Happy Pride Month! Queer and LGBTQ music is incredible for ALL audiences, every day of the year (not just Pride month, of course!). Take the example of the school in Watertown, Wisconsin, where the marching band was recently barred from playing a song called “A Mother of a Revolution!” composed by Omar Thomas as homage to transgender activist Marsha P. Johnson, a famed participant in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969 in New York City. The students staged a walkout to protest this censorship, and ended up performing the piece at an offsite venue with Thomas conducting. The kids are alright.
Christina selected this theme with an artist in mind–Lavender Country. Their “Crying these Cocksucking Tears” from 1973 was a pioneering gay country tune that received less acclaim in its heyday than it did after the advent of YouTube. But still, it inspired a new generation of queer country musicians.
Christine minted a new gay anthem with Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom.” While we couldn’t find it on any top gay anthem of all time lists, it tells the story of a tennis great who defied the odds and advocated for women in sports and LGBTQ rights. That’s right: Billie Jean King.
We’re PROUD to celebrate pride this year. And if you so choose to listen, we’d love to give you some unsolicited advice: go to a concert outside this summer! If you need a playlist, may we recommend the ever-growing Stereothematica playlist? Sometimes we even get up to some antics on Instagram.
Stereothematica 