I Am What I Am - George Hearn - La Cage Aux Folles 

❤ You are so right and you are so perceptive. My beloved and I (he died 22 years later) went to the first night, the world premiere of the show, in Boston in the summer of 1983. For nearly two months before the show opened, I would see personnel from the show around town -- I got to know the very young and attractive Harvey Fierstein slightly -- first he would flirt with me at Filene's Basement, and then he started buying skin care from me at the upscale department store where I worked. It was exactly two years into The Virus coming. We already had one of the stylist's in my store's hair salon diagnosed. (Eventually, four would pass.) It was a terrifying chapter in gay history, and my partner and I brought my parents to the show. My adorable father, then pushing 60, sobbed the whole time. It might not be the greatest show in musical theater history, but it was utterly THRILLING, and both straight actors, Gene Barry and George Hearn were brilliant, and "I Am What I Am" was electrifying. Some very happy memories of a very sad and ugly time.

And in 2024 this is a song that transcends sexual preference, gender identity and ALL external interference from the Brave Beautiful creature YOU are finding your way in this World! Love you all!!! Your way is Respected and LOVED!!! You do YOU!!! The rest will fall into place!!! ♥️♥️♥️.

@@christinebutler7630 they also listened to the same asshole over COVID that was trying to pour fuel on the fire of AIDS panic by saying it was an airborne or surface contact spread disease, instead of a blood or fluid spread disease. People have very short memories it seems

A little reductionist, but i see your point. Few on either side of the sexuality divide are worthy of this song, and im glad a straight man of his calibre made his presence known for it

yep

Well now I guess I have to watch this damn show. I keep hearing recommendations but your comment clinched it.

​@@fmcgucket3076worth it. It for some reason helped me with depression

I've known this song- this specific version as my favorite- for years, and am watching through Ted Lasso, and I just finished that episode and needed to come listen to this in full. One of the greatest songs in the history of musical theatre, the incredible blend of defiant rage and rapturous, anthemic joy that I find in this song is nearly unmatched.

I'm a long time survivor from that time. The man to my left did not survive the decade. I just saw that Ted Lasso episode and was reminded to hear this song one more time.

+hotlatinscorp you were brave and still are. You deserve to live life how ever you want; we all do, as long as we harm no one or ourselves. This is such a powerful song. It applies to men and women who are gay, straight, teens that struggle with identity, old people and individuals from every faith and race. thank you for posting your response. :)

+hotlatinscorp check out this amazing performance and view of the world, as music and philosophy transcends age and distance. I Am What I Am 2015 Official & Original Version - Gloria Gaynor by Joel Diamond

Thank you.

Don't forget that it was a trans woman of color, Marsha P. Johnson, that threw the first brick. Her role always seems to be erased for the more favorable gay cis white man narrative.

@@cannibalisticrequiem THIS!! 100% T H I S!!

Especially with American fascists banning drag performances in backward red states.

What a glorious voice!

except if you have a different political opinion, than you have to be like everyone else. right, tolerant left?

@Marty Nemko preach

@@cagneybillingsley2165acceptance is literally life or death for queer people. We have already seen what happens when we are not embraced, and it ended with half an entire generation dying alone. That lesson should have been learned by the entire world, and not just the lgbtq community. Human rights are not a matter of opinion. Enough.

​@@cagneybillingsley2165nobody should be tolerant of intolerance.

​@@cagneybillingsley2165 I'm not here to be tolerated. I demand the respect afforded to all of humanity. You don't have to like me or my beliefs or opinions but what you're not going to do is disrespect my humanity because of who I love which, by the way, does not affect you in any way, shape or form.

Shirley Bassey is no slouch either.

From fragile to proud, he really shouts out, "I Am What I Am". Great song, great performance!

Recommend the Gary Beach version... very moving as well.

@@docgima Thank you. It is.

Almost? 😅 Just teasing, I see your intention. :)

Bravo! I'd so love to have seen it! Makes me cry, regardless.

DuckyThorn Was absolutely incredible!

FANTASTIC. You gotta be who you are!!!!❤️

I was there working backstage from beginning to 1987. Incredibly enough it was the blue haired ladies on matinee day that would applaud as I am what I am started.

@@manuelducretiii8142 Very cool!

What does this comment even mean “can’t be denied”? Gay men can’t have a beautiful voice?

@@Julia-bn1ps the song is about being gay

@@Julia-bn1ps who cares?

@@Julia-bn1ps No, I had responded to a comment which has since been deleted. Why are you so concerned about this I’m sure you must have more important things to do

What a great experience.

SueBeaWho oh my gosh, YES!!!

+Malcolm Harris it was 86& it was fantastic

+Peter Armstrong Thanks for the definitive comment, Peter. To this day it is my stand-out theatrical experience.

I saw George too in 1986 at Palladium .....I have never forgotten his electric performance as Zaza/Albin.....together with the marvellous Denis Quilley! A time never to be forgotten!!!

Saw him in the Broadway Production ... I broke down in tears, it meant so much to me. I'll never forget it. Times have certainly changed ... We are who we are ... :)

Beautifully written! I am also Christian and pansexual, and this song means the world to me. The lyrics are gorgeous! I was reading them to my father--who is anti-LGBTQ+--and I cried. I hope that it opens up the path of understanding between my Dad and I.♥

Agreed!