Nothing could be more symbolic than posting this text here, on the platform that Gaga created so that we could feel free from the evil of the internet. Tonight I'm traveling from Belém to São Paulo and, finally, on Wednesday I'll take a bus to see Mayhem On the Beach in Rio de Janeiro. I've been a little emotional for two days and I still can't believe that she's really coming and that I'll finally fulfill my dream of seeing Gaga live. In 2011, it was Born This Way, specifically Americano, that helped me accept myself. I'll never forget the first time I heard the powerful lyrics "I don't speak your Jesus Christ", it was as if a key had turned in my head, being the son of evangelical pastors. I knew, understood and finally accepted who I am. When she came to Brazil with the Born This Way Ball, I was 16 years old, had recently come out of the closet and was living hell at home (I got this t-shirt a little before Christmas last year from a friend who went to the show and found it sealed in his stuff, I was so happy and it felt like I had really gone). When the Joanne World Tour was announced at Rock In Rio, I was finishing college and was an intern, so I promptly bought tickets, a flight and booked an Airbnb. I was devastated (🤪) by the cancellation, but I knew she would come back one day. I waited for the Chromatica Ball, but we didn't have it and unfortunately, I didn't have an American visa so I never considered traveling to see a show. But, in 2025, I will finally make this dream come true. It's not the way I wanted, because I wanted to see Gaga up close and I would pay for VIP tickets if necessary. I haven't been able to get VIP tickets so far, but I won't give up. 13 years later, I will see the most important artist in my life surrounded by people I love: my (first!) boyfriend, Alaor, and three wonderful friends, Sarah, Raissa and Isabella. Sarah is a gift from the universe, Raissa is a gift that Chromatica gave me and Isabella is a very special one, we were together jn Rio when Gaga announced she wouldn't make it due to her fibromialgia and Mayhem On the Beach is gonna happen on her birthday (May 3rd!!). I can only feel gratitude. Thank you, Lady Gaga, and I hope you come back again; maybe in São Paulo next time or even in Belém, my hometown. ♡