AJ Michalka
“We must be strong / We must be brave”
AJ Michalka’s haunting voice makes ‘Warriors’ an unusual anthem. But the song creates an immense feeling of both pride and determination. Michalka sings “We’re warriors / unstoppable” which encapsulates (for me) the definition of Pride. Pride is a celebration of who you are, but it began as a protest – a fight for LGBTQ+ equality which sadly is not over in many countries across the world. The battle isn’t over. But we haven’t given up the fight – and we won’t. This song gives me hope for the future; as Michalka sings “We’re on the edge of greatness” it feels like we really are.
The first version I heard of this song was an upbeat version performed by Aaliyah Rose, used as the theme song for the Netflix show She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. The song’s connection to the show only makes me love it more. She-Ra and the Princesses of Power is a show which champions the LGBTQ+ community. A key relationship in the show is one between two women. It’s a beautiful relationship and although it’s a cartoon it is one of the most realistic and raw representations of a female relationship that I have ever seen.
“We’re gonna reach inside / Stand together fight and never let it go”: in this one line, Pride is represented in its entirety. We stand together always supporting each other and fighting for each other’s rights. ‘Warriors’ is one of my favourite songs and the perfect Pride anthem.
Words by Orla McAndrew