The lyrics during the verses talk about empowerment, while the chorus talks about making no apologies and accept one as themselves. It features the names of LGBT and other minor communities, which was due to the support that Gaga had received from the community over the years. She also explained that since The Fame and The Fame Monster did not directly address those communities, “Born This Way” was her chance to create something that not only supported her political and social beliefs, but also empowered her to artistically say, “‘I’m not being safe with this record.’ I’m not trying to gain new fans. I love the fans I already have, and this is for them.”

Radio stations in Malaysia chose to garble the part of the lyrics dealing with the acceptance of the LGBT community, due to concerns over censorship in the country, on content deemed offensive. In response, Gaga urged her Malaysian fans, who wanted the uncensored version to be played, to take action by stating: “It is your job and it is your duty as young people to have your voices heard. You must do everything that you can if you want to be liberated by your society. You must call, you must not stop, you must protest peaceably.”