Madonna is no stranger to controversy. Food, water, air? No, it's resisting the establishment that sustains Madonna. Since her first release Like a Prayer in 1989, Madonna has been a tabloid sweetheart. Over two decades later, the dance pop icon continues to make headlines. Many of them, including these top highlights, have been in support of gay rights and her loyal gay fans:

Support for Pussy Riot
Musicians jailed for standing up against injustice?


Madonna's not going to stand for that. A concert in St. Petersburg has Madonna in hot water (again). This time for speaking in support of punk band Pussy Riot and for giving out pink ribbons to fans. An anti-gay rights group is suing her for $10 million for "psychological stress and emotional shock" and "promotion of homosexuality."

Booed In Romania
Were those boos or did Madge simply hear them as cheers? When you're anti-discrimination, vocal objection from others is a sure sign you're doing something right. During the Romania leg of her "Sticky and Sweet Tour," Madonna was booed on stage for speaking out against gay discrimination and supporting gypsy rights.

A Letter to Malawi
"This week, Malawi took a giant step backward," Madonna wrote in an open letter to Malawian officials after two men were jailed for holding a union ceremony. Madonna has two adopted Malawian kids.

Madonna vs. Bullying
During a November 2010 taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Madonna spoke out against bullying. "If it weren't for her gay fans," she says she wouldn't be here.

Madonna for Mayor
Gay marriage in New York gave a huge boost to the fight for equality in America. Support for the initiative was overwhelming. Right on the heels of its success was Madonna, who publicly offered her support just a week before its passing.

Kiss from a Rose
Madonna smacked one on fellow bad girls Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera during the 2003 VMAs. The audience erupted in a mix of cheers and confusion.

Strike a Pose
Although Madonna didn't invent voguing, she carried the ball scene out of the underground and into the mainstream. Her 1990 MTV Music Award performance is classic and features a parade of gender queer fabulousness.