Celebrating the Defense of Marriage Act's demise this week, Lady Gaga took to the stage at the Gay Pride Parade's Kick-Off Rally in New York City on Friday night to express her love and allegiance to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
"When I was in high school and grade school and younger, I was considered to be an outcast and I just couldn’t find my place," the long-time LGBT ally said with emotion, addressing the cheering crowd. "[But] there was a particular crowd who did accept me. There was a particular crowd who made room for me at their table, who held me up when I felt I couldn’t, who loved me for exactly who I was. It was you. And to stand here equal to you tonight, it's been a dream of mine since my very first experiences with the LGBT community..." (Watch her full speech at Livestream here.)
After delivering her moving speech during which she thanked the Supreme Court and all LGBT allies, Gaga -- who said the queer community has "saved" her and protected her through the years -- raised a Pride flag and began belting out the National Anthem, improvising slightly as she sang.
"Oh say does that star-spangled flag of pride yet wave," she crooned to the roaring delight of those gathered.
Watch her spectacular a cappella rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" in the video above.
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