interview that, when he began working with Aerosmith, they had already written some of what would go on to become “Dude (Looks Like A Lady),” but that’s not what it was originally called.
Apparently, Tyler had started the song as “Cruisin’ For The Ladies,” and it was just about picking up women at a bar. There was interest in writing the tune as “Dude (Looks Like A Lady),” but the band was afraid that it would offend the gay community.
They had actually gone out of their way not to hurt their LGBTQ+ fans.It was Child who got them to change their minds—and the song.
The songwriter, who had already scored hits with the likes of Kiss, Bonnie Tyler, and Bon Jovi by that point, told the group, “I’m gay.