thedeliveryman
June 30th, 2005, 11:55 AM
I was so disappointed that there were no notable indie queer music events for Pride this week. In previous years my band had played at the Crocodile and Vera for queer related events, but it was almost completely absent this year. I tried to contact several clubs and promoters (even The Stranger) about putting something together and nobody seemed interested. Is this really what it has come to?! How can most of the dykes and fags who live on Capitol Hill not care about the music that is around them?! It's hard enough trying to get people to listen to your music in a predominately straight/white/male oriented scene (the girls are usually into my band. Damn the irony!). Now don't get me wrong, I have lots of straight/white/male friends. Some of my favorite artists are straight/white/males. But I have this crazy dream of being a VISIBLE/OPEN queer musician of substance (though I love there music, Bob Mould and Michael Stipe are cowards). When I was coming out it was difficult to reconcile the gay figures I was familiar with (snappy dressers, perfectly coifed) to those I most identified with (indie/alternative bands). To make a long post belatedly short: We need to be visible role models for queer kids in the Seattle area and perhaps even create a national spotlight. As Why must San Francisco be the haven for queer musicians? Seattle has fags and talent in spades, so let's use it. Let's start queer friendly Record Labels, support quality queer bands, maybe a weekly/monthly queer-based showcase at a local venue. I know others have tried this approach and I say it's time to start again! This is a call to arms for both the music and gay community. Perhaps The Stranger can help correct these wrongs by sponsoring an event or doing an article to bring light to the subject. You have a voice, so use it!
I know this may not matter to a lot of people, but there are talented dykes and fags struggling now to overcome being pigeonholed or overlooked in the music and gay community. If we can turn one just one young fag from a Britney Spears fan to an indie rock lover, the battle will have been worth it.
Thanks for listening.
I know this may not matter to a lot of people, but there are talented dykes and fags struggling now to overcome being pigeonholed or overlooked in the music and gay community. If we can turn one just one young fag from a Britney Spears fan to an indie rock lover, the battle will have been worth it.
Thanks for listening.