Archive

Eleven ’80s videos that made me gay

When it comes to videos, I’m old. I remember the premiere of Friday Night Videos, and even before that (and even before MTV), I watched something called FM-TV (later Teletunes) on a local public access channel. It was such a thrill to stay up late and enter that strange new world. My sister even figured out how to hook up our clunky TV to the stereo so we could enjoy bizarre bands like Les Rita Mitsouko in high fidelity.

And just as the age of music video was dawning, so was my baby dykedom. Here are some ’80s videos that helped me explore my newfound appreciation for the fairer sex. (Note to the PMRC types: I’m not really saying these videos made me gay; just that these women are totally worth going gay for, if that were possible.)

1. The Eurythmics, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” (1983)

Oh, Annie Lennox. The hair. The stare. The tie. Sweet doesn’t begin to cover it.

2. The Pretenders, “Brass in Pocket” (1979 — yeah, a year early)

I didn’t understand half of what Chrissie Hynde was saying, but her eyeliner did something to me — as did her smooth, sexy voice.

3. Cyndi Lauper, “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” (1983)

At that point, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted from a slumber party; I just knew I really, really liked them.

4. Tina Turner, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” (1984)

Love has a lot to do with it. Especially if you’re going to strut like that. This video also fed my growing yen for the Big Apple.

5. The Go-Go’s, “Our Lips Are Sealed” (1981)

Not Belinda. The other ones. I’m looking at you, Kathy Valentine.

6. Pat Benatar, “Love Is a Battlefield” (1983)

Let’s take to the streets and have a dance-off! We are strong! No one can tell us we’re wrong!

7. Heart, “What About Love” (1985)

Lesbian Apparel and Accessories Gay All Day sweatshirt -- AE exclusive

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Back to top button