It’s a phrase that might make you pause, even do a double-take: “Everyone Is Gay.” It’s also the title of a rather poignant song by the American duo A Great Big World, released back in 2013. When you first hear it, or see the title, you might wonder, “Is that literally true?” Well, as with most things in life, and especially in art, the answer is a bit more nuanced, and frankly, a lot more beautiful.
The song itself, released around Pride Month, wasn't a literal declaration that every single person on the planet identifies as gay. Instead, it was a powerful anthem of acceptance and radical self-love. The lyrics paint a picture of a world where your identity, particularly your sexual orientation, isn't a barrier or a source of shame. "If you're gay then you're gay, don't pretend that you're straight," the song urges, "You could be who you are, any day of the week." It’s a call to authenticity, a reminder that being different, being unique, is something to be celebrated, not hidden.
And it doesn't stop there. The song extends this embrace to everyone. "If you're straight, well that's great," it continues, acknowledging that straightness is also a valid and wonderful way to be. But the real magic happens in the bridge: "'Cause we're all somewhere in the middle, and we're all just looking for love to change the world." This is where the title truly finds its meaning. It’s not about a singular identity, but about a shared human experience of seeking connection and love, regardless of who that love is directed towards.
The band members, Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino, were reportedly inspired by a website called EveryoneIsGay.com, which offered advice to LGBTQ youth. Their intention was to create a song that supported those who live in fear of being their authentic selves, emphasizing that no one deserves to be bullied or treated unfairly. The song’s music video, with its playful and childlike style, further reinforces this message of innocence and pure acceptance.
So, when A Great Big World sings “Everyone Is Gay,” they’re not trying to redefine human sexuality for everyone. They’re using a provocative title to make a profound point: that in a truly accepting world, the labels we use to define ourselves – gay, straight, bisexual, queer, or anything else – become less important than the fundamental human need to love and be loved, and to simply be ourselves, fully and unapologetically. It’s a hopeful vision, a world where love is the universal language, and everyone feels seen, supported, and free to be exactly who they are.
