“Born This Way”, the latest single from Lady Gaga, has topped the itunes charts in 21 countries. It also hit #3 in last week’s UK singles chart, despite having only being released as a digital download on Friday.

The song contains overt references to having pride in an LGBT identity. Gaga sings: “No matter gay, straight or bi / Lesbian, transgendered life / I’m on the right track, baby / I was born to survive”. It also refers to other groups, including ethnic minorities and disabled people, who may be “outcast, bullied or teased”.

The out bisexual pop icon has a history of campaigning on LGBT issues within the United States. She has performed at Pride events, participated in 2009′s National Equality March, and spoke against the US military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy at the MTV Awards in 2010.

Lady Gaga successfully built anticipation for her new song through canny publicity. The lyrics were gradually unveiled over time, and artwork was revealed to fans ahead of the single release.

This was followed by an extravagant performance at last night’s Grammy Awards. Gaga arrived in an “embryonic state”, as she was was carried into the ceremony inside a giant egg before being “born” live on stage during the live act.

Watch Lady Gaga emerge from her egg at the Grammys here.