The phrase “Love is love” is one that we strive to make universally accepted and embraced. Historically, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been treated differently by society. However, love knows no barriers and individuals within the LGBTQ+ community love just as anyone else does. It is important to recognize that issues surrounding civil rights, such as racism and sexism, also extend to this group. Although the importance of these rights may sometimes be overlooked or underestimated, all civil rights issues warrant equal attention and action. Two songs that embody this message are “Same Love” by Ryan Lewis and “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” by Lil Nas X.

Released in 2012 during the peak of marriage equality advocacy, “Same Love” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis highlights the struggle for legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington. At the time of release, same-sex marriage was not yet legal, making this song all the more significant. The video accompanying the song pulled attention to the fact that members of the LGBTQ+ community still faced discrimination and lack of acceptance in contemporary society. The lyrics of the song, such as “A world so hateful that someone would rather die than be who they are,” express the struggle for acceptance and the privilege that cisgender individuals do not have to worry about. The fact that this song was nominated for a Grammy Award speaks to its powerful message and impact.

Lil Nas X is a well-known advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, and his song “MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” released in 2021 exemplifies this. He wanted to create an anthem celebrating his sexuality, citing the 2017 film “Call Me By Your Name” as a significant influence on the title of the song. Despite receiving backlash for its content, Lil Nas X believes that normalization of queer narratives in popular music is essential. The music video for the song received both praise and criticism for its portrayal of religious and homophobic themes, but Lil Nas X stands by his message of the importance of acceptance and being true to oneself. The song, with its specific lyrics, shows that queer narratives should not be excluded from mainstream music.

In conclusion, these two songs remind us of the importance of recognizing and accepting individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. Love has no limitations, and all individuals deserve the same basic rights and freedoms, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is essential to continue pushing for normalized queer narratives in popular culture to promote inclusivity and representation.

The LGBTQ+ community has long been voicing their arduous journey towards acceptance and recognition. However, two striking songs from distinct eras have successfully drawn attention to the varied struggles faced by men in this community. Yet, the present generation is fostering remarkable advancements in this regard.