Beautiful Minds

I was shocked and saddened to see Psychology Today - even if 'only' on your blog - fanning the unfounded rumor that Lady Gaga's gender is "open to debate," as you put it. Your example of a debate? You cite a gossip rag. And you're a PhD? How did that happen - did you send in box tops to get your degree? How low can you stoop? There is no credible evidence that she is anything but 100% woman. She has denied the rumor and - with her skimpy clothing - there is obviously "no there there."

I've followed - and joined in debunking - the rumor from its initiation. I was started by a blogger (in pj's in his mom's basement?) with a made up quote. Misogynists and (I'll call them) naive people have kept it going since then. The rumor mongers keep showing one blurring video still where she may have a bulge in her leotard. This 'evidence' is stacked up against her obvious femininity in countless other videos and photos; her well documented history (that includes video of her as a teenage girl and pictures as a little girl), and her firm denials. She has shown her full nakedness to people from Gary Go to Annie Leibovitz. If she had a big secret to hide, she certainly hasn't been trying very hard. What does she have to do - spread 'em? Also, what's androgynous about riding a motorcycle on stage? Do you want to put women back in the kitchen?

I was just defending the sexual attraction of the androgynous Lady Ga Ga to a co-worker. To backtrack, I believe and have always believed her to be female. I don't understand the judgments placed upon her and think they are prejudice and possibly stem from jealous. Many people lack being in touch with both their feminine and masculine qualities (we all have them) or they don't understand that the sexist people exude a confidence from with. I see her for her art, her appeal for me is her mind. Her "unfeminine" features are beautiful to me because they make her unique. I agree that androgyny exudes an attraction that is not so obvious, and therefor becomes alluring.

Unless I read incorrectly, I don't think your article implies that she is not a woman, but that she and many other artist have a creativity that goes beyond our tradition concepts of gender. I recommend the documentary "New York Dolls" as it is amazing what one small unknown rock band did to change the face rock music.

Hi Scott
Androgyny has been accepted as a natural state for 'creativity' by ancient cultures, that were more rigid.
I think it has equally to do with breaking norms [in the past] or defining yourself distinctively [now]; as with the creation of sexual mystique.
Androgyny also throws people off balance because it can't be classified easily - so frowned upon, as rebellious behaviour.
On thing stands out clearly, much of of outstanding art & literature was created by individuals who chose to mould the masculine-feminine to their own androgynous wish.
Cheers,
Anita

"individualism, originality, concentration, artistry, complexity, courage, emotion, fascination, and self-orientation. Clearly a mix of both traditionally "masculine" and traditionally "feminine" traits."
I can't see how these are associated with either gender. I'm not one of those people who gets in a huff whenever someone points out any difference between men and women, I just honestly don't even know where to start classifying these traits as male or female.
If we're calling expressiveness female and instrumentality male, then of course people with both these traits are creative. Those two traits are pretty much what creativity requires.

To me Androgyny is merely one gender's right or desire to allow the traits that society has placed on one gender or the other gender to exist with the same being. Not all men want to be burping sports fanatics, and not all women want to be makeup wearing frilly dress mannequins.

It DOES NOT have to denote sexual preference. For example, I am a hetero female but embrace both my feminine and masculine side. I am not a frilly female and when young back when, could have been called a "tom boy". I am a very creative person and embrace both my feminine and masculine sides.

Androgyny should be embraced, and people should not be made to feel bad because the don't want to fit a mold or be put in a box. In order to truly be "free" we need to allow a person to be who, or what, is natural for them! I don't want, or need, someone else to tell me what is right for my persona so long as I am not hurting anyone else or committing a crime.

An article about androgyny and not mentioning the real trendsetter and most androgynous artist right now,=> Bill Kaulitz from Tokio Hotel!.

Adam Lambert and Cinema Bizarre both copied Bill Kaulitz.
Bill Kaulitz was here first than Lady Gaga, Cinema Bizarre and Adam Lambert. Adam Lambert is known for copying almost everything Bill Kaulitz wear or does!

Btw, Adam Lambert is not androgynous, he is just a guy that wears make up but he is not androgynous, do research!