The 2010 VMAs and Lady Gaga’s Fight for Equality

For today’s throwback, we’re taking you back to the 2010 VMAs when Lady Gaga showed up in her infamous meat dress, a dress made out of raw prime rib cuts. At first, we were under the impression that Gaga wore this dress in protest of the meat industry and animal abuse, given her also well known vegan status. But au contraire, after doing some research it has come to our attention that she wore the dress in protest against the “don’t ask, don’t tell” US military policy, and the government’s restrictions against gays joining the military.

Gaga told Ellen Degenerous, “As you know, I’m the most judgment-free human being on the Earth. It has many interpretations, but for me this evening it’s [saying], ‘If we don’t stand up for what we believe in, if we don’t fight for our rights, pretty soon we’re going to have as much rights as the meat on our bones.’ ” Now personally, the connection between the meat dress and equality within joining the military doesn’t seem super obvious to us.

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The dress was in reference to a speech she had made, “The Prime Rib of America”, which to our understanding explains that equality is a prime rib not everyone gets to enjoy. Totally agree with that! Nevertheless, when looking at the dress, that’s not the first thing that came to mind. The subject matter at hand is definitely of grave importance to be spoken about, and she is in no way incorrect. The dress was also legendary and bold to be honest. But the reference just didn’t click for us until we did extensive research on the meaning behind it. I guess maybe that’s her way of getting people to read more about it. Mission accomplished.