Katy Perry, Ur So Gay | Controversial Tunes

On the 26^th edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, “Ur So Gay” by Katy Perry. 

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ring on the controversy, won’t you? Controversial Tunes is a column that provides background information and insight into songs that raised eyebrows and totally stirred the pot.  The records that grace Controversial Tunes are old and new alike, with all genres of music welcome.  On the 26^th edition of Controversial Tunes, we explore the controversy behind the song, “Ur So Gay” by Katy Perry.

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Theme & Lyrics

“You’re so gay, and you don’t even like boys / No, you don’t even like / No you don’t even like / No, you don’t even like boys.”  The chorus of “Ur So Gay” is catchy and tuneful – don’t even try to deny it!  However, it also has the word PROBLEMATIC written all over it for good reason.  Back in the aughts, “Ur So Gay” was controversial, expectedly.  However, imagine how much MORE controversial it would be in the 2020s because of its tone deafness. “Ur So Gay” is insensitive and stereotypical to gay men.  Does it mean any harm? No, but just because the intent wasn’t harmful doesn’t keep it from being controversial.

It would be fair to say that “Ur So Gay” didn’t age well. If you’re an avid Katy Perry fan, I have no doubt you still love it.  But for those more objective and don’t necessarily ‘Stan’ the Grammy-nominated pop superstar, we’re more objective.  Just to reiterate, “Ur So Gay” is problematic because of those narrow-minded stereotypes:  “I can’t believe I fell in love with someone that wears makeup…”

No, not everyone is/will be offended by this song, including members of the LGBTQIA community. Ultimately, it is a pop song that finds Perry highlighting what she considered ‘unusual’ tendencies from an ex.  These tendencies, however, are often associated with non-heterosexual males. It’s meant to be comical, and again, the intentions aren’t bad.  However, society has (or should have) evolved since “Ur So Gay.” 

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Final Thoughts

So, what does one make of “Ur So Gay” in 2021 and beyond? What is the lesson to take away from this song and others like it?  Do better and avoid being insensitive and tone deaf. Everyone is their own unique individual – it’s case by case, not ‘one size fits all.’  Calling someone “gay” when they aren’t gay is inappropriate.  Sure, they shouldn’t be ashamed if they are but the point is, we need to be sensitive to individuality and avoid stereotypes. 

Also appears on :
15 Utterly Thrilling, GAY Songs

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Katy Perry • One of the Boys • Capitol • 2008
Katy Perry, “Ur So Gay” : Controversial Tunes No. 26 [: Aidan Feddersen on Unsplash, Brent Faulkner, Capitol, The Musical Hype] 

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