Love the vintage-yet-not feel of Lady GaGa's self-portrait for the cover of The Advocate.

With thanks to my commenter, an interesting visual comparison:

Inside, Jeremy Kinser talks with her about her gay fandom—meant in both senses of the phrase. GaGa reasserts her bisexuality as well:

"'My love for my gay fans is just pure, authentic love for them as supporters of me from the beginning, and me feeling connected to their struggles as someone who is a part of their fight,' she says. 

"The mutual love affair between Gaga and her intensely devoted—and largely gay—disciples has come into the conversation a second time within a few minutes. She has declared numerous times that, like many of her 'little monsters,' she was bullied. In one instance, as a young girl in Manhattan, she was literally tossed into a trash can by classmates. It’s not just sympathy she feels, though. Her connection to her fans goes deeper, to the point of identification. She says she is one of them. 

"Though she’s recently ended an on-off relationship with musician Luc Carl, Gaga has discussed her attraction to other women in the past. As to whether she also considers herself an actual member of the LGBT community—'yes' is her response after a brief pause. Gaga draws the word out, perhaps steeling herself for the follow-up question, wondering if she’ll be forced to address the rumor that she has a penis. 'The b letter,' Gaga answers, and lets out a giggle."

She then takes on the haters who cynically believe she's only in the gay thing for the cash:

"'To say that I would use the gay community to sell records is probably one of the most ridiculous statements anyone can make about me as a person,' Gaga states. The timbre of her voice changes, deepening with frustration. 'I would say the top thing I think about every single day of my life, other than my fans, loving the music, and my family being healthy, is social justice and equality.'"

And when Kinser suggests that no others have merited the comparison to Streisand and Ciccone, GaGa expounds on her affection for the women, and gives them and others full credit:

"More so than any of the female entertainers in her peer group (it’s doubtful Gaga will ever need a conservatorship), she merits comparison to these decades-older 'sisters.' All have legendary iron wills, legions of devout gay followers since their earliest public performances, and folklore surrounding their prefame existences, and all have been defiant, outspoken advocates for equality. Also like the other two, Gaga has transcended unconventional, ethnic looks to redefine a new standard of beauty. Sex appeal sells, but longevity requires passion and chutzpah. Gaga understands that. 'There’s no drama, there’s no jealousy, there’s no competition,' she says about the females she admires. 'They’re just happy to see other women winning.'

"'I just feel so connected to Madonna in a lot of ways, and I feel connected to Barbra, and I feel connected to Cher and Blondie and all of the women who came before me,' Gaga adds. 'I worshipped them my whole life, and I would never be where I am today without all of them to inspire me. I feel so grateful that I have such strong women to look up to.'"

Read it all here.