Before it was blasted at every bat mitzvah, this 70s hit, with its infectious chorus and simple choreography, was a fixture at New York City’s gay clubs.ĭecades before Gaga’s gay anthem and pre-dating The Village People, Carl Bean brought gay pride to the clubs (and charts) on the 1977 Motown smash “I Was Born This Way.” Originally released as a disco single by Valentino, Bean brought his gospel-powered vocals to the track, as he proclaims, “I’m happy, I’m carefree and I’m gay/I was born this way.” The song has outlived disco through various remixes over the years and still sounds triumphant today. Defining gay anthem of the disco era or wholesome celebration of young male-oriented community centers? Coming from a band with the hit single “Macho Man” and an album called Cruisin’, you decide.
