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Olivia Newton-John transcended the message of unity and acceptance by being a queer icon and ally throughout her successful career as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Forever remembered as Sandy in Grease (1978), Olivia pioneered the way for revolutionary change in the gay community by releasing tracks like "Physical" (1981) and advocating for same-sex marriage. She also made an impact sharing her journey with breast cancer, a battle she would ultimately lose at age 73.
From her pop music (considered queer anthems for gay clubs) to defending LGBTQIA+ rights, Gay fans everywhere have remained hopelessly devoted to Olivia for all the reasons listed below and more. In an interview with Logo/MTV she said, “The gay fans have always been very loyal, they are a really great audience and have always been there for me.” In honorary tribute to the legendary queer icon, this list celebrates Olivia's moments of pride.
8 Physical (1981)
The 1981 pop mega-hit "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John generated controversy for its sexualized lyrics, paired with a music video ending in two men holding hands. “Physical” achieved great success worldwide, but was censored and banned from radio stations for insinuating provocative content that challenged societal norms of sexuality and orientation. “Physical” cemented Olivia’s legacy as a pop star and transformed her image in the public eye from a sweet, innocent Sandy to sexy, eccentric Olivia.
7 Xanadu (1980)
Xanadu is a flamboyant disco, musical fantasy, and love story that flopped at the box office but has resonated with gay culture throughout the ages. The cult classic film received negative reviews and the first Golden Raspberry Awards, an annual event dishonoring the worst in cinema for a given year. The director of a stage parody of the movie titled Xanadu Live!,Anne Dorsen, called it "the queerest movie that’s not actually about being gay."
6 Performances At Pride Events
In 2011, Olivia performed at New York City's Pride celebration after the state officiated a marriage equality bill. She also performed at Los Angeles's Pride Festival, Sydney Mardi Gras, and other pride events. She shared with The Advocate, “I think love is love. You find it when you can. It’s wonderful that it can be recognized. People who have had long relationships and care about each other and take care of each other should have the right to be married."
5 Eurovision
Since the 1960s, The Eurovision Song Contest has represented LGBTQIA+ themes by referencing same-sex relationships in competing acts and performances and actively involving gay fans. In 1974, Olivia competed with the song “Long Live Love” representing the UK and achieved fourth in the competition, won by ABBA’s performance of “Waterloo”. The international TV and radio contest has long been embraced by the gay community for celebrating queerness and encouraging everyone to be their authentic selves.
4 The Rumor Advocates AIDS Awareness
Olivia's album The Rumor (1988) addressed AIDS and featured the first same sex song ever recorded by a mainstream artist titled, "Love and Let Live". In an interview with LogoTV, Olivia shared that her purpose in releasing the song during that time was to address the AIDS hysteria everyone feared. She received positive encouragement for the song, developed a stronger connection with the gay community, and solidified her role as a gay icon and ally.
3 It's My Party Dignifies AIDS Patients
It’s My Party is a film about a gay architect, with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, who hosts a dinner party that ends in him committing suicide. The film is based on the death of Harry Stein, the ex-lover of director Randal Kleiser, and projects a dignified image of AIDS patients' dying. The gay community praised Olivia for her starring role as Lina Bingham in the film and the impact of raising awareness about HIV and AIDS.
2 1992 AIDS Awareness Television Special, In A New Light
The first time a major television network devoted two hours of prime time to a special about AIDS was ABC’s In a New Light, which aired on July 11th of 1992. The program featured live and studio-recorded music performances by A-List Hollywood artists imploring compassion for people with AIDS and promoting safety precautions against the disease. Olivia dedicated her performance during the special to her friend Armando, who passed away from AIDS and was the driving force in her LGBTQIA+ advocacy.
1 Advocating LGBTQIA+ Rights
Olivia was an ardent supporter of marriage equality and frequently spoke out about reform. In an interview with The Advocate she said, “With respect to marriage equality, I believe that no-one has the right to judge and deny couples who love each other the ability to make a marriage commitment. Love is love.” Throughout her career spanning decades, Olivia advocated for gay rights and raised funds and awareness through charitable events, foundations, and live performances.
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