Stefani Germanotta, better known by her stage name, Lady Gaga, is a once-in-a-lifetime woman. The type of woman that cements her legendary status well within her lifetime all while propelling herself to the pinnacle of fame. Though her celebrity status and multifaceted career have placed her on a pedestal of grandeur, it's the person behind the glitz and glamour that should be adored and cherished.
As a fellow Sacred Heart sister, I may be inherently biased in my adoration of Gaga, but the altruism and purity of Gaga's character supersede our shared history. Her actions and endeavors have proved time and again why she is a role model for the ages.
She’s the ideal ally: accepting and engaging.
Lady Gaga's breakneck rise to fame in the early 2010s was nothing short of extraordinary. That being said, the songstress was incredibly mindful of experiences other than her own. Through music videos, interviews, acceptance speeches, and the like, Gaga loudly advocated for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. By immersing herself in this battle alongside the community, Gaga has signaled what it means to be an ally.
Her exemplary utilization of her own predetermined privileges in favor of the largely suppressed community is the cue we should all take. She's shown what it means to use your platform for the greater good and will certainly continue this pattern into the future.
Her organization, Born This Way Foundation, is as personable as it is charitable.
Founded In 2012 by Lady Gaga and her mother, Cynthia Germanotta, the Born This Way Foundation has been a ray of hope in the midst of a dark world for many young people. Geared towards today's youth, the Born This Way Foundation has a clear-cut vision for our world's future that focuses on empowering the young people who'll inevitably become tomorrow's leaders.
As part of their mission statement, the foundation asserts that it "is committed to supporting the wellness of young people and empowering them to create a kinder and braver world... Today's young people are a passionate, collaborative, and diverse generation. Born This Way Foundation believes that they are our most promising problem solvers and effective change makers."
She practices what she preaches.
At the 84th Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Indianapolis, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Lady Gaga held a forum of sorts surrounding the topic of kindness, and moreover, unity. The highlight of the discussion, for me, came when Gaga shared her profound thoughts stating, "The really fantastic thing about kindness is that it's free, and it can't hurt you or anybody else. It's the thing that brings us all together... We are unified in our humanity. The only thing that we all know... is kindness."
As a champion of mental health, Gaga's piece on kindness illuminates her deep concern for the mental wellness of humanity. Even having hosted a conversation with Prince William of England to discuss issues of mental health and wellness, Gaga has continuously preached a message of compassion, awareness, and care. Whether it's caring for one's self or others, Gaga has contributed greatly to the conversation.
She exemplifies female excellence.
Of course, I took a liking to Gaga ever since she dropped her bombshell debut single, "Just Dance" in 2008. I haven't really considered myself to be one of the "Monsters," but I've enjoyed all of her musical eras and projects. Her music is wildly catchy, and her persona remains intriguing year after year. On top of her lucrative music career, she's managed to carve out her place amongst the most talented of Hollywood's actresses.
What really set her apart, for me, was her role as "The Countess" on FX's "American Horror Story: Hotel." While I enjoyed the season overall, it wouldn't have been nearly as impressionable without Gaga's electrifying role. Her ability to command attention very clearly transcends the music industry, as her acting is just as animated and noteworthy.
She’s dedicated.
Although I never bother to watch awards shows, I couldn't escape the hoards of posts lauding Gaga's Oscars victory and subsequent speech. Proud and excited about her win, I decided to investigate the buzz surrounding her speech. While Gaga is known to leave eyes watery and hearts melting with her acceptance, I wasn't expecting to connect so personally to her speech. As such, she imparted the heartfelt sentiment that "If you have a dream, fight for it. There's a discipline for passion. It's not about how many times you get rejected, or you fall down or get beaten up; it's about how many times you stand up and are brave." Until the past few years, I'd lived an almost rejection-free life.
However, having recently faced rejection to a numerous degree, I instantly felt like she was reading into my soul. It was so encouraging and motivating that it made me even appreciate my rejection. I felt like her Oscars moment was signaling to me that I, too, would reach my own Oscars moment.
She lives her truth.
While her early career was strewn with shock value and provocative nature, Gaga remained unmoved by the chorus of stinging critics. Maybe, it was because she dared to exist outside of the status quo and comfort zone of these critics. Regardless, she's always managed to present her truth transparently and boldly. The uncanny outfit choices, technicolor wigs, and sky-high heels brought her character to life. She quickly captivated the general public's attention and maintains it still today. While today's Gaga is stripped down, almost as if to be more bare and vulnerable, she remains steadfast in her beliefs and core values. She takes her artistry and craft seriously and encourages that same enthusiasm in others.
