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ADAM LAMBERT HEADLINES MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE
(Photo Credit: Lee Cherry)
By Antwyone Ingram
Taking the world by storm with his unconventional approach to the often fabricated genre that has become pop music, Adam Lambert, in all of his glam-rock glory, is prepared to enamor audiences as he headlines this year’s Miami Beach Gay Pride. An overnight sensation, Lambert’s unapologetic and unfaltering rise to stardom has put him in the forefront of the music industry, historically breaking the mold as the first openly gay artist to top the Billboard 200 charts at No. 1. Fearless, inspirational and an LGBTQ beacon of fortitude, Lambert has utilized his notoriety to promote equality and raise awareness of the gay community. A two-time GLAAD Media Award nominee, Lambert will be honored at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards with the Davidson/Valentini Award for “making a significant difference in promoting equality for our community,” further reasserting why he has become far more than a household name. “Adam Lambert’s continued success as one of the world’s best-selling pop stars shows LGBT people that they can be themselves and make it in a mainstream industry that many feel unfairly rejects them,” said GLAAD’s Wilson Cruz. Wire Magazine caught up with Adam Lambert amid a whirlwind of recognition and touring to get the scoop on his rise to fame and what he has in store for Miami Beach Gay Pride!
How’s life been since your rise to fame back in 2009?
Busier and far more interesting!
How does it feel to be headlining the 5th Annual Miami Beach Gay Pride?
I’m honored to represent my community at this celebration of freedom.
What does Gay Pride mean to you?
We have made progress the past few years in terms of equal rights and general tolerance. I’m proud of that! I’m proud that we are now more mainstream; our voices matter.
Why do you feel it is important to have a more proactive role in the LGBT community?
I feel that as a celebrity it’s my responsibility to use my visibility for causes greater than myself. The idea that I can help encourage pride for those who may be struggling with their identity is very rewarding.
What can your fans expect from your performance during Pride?
A great, high-energy dance party!
Is this your first time performing in Miami? If not, how does performing in Miami compare to performing in other cities?
Miami is spicier! I’m actually recording parts of my latest album, Trespassing in Miami. I like the mentality and weather.
What’s next for Adam Lambert?
I’m working on a few different projects. I’m very excited about Life Ball in Vienna in May. If you aren’t familiar, look it up − it’s a huge spectacle of a fundraiser.
How do you feel about the level of success that you have achieved? What does it mean to you?
Success is relative − I may have my career highs and lows, but all of it is an amazing step up from where I was five years ago. I am my own boss and I get to do what I love as a career. I feel very fortunate and I plan to keep measuring success in the happiness I get to share with my family, friends and fans.
Last year you told UK-based Pressparty that you were “a post-gay man working in a pre-gay industry,” and that you felt the LGBT community was just at the beginning of mainstream music. Do you feel the community is making further strides?
I still sometimes feel like an outsider in the music industry, but I suppose that gives me a stronger point of view as an artist. I’ve always felt a bit alienated. It’s what makes me who I am. I’m proud to represent something alternative to the status quo. In Pop, that’s both a challenge and a privilege.
In an industry that prefers to pigeonhole talent, how difficult is it to continue to express your many facets musically and personally?
It’s true that sometimes the categorizing that happens makes it tricky to express myself fully. We all tend to put artists in boxes to be able to understand them. Unfortunately sometimes it narrows our view of the person’s dimensions. However, I feel that this challenge helps inform my material and create stronger connections with those who “get it.”
How did it feel to receive a second GLAAD Media Award nomination for Outstanding Music Artist?
It’s a great honor! It’s really nice to be recognized for my work and how it’s received by my community. Makes me very proud.
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This article was originally published in Wire Magazine Issue #15, 2013
* AL Nov. 5th, 2011
