gays and lesbians included.

Anonymous
Nope, and honestly I tend to think less of an artist if they bill themselves as "gay composer..." or "gay sculptor..." Although some times it helps to understand their perspective, I generally dislike people who make such an issue over their sexual preference.

amydivine
Absolutely. I won't listen to the artist(s) if I don't like the music, but I find I identify more with queer artists music, in general.

riffraf002
We need too support our own. There is so much hate of gay-men out there. We should do everything possible to support our people.

Mario
Yes, but only if it's pretty good in the first place. So... uh, sorry Savage Garden.

Anonymous
I would never support an artist solely on the basis of his or her self-identification as LGBT. On the other hand, I might find myself more interested in the work if I found it personally relevant.

Anonymous
LGBT artists deserve our support. They put themselves on the front line and we need to do all we can to further their careers.

Valerie Curtis-Newton
I'm even more likely to support LGBT artists of color.

Anonymous
It shows there confidence within themselves!

Anonymous
yes, if the artist is good.

Shawn MacKENZIE
I say that with the caveat that it is the work which is the true decider, not the artist's sexual orientation.

chris
As a LGBT public figure, it's important to identify yourself as such because it makes it "normal" for young people who struggle with this..

Robert Cameron
My tastes in music, literature, art, etc. are sometimes affected by my experience as a gay man but that's only one facet of my being. In general I like what I like regardless of such aspects of the artist's life. I don't particularly like GLBTs like Camille Paglia or Bruce Bawer but wouldn't agree with their philosophies regardless of their sexual orientation. I am more inclined to dismiss an artist due to his/her homophobia -- take Mel Gibson, please-- than I am to adopt an artist solely because she/he is GLBT. In many cases it's irrelevant because I don't know or care what Jane Austen, Wolfgang Mozart, or Henri Matisse thought about GLBTs; they're long dead.

Claudio
What does sexual orientation have to do with artistic ability ? That is a stereotype.

Anonymous
It proves they aren't scared to be who they are

Anonymous
Yes, but only if the quality of the work is good. Being LGBT isn't enough of a reason to grab my total support. If the quality isn't there, neither is my support.

Joe Laux
No. It should be the TALENT that counts, not who they go to bed with.

Scott
Why not, so many of them are such cowards. People like Jodie Foster refuse to confirm what everybody knows even though she lives and works in a very liberal environment. Compare that to the soldier, fireman, or office worker in Kansas that comes out to their co-workers. I won't watch her movies anymore, but I absolutly buy every Scissor Sisters CD that comes out because of Jake Shears openess.

Steve Zucal
Although ultimately the music has to be good...I am much more likely to listen to music from an LGBT artist.

Sally
more of a reason to love them =]

Anonymous
Depends on how good their music is. BJA from Green Day? His music is great. Whatshisface from NSYNC? No.

Anonymous
I support on merit of the artist. To support as to straight or gay is a bias.

Joseph
Especially love Steve Walker, Michael Breyette, Simonson & Darold Perkins.

Anonymous
Their music tends to appeal to me in the lyrics and social causes that some bring with their music.

Sister Candy
Although I should clarify - they need to be TALENTED and LGBTQ. Just being queer isn't enough if you suck.

Cease
More likely yes. Always? no, not always but yes because I would like to believe there is a certain quality that can't be quite named to an lgbtiq artists. I don't think this quality is quite quantifiable.

Dave
I like what I like but if the artist proves to be a big o homophobe then I will not like that person.

C. Granger
That is as ridiculous as not supporting an artist because he or she is gay.

Marty McSweeny
Call me narrow minded, but I really enjoy danceable pop/top 40 and club music, some good r&b and some good jazz. It doesn't matter to me if the recording artist is LGBT or not.

Thaddeus
I support a musical talent based soley on the music. If the artist's music captures my interest, I will without question buy the CD: and if the artist happens to be from "our" community all the better.

Qris J
Undecided. I fully support the "outness" of any public figure. Anything more depends on who, not what, they are.

Gersham Hayden Weekes
There is something about someone sharing their identity with the world that makes them more appealing. As a kid growing up in the 80's that's all we had. Behind the mascara and coy winks, most performers of the day could only vaguely reference what is commonly called "a Gay sensibility". The music still trumps all, though. But if they're willing to put themselves on the line, and their music is worthy of our interest, the least we could do is support them with our purchasing power re recordings, tickets or simply spreading the word.

Anonymous
Identifying as LGBT would make me more likely to check out the work of an artist as I would like to support the LGBT community. But ultimately to support an LGBT artist will depend on whether I like their work.

Anonymous
I support artists based on their talent not orientation.

Scott Corwin
Absolutely!!! If we're talking about music, I prefer to listen to a person that has an understanding of who I am and how I relate to the world as opposed to someone that fits into some category that is viewed as "normal". Ultimately we should all be able to look and listen to anyone that speaks out about what you think and feel. But in a world where one is constantly marginalized and rejected I do gravitate to music by LGBT performers. I love the music of Kent James, Brian Grillo, Melissa Etheridge, k. d. lang, The Cliks and other LGBT performers because the things they have to say reflect my thoughts and feelings from my perspective. I don't wonder if they're going to attack me for my sexuality or be patronizing to me as some of the so called dance "diva's" do in reference to their fans who happen to be gay. My views carry over to authors and books, actors and film, artists and art. I wholeheartedly support LGBT artists in all areas of performing and visual arts.

Hoolie
If I hear about an artist who is LGBT I am more likely to seek out their work than other artists at random I have not heard of. Whether or not I then like the work of that LGBT artist is another issue. There are so many performers/artists out there, it takes some word of mouth to get you to check out their work. Because I stay abreast of LGBT issues, I'm more likely to hear about LGBT artists.

Anonymous
I'm more likely to support anyone that is LGBT and out...

dan
i only support artists who produce good art. sexuality is irrelevant.

francis
Art is art, a piece of art has to speak to your soul and no matter who the artist is has little to do with how a specific piece of art speaks to us.

Ginelle
Yes, I would support an artist if he or she identifies as gay. And why not. The gay and lesbian community fortunately is blessed with some very talented people, in fact some well known names, are at the top of their league including Elton John, Ellen Degeneres, Cynthia Nixon, Neal Patrick Harris, John Barrowman, T R Knight just to name a few. These people have worked very hard at their craft over many years and have developed a very strong following not only in the gay community but the straight as well.

Anonymous
Something different, the songs would be more personal for me.

Anonymous
Something different, the songs would be more personal for me.

Anonymous
I think the commercialization of the gay and lesbian movement is deeply troubling. Using identity politics as a reason to boycott an antigay product/company is one thing, but to respond to identity-based niche marketing with consumption dupes us into thinking it is a real political act. If this sounds confusing to you, Alexandra Chasin's book "Selling Out: The Gay and Lesbian Movement Goes To Market" does a much more comprehensive job articulating this argument. Also, what's to stop a straight artist from lying about being gay to make money and create a fan base? (Anyone remember Tatu?)

Argent9902
Yes, because it all goes back to Platonic dilouge. Non-Gay people are the pro-creators of the common flesh, and Gay people are pro-creators of the soul. The latter being genetically engineered to create art, literature, and humanities. The former designed to till the soil, breed the "chillun," and make war.

Trevor Kiel Ballard
Just as I'd be more likely to support a progressive artist. Yes, but then the art itself is also very important. So, there are many factors in my support of artists and being LGBT is one.

cody
If we don't support our artists, who will?

James Walsh
I was grateful for Jim David piece, "Support Your Local Gay Performer". I have always surpported gay national and local performaers. From Jason Stuart to Brian Kent to George Michael we all learn about ourseleves through the creative process. These gay and lesbian (I love you Cris Williamson, Phranc, Holly Near) help to bring me out of the closet and they gave me reason to stay out of the closet. That is way it is so important to have GLBT entertainers in the media. I wish the GLBT media would advertise out entertainment (not unlike Logo does). It is a major help in exploring our community and sexuality.

Michael
Who I like as an artist is irrevelant of their sexual orientation. There are a lot of good gay and lesbian artist out there, but there are also a lot of good straight artist out there.

Anonymous
In this industry being any kinf of minority mades it harder. The Gorilla Girls bring that point home. So yes if they were glbt or a women or a racial minority I am more interested. Life can't be viewed through one mans glasses forever.

oaklandgayasian
Yes, but only if they have talent. Just being LGBT is not enough to earn my support. On the other hand, I am less likely to support an artist who retreats back into the closet (yes, I mean you, Sean Hayes)!

Buzz
All artists should be judged on their talents and NOT on their sexual orientation. If I were to favor one performer over another simply because he was gay, wouldn't that make me a bigot? Isn't this the very thing we are trying to stop?

Anonymous
No, just because an arttist is LGBT doesn't mean what they produce has any redeeming quality. Take Melissa Etheridge for example. She does a lot for the community, but her music is just drivel.

EH
For me, the bottom line is whether or not I like their art. If they are out LGBT, then I think that's great and more power to them, but I support artists based on talent and whether or not I like their style of artistry. For example, I wouldn't necessarily go out of my way to support a country singer who was LGBT because I don't particularly care for country music. For me, as long as the artist is not a homophobe or a right-wing fascist, an artist's sexuality is not a big issue. I might be more curious about LGBT artists, but I wouldn't necessarily support them more.

Anonymous
They have to have talent.

Vashti
Although I'm thrilled when artists (recording? print? painters?) come out, because that kind of visibility helps give other gay people courage to do so, too, I do not limit my tastes in music/art/film to only LGBT artists. I do tend to prefer women artists, however, so I guess I'm inconsistent! : )

jim
Although I do not like thinking that I discriminate, the reality is that I do. I prefer doing business and supporting organization/individuals who are gay like myself. When possible, I prefer keeping my money and any other form of support within the community.

Anonymous
Honestly, no. I listen to music that I like. Whatever has a good beat is what I'm listening to.

faith
an artist is an artist, do you judge them based on their race as well? no you judge them on the quality of their work.

John W Beck
If a gay person, lesbian or transgender/bisexual person 'comes out' - I will always support them for that. I may or may not support them and their policies/actions, but I'll always support their honesty.

Anonymous
What difference does it make? A good artist is a good artist -- and a bad one, well, stinks.

Anonymous
I think this entire country needs to realize that homosexuality is not something to be ashamed of. The best way to accept someone's preferences is to speak with honesty and truth. Anonymous

Anonymous
True courage will always earn my money

Anonymous
Why not!!!

Thom
Art is in the eyes of the beholder, not the sexual orientation of the artist.

Anonymous
I support art/artists according to the quality of the art, I don't so much care who made it, just so long as it's good.

Anonymous
Gotta keep it in the family.

Anonymous
The fact that they're LGBT might interest me, but how they are as a performer/artist in the long run would determine whether or not I'd support them.

Radford
Ultimately whether I support an artist is based on whether I like their art (purely asthetically) and/or whether they are saying/singing/etc something I need to hear. Something that reflects a part of myself. However, if an artist is openly LGBTIQ identified, that tells me something important about them from the start. They are willing to risk something to be true to themselves. I'm more likely to initially look at the work of LGBTIQ artists and I may choose to support an artist from a political standpoint even if their art isn't my favorite.

Susan
Depends on the artist. I don't care if an artist is straight or gay, transgender or bisexual, all I care about is talent. And if they're not talented,I can settle for looks!

Cory Maxwell
talent is talent. If you have a great voice or play an instrument better than average I'd support you. Gay or Straight. Personally, we should realize that our sexual orientation is only a part of ourselves....

Paul
I resonate with artists who speak to me and I can relate to on a visceral level. If I discover they're homophobic, that's a different matter.

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