all-gay music used for DC's July 4th fireworks

[Auggie27]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 9:32am

I always love to take note of the way the work of gay artists defines our culture. The GOP makes gay Americans 2nd class citizens, consistently stating or implying the moral superiority of the heterosexual life, protecting the "sanctity" of marriage and "saving" the family from all things gay.

But last night as crowds cheered around the Captitol, we heard first a 15 minute suite from WEST SIDE STORY, composed by Bernstein and Sondheim, two gay men ... then watched Little Richard strut and play (a "formerly gay" fella, though he certainly hasn't opted to dress Mitt Romney to please the crowd)... heard some wonderful Copeland (gay) Americana, and finally, for the fireworks, got the big gay explosion, the 1812 Overture by that infamously tortured and persecuted homo from Russia, Peter Tchaikovsky.

The irony wasn't lost on me, watching many of the red-state masses tear up, boogie, or wave flags. America, this music is your music. These men have provided you with themes for your very existence.

What would this celebration -- or any -- be without the works of these extraordinary men? How many weddings use "One Hand, One Heart?" How many civic events use "Fanfare for the Common Man?" How many of your daughtes (and sons) watch or dance to "The Nutcracker?"

Many Americans don't want gays in their offices, their apt buildings, or teaching their children, but have no trouble embracing the artistic fervor that gripped and defined great artists. I'd love to ask any of those GOP candidates who balked at gays in the military, how they feel about any of the works cited above--and then hold them accountable for their predictably gushy answers. Play their music, and give them their inalienable rights.

Updated On: 7/5/07 at 09:32 AM

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 9:36am

Well as they say, without gay men America would have nothing dance to or to wear whole doing it.

[DG]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 9:45am

"If you removed all of the homosexuals and homosexual influence from what is generally regarded as American culture, you would pretty much be left with Let's Make a Deal."

- Fran Lebowitz

[Auggie27]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 10:38am

And I do wonder how these sanctimonious politicians would respond when pressed about the impact of that culture on their individual lives. They all have children who play music, they have all embraced "good schools" wherein gifted students read THE GLASS MENAGERIE by another notorious 2nd class citizen with no morals. I wish that interwoven gay sensibility in the culture was discussed in the same sentences with the people who created it. It's easy to note the parallels -- many a racist adore(d) black musical expression. The people flocking to New Orleans for jazz in days of old (and even now) wouldn't want those same musicians to live near them. This hypocrisy is as old as human nature, but it's always worth pointing out.

Posted: 7/5/07 at 10:46am

Thanks DG-- that was the quote that came to mind when I read the original post.

[Auggie27]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 11:00am

Jeesh, I left out Kander and Ebb. Ms. Neuwirth's medly. The 4th couldn't get any gayer unless Jerry Herman appeared in a red white n'blue limo.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 11:01am

Or a red, white and blue Mumu.

Posted: 7/5/07 at 11:16am

I hear next year they have asked Harvey Fierstein to read from "Common Sense" while Rosie O'Donnell accompanies him on the saw.

[Calvin]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 11:18am

And did they play "America the Beautiful"?

We can't leave the lesbians out!

[Auggie27]

Posted: 7/5/07 at 11:23am

Absolutley. I hear Mary and Lynn Cheney have matching aprons with the words stenciled on the bottom.