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read_me.gif Southern Voice Washington Blade

LIFEbeat Concert After-Thoughts

Elated despite the haters

by j. brotherlove

Since I’ve been relatively quiet since my first post about the LIFEbeat protest, I wanted to post a follow-up to my feelings around the debacle now that the dust is settling.

As Bernie mentioned, there were “hundreds of conversations between lots of folks and lots of strategizing long into the night” to get Lifeboat to understand how outraged we were at choosing artists with murderous lyrics against gays to headline a concert for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Um, duh.

I have to say that I am proud of my fellow black, gay bloggers - and everyone else who banded together to bring attention to the situation. It didn’t require any magical powers; it took work. Contrary to what some think, all black, gay folk don’t think alike. There was some difference in opinion on the strategy and initial responses from LIFEbeat (merely canceling the concert was not our objective).

In LIFEbeat’s press release, John Cannelli, Executive Director of LIFEbeat, admitted “in our desire to do something positive within the Caribbean American community, we didn’t realize the depth of the hurt in the GLBT community around the lyrics of these artists.”

Karlene, co-chair of J-FLAG (The Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals and Gays) stated “This would be the first time a protest of these artists raised money for us.” [via Jasmyne]

Overall, things have resolved themselves well. Unless, of course, you read detracting posts from the usual shit-starters about how our protest prevented a deserving community of getting much needed HIV/AIDS awareness.

Um, no.

You only need to read LIFEbeat’s press release to know that they are “reaching out to key members of the Caribbean American community and to AIDS organizations” (something they should’ve done in the beginning) to accomplish the same mission. I argue the resulting education will be more effective now than before.

Of course, I can’t say I’m surprised by negative responses from (mostly) homophobic hip hop lovers. After all, most of the music they champion advocate disrespect and violence against women and gays. It’s hard to get offended by other people’s shit when it smells like yours.

Extra, Extra
“Torn” - The LIFEBEAT Reggae Gold 2006 debacle…

pub: 07/14/2006 | previous entry | next entry | feedback x 2 | subscribe

When I heard about this rampant homophobia in the reggae community, I was so saddened and felt betrayed, having spent my college years Jamming to Bob Marley and even seeing Rita Marley live in concert. We used to smoke from a bong that was literally knee-high!
Is there a way to effect change in this community?
This reminds me of the demonstration that occurred in the Caribbean when Rosie O’Donnell’s gay family cruise was almost barred from docking in the Bahamas or someplace like that.
It is so surprising to me that the Rastafarians have not yet adopted a more live and let live attitude…

Chris, as you know, change is a slow process. We can’t even get most people to understand non-hetero folk in mainstream US.

Also, the reggae you listened to in the past (which I also love) is not the same music as present-day dancehall (which I don’t like at all).

As I mentioned, the problem is just as large in rap/hip hop. Most agree that it’s a disservice to call women bitches and hoes; but nobody in the music industry (radio, label, artist, or fan) is doing much to change it.