by Albert Rodriguez - SGN A&E Writer

LADY GAGA
TACOMA DOME
January 14

Lady Gaga loves all her fans. But she loves us the most. She marched in her best heels to voice support for equal rights. She lashed out against anti-LGBT discrimination in the holiest of places, Rome during EuroPride (that really flipped the Pope's wig). She refused to do business with Target because of its anti-Gay political involvement. And the list goes on and on. Yes, action does speak louder than words.

In four short years, this New York City-born girl went from no-name status to a world phenomenon. More importantly, she's become one of the biggest Gay icons ever. In Thailand, the ladyboys dedicate shows to her. In Japan, the drag queens do a mean 'Poker Face.' In Australia, Taiwan, and Austria, 'Little Monsters' - many of them Gay boys - crowd airports and hotel entryways to get a glimpse of her, or an autograph if they're extremely lucky. The only other artist who's this closely followed worldwide by non-hetero men is Madonna.

NO FEAR
What I love about Lady Gaga most is that she's fearless. She says what she wants, and does whatever the hell she feels like doing. She smoked a joint on stage in Amsterdam, told Johannesburg concertgoers to get drunk and vomit on their friends, and pissed off government leaders in St. Petersburg, Russia, for allegedly 'promoting homosexuality to minors.' And she empowers young people, primarily Gay youth, to not give a fuck about what other people say. After all, Lady Gaga can offer herself as proof that you can be as bizarre and flamboyant, as silly and imaginative, as you want, and be criticized for all of it, yet be undeterred in pursuing your ultimate dream.

The 'Born This Way Ball' descends to the Tacoma Dome this week. It's circled the globe - Asia, Australia, Europe, Africa, Central and South America - and finally lands stateside for dates running through late March. It's an extravagant production with a Gothic castle, puppet horse, 30 costume changes, and all of Gaga's biggest hits, from 'Just Dance' to 'Bad Romance' to 'You and I.' Unless she's made any changes during a month-long holiday break, we'll be treated to 24 songs during the performance. This particular leg of the tour will also include the BornBrave Bus, a mobile counseling service aimed at assisting those suffering from mental health issues, depression, or bullying.

Though two supporting acts (Lady Starlight, Madeon) are scheduled to open the show, Gaga is usually timely in taking the stage. I presume she'll go on no later than 9 p.m. At press time, tickets were still available at all Ticketmaster locations and online at www.ticketmaster.com. SGN writer Jessica Price is reviewing the concert, so look for her commentary in next week's issue.

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