A couple of months ago, I blogged about some '80s videos that made me gay. At the end of that post, I said that Les Rita Mitsuoko made me feel weird. I've come to realize that '80s videos are probably largely responsible for my weirdness. Here are some examples of musical abnormality that helped me shun conventionality and further embrace my lady-loving ways.

1. Laurie Anderson, "O Superman" (1982)

It doesn't get better or weirder than this. Laurie Anderson has always freaked me out and turned me on at the same time. The lit-up mouth! Eeek! And the jacket and tie. Mmm.

2. Grace Jones, "Slave to the Rhythm" (1985)

So bizarre and so butch. And Jones is so very talented. Awesome.

3. Parachute Club, "Rise Up" (1983) … continue reading

They may not be well-known in the States, but British girl group the Sugababes have been one of my favorite musical acts for about seven years now. Indeed, they’re a big hit in the U.K. generally, having notched up six No. 1 singles as well as a Brit award (our equivalent of the Grammys). This despite persistent rumors of infighting, and multiple lineup changes that perhaps make them the U.K. equivalent of Destiny’s Child.

They burst on the scene in their first incarnation in 2000:

Baby-faced Keisha Buchanan (left) and feisty Mutya Buena (right) were already friends from school, while the enigmatic-looking redhead Siobhan Donaghy (center) was added by Buena’s manager. Their first big hit single, when they were still in their mid-teens, was "Overload." It made use of the girls’ sweet, throaty, pop-soul harmonies (reminiscent of the group En Vogue) and their barbed-wire attitude, as well as their multiracial look (Buchanan’s background is Jamaican; Buena’s is Filipina, Irish, Spanish and Chinese; and Donaghy’s is Irish):
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"What if the freedom to be yourself all came down to where you live?" That's what Oprah asked in her "Gay Around the World" episode on Oct. 24. She said gays and lesbians are in the midst of a "global civil rights revolution," citing Dumbledore's recent outing as an example of change for the better. She also provided a summary of global laws and severe punishments, such as stoning and beheading. And she touched on the state of U.S. issues, including gay marriage, adoption, workplace discrimination and "don't ask, don't tell."

The first segment of the show concerned an Indian prince, Manvendra Singh Gohil of Rajpipla. He faced family shame and public outrage when he came out. He still lives in a palace, but he has struggled with mental health issues — though he says he has no regrets. Hang in there, Prince Manvendra! Your turban is downright fabulous.

The second segment of the show focused on Staceyann Chin, who was born in Jamaica and now lives in New York City.

In Jamaica, gays and lesbians are targeted by mobs and fear for their safety daily. Staceyann described the homophobic culture of her childhood, including the brutal sexual assault she suffered. You can read more of Staceyann's story on Oprah's website. And here's her segment: … continue reading