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Over the last few years, it seems that LGBT musicians have been getting a lot more well-deserved recognition on the radio airwaves. Notable examples include:
Sam Smith
Mary Lambert
Tegan and Sara
Adam Lambert
Frank Ocean
However, aside from a few notable exceptions (for example, Lambert's "She Keeps Me Warm" feature on Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "Same Love"), many of the songs featured on the radio by these artists and other LGBT artists have one thing in common:
Lack of third person gendered pronouns
Love songs by these artists included on the radio refer to the second person "you" rather than the third person "he/she," essentially neutralizing any LGBT bend the songs might have. Of course, the selection of what is sent to radio is in part up to the artist, however we can't ignore the pressures possibly placed on these artists to conform themselves to what is deemed "appropriate."
A little speculative? Yes. Definitely. But not unworthy of consideration.
Take a listen below to some of your favorites and sound off in the comments with any other examples of this subtle form of micro-marginalization.
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
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Frank Ocean - Thinking About You
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Tegan and Sara - Closer
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Melissa Etheridge - I'm the Only One
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Adam Lambert - Whataya Want from Me
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