Proud of ‘Over the Rainbow’ — Gay Iconography

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Proud of ‘Over the Rainbow’ — Gay Iconography

'Over the Rainbow' Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz

Many of us are still processing the tragedy in Orlando last weekend. There are so many important things we must take away from the tragedy. Never forgetting the lives of the innocent LGBTQ lives lost. Making gun control an LGBTQ issue. Understanding how our community is still a target.

There were even more takeaways that followed, hopeful takeaways. We are resilient. We are clever. We are loved. And, also, we are goddamned talented.

At vigils and remembrances across the country, a familiar chorus rang out. In London, in Melbourne, in New York City, LGBTQ people came together to honor those we lost, to comfort those of us still here and and to sing “Over the Rainbow.”

The song has long been embedded in the fabric of the LGBTQ community. Of course, the song was originally written for The Wizard of Oz, performed by ultimate gay icon Judy Garland. It would become her signature song until her death. As if the lyrics about a youth living in a black-and-white world dreaming about a vibrant, colorful existence somewhere over the rainbow wasn’t enough to cement the song in LGBTQ history, it’s said the creator of the rainbow flag was inspired by the song.

Whether you’re celebrating pride this month at a parade, with friends or just on your own, do it with some of our favorite “Over the Rainbow” performances below.

And, please, never stop singing.

Judy Garland, “Over the Rainbow” in The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There’s a land that I’ve heard of once in a lullaby.

Patti LaBelle, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” Live at the Apollo (1989)

Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”/“What A Wonderful World” (1993)

Someday I’ll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far
Behind me
Where troubles melt like lemon drops
Away above the chimney tops
That’s where you’ll find me

Rufus Wainwright, “Over the Rainbow” Live at the London Palladium (2007)

Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow. Why then, oh, why can’t I?

P!nk, “Over the Rainbow” Live at the Oscars (2014)

If happy little bluebirds fly
Beyond the rainbow why, oh, why can’t I?

What’s your favorite “Over the Rainbow” performance?

The post Proud of ‘Over the Rainbow’ — Gay Iconography appeared first on Towleroad.