Well, that's all true, but at the same time, with an artist who puts so much of her heart and soul into her music, I think we can't quite separate who she is from the art she makes (but that is an old and very divisive debate in the art world). And there are plenty of TT songs that really only make sense taking her sexual orientation into account. This has nothing to do with being a "gay icon." It's a simplistic and very reductionist term and I have no idea what a gay icon is supposed to be, ultimately. That said, some of you may underestimate how relevant that aspect of TT's personality and work has been in the gay community. Neither is her appearance in 'Erotique' altogether random. But the main point here is, don't forget that for many people this is an intimate matter and of some importance in relating to an artists's works. Obviously, I'm not saying that you have to be part of the G&L community to appreciate Tanita's art. All I'm saying is, please do understand that if you are, that aspect of it becomes a little more meaningful to you than when you're not. In a very personal way, there is a sense of looking to certain artists you like and admire, especially those that really have something to say, and feel understood. I think most of the time, that is why we relate to artistst, anway. So obviously, it's something you attach importance to. There's a lot of things in Tanita's works that I can relate to on that level and should it turn out one day that, well, that's not her anymore, I'd still love her music and art (not to mention that I respect anyone's right to change in very "Max Frisch" kind of way) to bits, but I'd also feel a sense of loss. Some may understand that, some may not.
