Donavan Burt, GAY | Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈

In the 57th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2025), we highlight “GAY” performed by Donavan Burt. 

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”P” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]repare to beam with P-R-I-D-E 🏳️‍🌈! Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  Here, we provide background and insight into musicians, analyze, plus go gaga over the decadent bops served up.  When songs dictate deeper and more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is fully articulated.  All styles of music are welcome, whether the songs are classics or brand-new. So, without further ado, in the 57^th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2025), we highlight “GAY” performed by Donavan Burt.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

“This for all my girls with a taste for eating pussy / If I told the world, then they’ll probably overlook me,” Donavan Burt sings on his 2022 song, “GAY”. He adds the variation, “This for all my girls with a taste for eating cookie.” In this particular section of his alternative song, Donavan focuses on lesbian (or bi) women.  However, he doesn’t exclude himself or gay/bi men.  “Cause I paint my nail / I grow my hair, so, yeah / They call me a faggot / But I’m good with the hands / I’ll tell you again that bitch / I’m down to get active.” Long hair and painted nails on men are gay stereotypes and considered non-heteronormative, but that doesn’t mean another man likes another man.  Painted nails are becoming more common among heterosexual males, including NBA player Jared McCain.

Beyond the hair and those nails on fleek 💅, Burt addresses gayness. “This for all my niggas with a taste for tasting dick / You was closeted they hating on the way you throwing fits,” he sings, adding, “Fuck the norm it just don’t fit / It just don’t feel at home like this.” Being queer can be challenging for all races. But, being a black queer male can yield a much different experience than a white queer male.  While there are shared experiences, one must keep in mind that no community is a monolith.  Burt goes on to speak about his parents’ homophobia. Homophobia is still a prevalent issue within the black community. It’s an area where more progress is necessary.  One of his best lines follows: “Niggas on my back why don’t you take your gun and load it / Take my dick and blow it / Empty out the whole clip / You get yo shit smacked if you come try me on some hoe shit.” Woo! In another significant section, Burt seems to be questioning: “But, I live my life so reckless / Some nights I sit up restless / Thoughts queer, I’m asking questions / Thoughts queer, I’m asking what.” Burt sings authentically, beautifully, and honestly throughout “GAY”.  He produced it alongside Sundiata, Winzgotbeats, Alvie, and Mekhi Fayson. The accompanying music is fantastic, providing the perfect soundtrack to this reflective, socially conscious gem.