FEATURE:
A Pride of Lions?
ALL PHOTOS/IMAGES (unless credited otherwise): Unsplash
Is the Music Industry Becoming More Accepting of L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. Artists?
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ONE might read that headline…
IMAGE CREDIT: Getty Images
and take issue with a couple of different points. I shall address the ignored elephant in the room, then. I am not suggesting, for one minute, the music industry is homophobic or sees artists who do not identify themselves in binary teams as outcasts and oddities. I am suggesting, perhaps, we are less keen to shine a light on those L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. acts and their vivid, entrancing and incredible stories. They are still not as conventional and ‘accepted’ as some and, I guess, some people feel uncomfortable. I have used the term ‘L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.’ – rather than ‘L.G.B.T.Q.’ – as it is more inclusive, and, actually, would identify myself somewhere in that acronym.
We all know what the traditional five-letter acronym stands for: the ‘I’ is for ‘Intersex’; the ‘A’ is for ‘Asexual’. I guess, by virtue of not having sex at the moment (going through a patience-testing dry spell) I cannot claim to be celibate or ‘holding out’ – I guess, though, there are normal desires that are not being met and I cannot seem to slake. I am confusing things already but that kind of raises an interesting point. Do we have a great understanding, then, of L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. and what the rainbow encompasses? Sexuality is anything but binary: widening horizons and parameters means we do not exclude those who do not class themselves as lesbian, gay; bisexual, transsexual or queer.
I am going to liberally source from a New York Times article that, before we traverse further, explains the altering lexicon of sexuality and how one need not identify in simple and limited territories:
“Take, for example, the addition of “Q” that became increasingly popular as the 20th century turned into the 21st. Some insisted this stood for “questioning,” representing people who were uncertain of their sexual orientations or gender identities. Others declared it was for “queer,” a catchall term that has shed its derogatory origins and is gaining acceptance.
Now there’s also I, for intersex; A, for ally (or asexual, depending on whom you’re talking to); and often a plus sign meant to cover anyone else who’s not included: L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+.
That’s not all, however — that’s just the beginning.
What follows is a by-no-means inclusive list of vocabulary.
GAY AND LESBIAN It’s important to start with the basics, and “gay” and “lesbian” are as basic as it gets. As “homosexual” began to feel clinical and pejorative, gay became the de rigueur mainstream term to refer to same-sex attraction in the late 1960s and early ’70s. Gradually, as what was then called the gay liberation movement gained steam, the phrase “gay and lesbian” became more popular as a way to highlight the similar-yet-separate issues faced by women in the fight for tolerance.
Gay is still sometimes used as an umbrella term, but these days, it also refers specifically to men, as in “gay men and lesbians.”
BISEXUAL Someone who is attracted to people of their gender or other genders. It is not a way station from straight to gay, as it had once been described.
PHOTO CREDIT: Get Images/Pride in London
The stereotypes around bisexuality — that it’s a transitional stage or a cover for promiscuity — have been at the center of fraught conversation within L.G.B.T.Q. circles for years. The musical television show “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” which features a bisexual male character, had an entire song refuting this.
As advocates speak out more about what they see as “bisexual erasure” — the persistent questioning or negation of bisexual identity — the term has become resurgent. But some people also argue that the prefix “bi” reinforces a male/female gender binary that isn’t inclusive enough.
PANSEXUAL Someone who is attracted to people of all gender identities. Or someone who is attracted to a person’s qualities regardless of their gender identity.
Once a more niche term used by academics, pansexual has entered the mainstream, pushed in part by celebrities bringing it visibility. The singer Miley Cyrus identified as pansexual in 2015. In April, after the singer Janelle Monàe came out as pansexual in a “Rolling Stone” article, searches for the word on Merriam-Webster’s website rose 11,000 percent, according to the dictionary.
ASEXUAL Or “ace.” Someone who experiences little to no sexual attraction. They are not to be confused with “aromantic people,” who experience little or no romantic attraction. Asexual people do not always identify as aromantic; aromantic people do not always identify as asexual.
PHOTO CREDIT: Get Images/Pride in London
CISGENDER Someone whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth.
TRANSGENDER A wide-ranging term for people whose gender identity or gender expression differs from the biological sex they were assigned at birth.
TRANSGENDERED Not a word. Often used as one.
TRANS* OR TRANS+ Two umbrella terms for non-cisgender identities
GENDER NONCONFORMING, OR G.N.C. One who expresses gender outside traditional norms associated with masculinity or femininity. Not all gender-nonconforming people are transgender, and some transgender people express gender in conventionally masculine or feminine ways.
NONBINARY A person who identifies as neither male nor female and sees themselves outside the gender binary. This is sometimes shortened to N.B. or enby. One notable example: Taylor Mason, a financial analyst on the show “Billions,” who is believed to be the first gender nonbinary character on television and is played by the nonbinary actor Asia Kate Dillon.
GENDERQUEER Another term often used to describe someone whose gender identity is outside the strict male/female binary. They may exhibit both traditionally masculine and feminine qualities or neither.
GENDER FLUID A term used by people whose identity shifts or fluctuates. Sometimes these individuals may identify or express themselves as more masculine on some days, and more feminine on others.
GENDER-NEUTRAL Someone who prefers not to be described by a specific gender, but prefers “they” as a singular pronoun (the American Dialect Society’s 2015 Word of the Year) or the honorific “Mx.,” a substitute for “Mr.” or “Ms.” that entered the Oxford English Dictionary in 2015.
M.A.A.B./F.A.A.B./U.A.A.B. Male-assigned at birth/female-assigned at birth/unassigned at birth.
INTERSEX A term for someone born with biological sex characteristics that aren’t traditionally associated with male or female bodies. Intersexuality does not refer to sexual orientation or gender identity”.
PHOTO CREDIT: Get Images/Pride in London
Even in that rather lengthy and emphatic piece; you can see why some people would be confused, in music, as to whether we are fully acceptant and all-inclusive. Few articles in the mainstream media address sexuality in music and whether we have evolved through the decades. When I was growing up, a lot of the artists I listened to had a ‘camp’ demeanour or, from a young child’s perspective, a sense of theatricality that spoke to me. As a heterosexual male; I was always, as I grew up, drawn to female songwriters and artists – none, to my mind, identified themselves as gay or bisexual. George Michael was one of the artists I listened to when I was a child. His struggle coming out meant he risked facing commercial failure and judgment; the fact early Wham! videos portrayed Michael as a straight and woman-chasing chap was not who he was about.
It was a brave decision, coming out, and one that was not always met with acceptance and happiness. As a journalist, I have interviewed and featured artists who identify themselves as gender-fluid or gender-non-specific. There are those who proudly identify themselves as bisexual and gay; others who are asexual and some are pansexual – most are very proud and open but there has been stigma and judgement placed at their feet. Look at the mainstream through the decades and there have been very few non-heterosexual artists celebrated at the forefront. Some artists have possessed a kitsch and camp vibe; many others, fearful of coming out, have hidden their sexual preference.
We keep reading how hard it is being a woman in the modern-day music industry: the fate and life of those who identify themselves as L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. is just as hard, I would say. The fact it was illegal to be homosexual as recently as 1967. The decriminalisation of homosexuality was seen through my parents’ eyes: if we still lived in a world where it was illegal to be homosexual (in some countries, it still is!) then there would be mass protest and disgust. Whilst we have made some strides; I wonder whether there are artists a little hesitant to fly the flag and fully embrace who they are. It seems, to a degree, there is still the need to be clandestine and cloistered.
That is never the fault of the artist themselves: without a unified and fraternal clatch at the forefront; there is that fear of ostracism and alienation. Maybe there is no barrier that is consciously excluding artists on the sexuality spectrum. Maybe, as I fear, the marketing men and labels are too rigid with the sort of artists they place at the forefront. The young, sexy and commercial artists are put forward and we never really question things. In fact, when an artist like Selena Gomez is seen with a female friend; the magazines and journalists start the rumour mill – is she gay, perhaps?! Life & Style, back in March, wrote this:
“It's only been a couple of weeks since Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber seemingly decided to take a break from their hot and heavy rekindled romance, but does that mean she's already in a relationship? Not exactly. The "Bad Liar" singer is currently in Australia for a Hillsong Church conference and without Bieber in sight, she got super cuddly on social media with a woman, prompting gay rumors.
IN THIS PHOTO: Selena Gomez
The singer took to Instagram to promote body positivity in a video montage that featured her and a few friends on a yacht. But the way she rested her head, cuddled, and cozied up to a female friend in the footage got some attention. Fans commented on Selena's post with rainbow emojis — which is a universal symbol that represents the LGBTQ community — and different colored heart emojis”.
Do pieces like this add pressure on the shoulders of an artist or open the way for them, if they are gay, to reveal that to the world?! I am not sure whether Gomez is gay – it is not unusual for a woman to be seen close to another woman; think it is called ‘friendship’ – but I do wonder whether the article is much-raking and sensationalism – rather than support and opening channels when it comes to discussing sexuality! Whilst there are some artists in/near the mainstream who identify as gay or bisexual; I feel it is not a subject being given enough oxygen and respect. The reason this article is timely is the approaching Pride celebrations in London. The celebrations began last month but the parade happens this Saturday. Look at the official website and you can remain informed of all the photos, events and happenings. Quite rightly; artists and music-lovers have been taking to social media and throwing their support behind Pride. It is that strange time of year when London becomes a unified and sociable part of the world; colour floods the street and people actual smile! I may be exaggerating but, against the bustle, anxiety and commuter woe; the capital transforms into a beacon of conversation, delight and wonder.
I am seeing artists – some I know and others I do not – proudly back the event and pledge their support. It is great to see and hear sexuality discussed and shine a spotlight on people who, until fairly recently, would not have been allowed to celebrate their sexuality. I feel we are a more informed and educated people in many ways: sexuality is no longer black-and-white and we are more aware of the complexity and variation of the spectrum. I am also seeing many female bands identify as gender-neutral and not be defined: others bands have bisexual and homosexual members; the band addresses and tackles their sexualities and brings it to the people. As many of us open our eyes, minds and hearts; I am concerned there is uneasiness, largely, to actively encourage talk of sexuality in the mainstream.
The artists I have reviewed and featured are unsigned or away from the limelight. The only way events like Pride can spill into music – a bespoke and music-specific day/week – is to de-stigmatise artists who are fearful of coming out; others who are asexual or transgender and are not sure how to broach the subject. We are hearing in the news, today, the Government is cracking down on conversion therapy: where gay people are ‘taught’ not to be gay or have their sexuality taken away (through methods that are medieval and humiliating). The fact such a Stone Age and despicable practice remains still shows we have not completely discarded past disgrace and narrow-mindedness.
One could argue there are not that many artists in music that are homosexual or pansexual, let’s say. Not only is that untrue – there are many more than you know! – but there are so many who are confused and not been given proper support. Not that we are told heterosexuality is the norm but I feel there is still that pressure for people to confirm and fit into holes – anyone who falls outside of the diagram has to struggle and fight harder. Pride will bring awareness and help promote true evolution. I will end the piece by highlighting artists who are L.G.B.T. – Billboard not opening up their keyboard to include a few extra letters! – but I wanted to talk about testimonies and stories I have heard from artists. I know quite a few artists who are gay or see themselves as pansexual. Rather than tell that to a label or inject that into their music; they are reserved and feel people would not understand and it would not be played on the radio. Others want to explore stories of love and sex through their own eyes: women want to talk about dating women; men want to talk about dating men or being attracted to both sexes. I am hearing some artists, big and smaller, who are being bold and open. Many others, for various reasons, are talking about their experiences in neutral terms and not attaching genders to their lyrics; others are talking about drunken flirtation and titillation (regarding the same sex, for instance) rather than singing about passionate relationships and love.
I am seeing some improvements and developments but I wonder how far away complete assimilation, inclusion and community is. These small steps – events and artists talking about their sexuality – are inspiring others but there need to be more active, targeted and regular events; bigger artists taking gambles and showing their true colours. Maybe commercial depreciation is a reason for hesitancy: Can we really keep going as we are and making artists comply with what others see as ‘normal’?! This report shows the proliferation of depression and anxiety in young and older members of the L.G.B.T. community:
“The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) released a report in 2013 on LGBT youth that states the following:
· Fifty-five percent of LGBT youth feel unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation, and 37 percent feel unsafe because of their gender expression.
· Seventy-four percent of LGBT youth were verbally harassed because of their sexual orientation, and 55 percent were verbally harassed because of their gender expression.
Sixteen percent were physically assaulted, either punched, kicked, or injured with a weapon, because of their sexual orientation, and 11 percent of them experienced this type of assault because of their gender expression.
This study suggests that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults also have higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders and are at a higher risk for suicidal behavior than heterosexual adults. Depression in lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults is usually rooted in discrimination and victimization from childhood and adolescence. Research on transgender people is still lacking.
Some research aims to study depression in older gay men. It examines cognitive behavioral therapy, its benefits, and how effective it is for gay men over the age of 60”.
I am going to select five artists from this piece that was published on 1st June – it highlighted some great L.G.B.T.Q. artists who should garner more attention and backing:
Dizzy Fae
PHOTO CREDIT: Brad Ogbonna
Dizzy Fae’s debut project Free Form is a wonderland of experimental R&B with bonkers production and pop sensibility. “What I loved about labeling my first project as a ‘mixtape’ is that it created room for me to grow any direction,” she explains. “Whichever way that is, you know it’s ya girl, Diz.”
Shea Diamond
PHOTO CREDIT: Greer Inez
Songwriting juggernaut Justin Tranter serendipitously discovered Shea Diamond when he saw a YouTube clip of her singing an original song at a #TransLivesMatter event. The soul singer is an open book -- and given her ten year stint in men’s prison, she’s got a story to tell.
Bronze Avery
PHOTO CREDIT: Justin Gilber
Orlando-based pop singer Bronze Avery realized how important Pride celebrations were when his hometown felt the devastation of the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre: “It's surreal to see an entire community rally together. It's important to instill this culture of love and acceptance down to future generations so that Pride can continue to be a safe haven for us.”
REYNA
PHOTO CREDIT: Katia Temkin
Indie-pop sister duo REYNA grew up in a religious Mexican-American household. Comprised of sisters Victoriah and Hannah Gabriela Banuelos, the former -- who is openly gay -- describes her first Pride as an awakening: “I found people that were going through the same struggles I was and I became more comfortable with myself.”
Michael Blume
PHOTO CREDIT: Shervin Lainez
NYC-based indie artist Michael Blume blends gospel, hip-hop and electronica, but it’s the message behind his music that truly sets him apart. Through his tracks, Blume explores themes like identity, self-expression, queerness and social justice.
Lauren Sanderson
PHOTO CREDIT: Cameron Postforoosh
Lauren Sanderson is the definition of DIY. Last year, she saw her self-released EPSpaces top the iTunes R&B albums chart without traditional promotion and she independently routed and booked an 18-city tour. The Indiana-native is known for penning handwritten letters to her 200K+ social media followers.
There are some terrific L.G.B.T.Q.(I.A.) artists out there who are gathering fans and unafraid to shine and strike. I wonder how long it will be until every artist who is non-heterosexual – apologies to word it like that but it is less wordy – feels like they will get full support and acclaim if they write about their experiences…rather than camouflage their identity or mask their sexual/romantic experiences through byzantine and cliché terms. Changes will come, and greater integration will occur, but I feel we are not as far ahead as we should be. There are some great L.G.B.T.I.A. artists emerging and inspiring others. Whilst they are in the minority I hope, soon enough, we can be in a position where artists, who are much more interesting, deep and original get the acclaim and pulpit they deserve. Whether that is just around the corner, or might be many years away, is really…
ANYONE’S guess.