Proud by Heather Small. This was one of many amazing songs featured on Queer as Folk <3.
Music, photos, film, news footage, newsprint, blogs, fiction, and biographies are a few genres of media which have documented not only the gay rights movement but also many other social movements. Music, however, is something which has the power to evoke emotions in us, remind us of events, times, people, and places. Its powerful. It resonates (like Diana Ross' "I'M COMING OUT!!!").
I'm not going to attempt writing a history of music within the gay rights context, that would just take way too long and be way too boring for most of us. But what I am going to do is mention and briefly discuss a couple songs I feel really represent some past and present gay rights struggles in North America.
Disco was, as we all know, huge in the late 60s and early 70s within the African American, gay, and psychedelic communities. It created a space in which gay men could feel comfortable and develop their own identity. I must admit I do love me some Gloria Gaynor, Jackson 5, and Diana Ross once in a while :).
Diana Ross - I'm Coming Out
It's very obvious what I'm Coming Out is about. I've heard it many times in gay bars (remember, I'm 22 so that's in the last 3 years). It's still very relevant as homophobia is still very prevalent.
More recently we have the continued fight for marriage equality in the United States and the passing of proposition (H)8 in California. I could rant on forever about the religious right (which, by the way, should be called the religious wrong lol), we all know about the Mor(m)on church funding much of the hate. However, in response to Prop 8, Depeche Mode released the single Wrong. It's truly a beautiful song with a powerful music video. Depeche Mode - Wrong YouTube has disabled imbed for this song or it would have been easily played right here for your convenience.
Music has the power to reach people who otherwise may not have a direct relation or connection with social movements such as gay rights. Music enthusiasts or general music listeners who actually pay attention to music will realize, to an extent, what the song is about. This coupled with widespread media coverage and word of mouth makes the otherwise non-affected person aware of the struggles faced by gays and lesbians. Now its just up to the composers, artists, videographers, writers, reporters, and gossipers to do the struggle justice and give it a sense of humanity.
OH, and about this Buju Banton guy, speaking about music, he is a real piece of work! His song Boom Bye Bye in proper English states:
"Get an automatic or an Uzi instead
Shoot them now
When Buju Banton arrives
Faggots have to run
Or get a bullet in the head
Bang-bang in a faggot’s head
Homeboys don’t condone nasty men
They must die."
I am delighted the gay and lesbian community has stood up and had many of this homophobic hater's concerts cancelled. He better not decide to come to Edmonton anytime soon, I will definitely be outside the venue protesting if they still allow his show to go on and I'm sure I won't be alone. Its so hard to believe that someone is openly allowed to promote hate and also profit from it!
I couldn't find a song more appropriate to end this post :).
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