8.2 Queer music and performance
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Queer music and performance challenge traditional gender norms and celebrate LGBTQ+ identities. From drag culture to ballroom , these art forms provide spaces for self-expression, community building, and resistance against societal expectations.
Iconic and queer musicians have significantly impacted popular culture, increasing visibility and representation. Genres like and aesthetics like continue to push boundaries, creating powerful platforms for queer voices and experiences.
Queer Performance Art
Drag Culture and Gender Performance
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Top images from around the web for Drag Culture and Gender Performance
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- Drag culture involves performers dressing up and embodying exaggerated feminine or masculine personas, often as a form of entertainment, self-expression, and challenging gender norms (drag queens, drag kings)
- Drag performances can include lip-syncing, dancing, comedy, and live singing, showcasing the performer's creativity, talent, and ability to blur gender boundaries
- in drag culture subverts traditional notions of gender identity and expression, highlighting the performative and fluid nature of gender
- Drag culture has roots in underground LGBTQ+ communities, particularly among gay men and trans women, serving as a form of resistance, community building, and celebration of queer identities
Ballroom Culture and Voguing
- emerged in the 1960s and 70s among Black and Latinx LGBTQ+ communities in New York City, creating a space for queer people of color to express themselves, compete, and find a sense of belonging
- Voguing, a highly stylized dance form characterized by angular arm movements, poses, and catwalk-like struts, originated in the ballroom scene as a way for participants to showcase their skills and creativity
- Ballroom events feature various categories, such as "Runway," "Face," and "Realness," where participants compete and are judged on their ability to embody specific gender, fashion, or cultural ideals
- Voguing and ballroom culture gained mainstream attention through the documentary "Paris Is Burning" (1990) and Madonna's hit song "Vogue" (1990), though the appropriation of these art forms by mainstream culture has been criticized for lack of proper credit and compensation to the original creators
Queer Music Genres and Icons
LGBTQ+ Anthems and Queer Icons
- LGBTQ+ anthems are songs that have become iconic within the , often due to their empowering lyrics, themes of resilience, and celebration of queer identities ("I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor, "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga)
- are public figures, often musicians, who have significantly impacted and inspired the LGBTQ+ community through their art, activism, and unapologetic embrace of their queer identity (, , , )
- These icons and anthems provide a sense of visibility, validation, and unity for LGBTQ+ individuals, serving as a source of strength and pride in the face of adversity and discrimination
Queercore and LGBTQ+ Representation in Music
- Queercore is a punk rock subgenre that emerged in the 1980s, characterized by its confrontational and unapologetic approach to addressing LGBTQ+ issues, homophobia, and gender norms (bands like Pansy Division, Team Dresch)
- Queercore musicians often use their platform to challenge , advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, and create a space for queer voices within the predominantly heterosexual punk scene
- LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream music has increased over time, with more artists openly identifying as queer and incorporating queer themes and experiences into their music (, , , )
- This representation helps to normalize and celebrate queer identities, providing role models and visibility for LGBTQ+ youth and contributing to a more inclusive music industry
Queer Aesthetics
Camp and Queer Sensibilities
- Camp is an aesthetic sensibility characterized by exaggeration, artifice, theatricality, and a subversive, often humorous approach to gender, sexuality, and cultural norms
- Queer communities have historically embraced camp as a means of self-expression, resistance, and critique of dominant cultural values, using irony, parody, and excess to challenge societal expectations
- Camp aesthetics can be found in various forms of queer art, including drag performances, fashion, film, and music, often blurring the lines between high and low culture, and celebrating the unconventional and the marginal
- Examples of camp in queer culture include the films of John Waters (Pink Flamingos), the music and fashion of David Bowie and Freddie Mercury, and the drag performances of and Divine
- Camp sensibilities allow queer artists and performers to reclaim and subvert cultural stereotypes, creating a space for queer creativity, resilience, and joy in the face of oppression and marginalization
Key Terms to Review (28)
Ballroom culture: Ballroom culture is a vibrant, underground social scene primarily associated with the LGBTQ+ community, particularly Black and Latinx individuals, that originated in the 1980s. It features elaborate dance competitions, known as balls, where participants showcase their performance skills, fashion, and creativity in various categories. This culture not only serves as a space for self-expression and community but also addresses themes of identity, race, and gender through artistic performance.
Camp: Camp is a style and sensibility characterized by exaggerated, theatrical elements that often embrace the absurd, the outrageous, and the artificial. It plays with notions of taste and aesthetics, making it a powerful tool for subverting traditional values and norms, especially in queer contexts where it allows for the exploration of identity, performance, and cultural critique.
Chosen Family: Chosen family refers to a group of individuals who create deep emotional bonds and support systems, often transcending biological or legal ties. This concept is especially significant in queer communities, where individuals may face rejection from their biological families due to their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading them to form alternative family structures based on love, acceptance, and mutual support.
Cultural criticism: Cultural criticism is a method of analyzing cultural products, practices, and institutions to understand how they reflect, reinforce, or challenge social values and power dynamics. This approach examines the underlying meanings within art, literature, music, and performance, revealing how culture shapes identity and societal norms. It also often critiques the cultural status quo, offering insights into marginalized voices and experiences, especially those related to gender and sexuality.
David Bowie: David Bowie was an influential British musician, actor, and cultural icon known for his innovative contributions to music and performance art. He is celebrated for his distinctive style, which often challenged conventional norms of gender and sexuality, making him a pivotal figure in queer music and performance history.
Disco era: The disco era refers to a vibrant cultural movement and musical genre that flourished primarily in the late 1970s. Characterized by its upbeat rhythms, danceable beats, and the iconic use of synthesizers, disco music became a backdrop for a burgeoning nightlife scene that emphasized freedom of expression and sexual liberation, making it particularly significant for queer communities.
Drag performance: Drag performance is an artistic expression in which individuals, often men dressing as women or women dressing as men, exaggerate gender traits for entertainment purposes. This form of performance can challenge traditional notions of gender and sexuality, allowing performers to play with identity and societal norms while often blending elements of theater, music, and dance.
Elton John: Elton John is a renowned British singer, songwriter, and pianist known for his flamboyant style and powerful ballads. He has been a significant figure in the music industry since the 1970s, often addressing themes of love, loss, and identity in his work, making him an icon in both popular music and queer culture.
Freddie Mercury: Freddie Mercury was a British singer, songwriter, and lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, known for his flamboyant stage presence and powerful vocal range. His artistry transcended traditional gender norms and he became an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly for his unapologetic expression of identity and sexuality in music and performance.
Gender performance: Gender performance refers to the idea that gender is not a fixed attribute, but rather something that is enacted through behavior, actions, and expressions. This concept emphasizes how individuals perform their gender roles in various contexts, highlighting the fluidity and variability of gender identity. It suggests that societal norms shape these performances, making them often a reflection of cultural expectations rather than an innate quality.
Hayley Kiyoko: Hayley Kiyoko is a singer, songwriter, and actress known for her influential role in the representation of LGBTQ+ themes in contemporary music and media. Often referred to as 'Lesbian Jesus' by her fans, Kiyoko's work features authentic storytelling that resonates with queer experiences, making her a prominent figure in queer music and performance.
Heteronormativity: Heteronormativity is the cultural, social, and institutional belief that heterosexuality is the default or 'normal' sexual orientation, leading to the marginalization of non-heterosexual identities and relationships. This framework influences societal norms, expectations, and power dynamics, affecting everything from personal relationships to broader societal structures.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities—such as race, gender, sexuality, class, and ability—intersect and create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept highlights that individuals experience oppression in varying degrees based on their unique combinations of identities, which is crucial for understanding the complexities within social justice and advocacy work.
Janelle Monáe: Janelle Monáe is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her unique blend of genres and her exploration of identity, sexuality, and race through her music and performances. Her work often incorporates themes of empowerment, freedom, and futurism, making her a significant figure in both the music industry and discussions surrounding progressive social movements.
Lgbtq+ anthems: LGBTQ+ anthems are songs that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community, often addressing themes of identity, love, resistance, and empowerment. These songs serve not only as a source of comfort and pride but also as rallying cries for social change and acceptance, playing a pivotal role in queer music and performance by celebrating diversity and challenging societal norms.
Lil Nas X: Lil Nas X is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who gained fame with his viral hit 'Old Town Road.' His work often challenges traditional norms in the music industry, especially regarding sexuality and identity. By openly identifying as a gay man, he has become a significant figure in queer music and performance, using his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance.
Pride Festivals: Pride festivals are public celebrations that promote and affirm the identity, culture, and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. These events often include parades, performances, and various activities that foster community spirit and visibility while advocating for social justice and equality. Pride festivals serve as a platform for artistic expression, where queer music and performance play a crucial role in reflecting the experiences and voices of the LGBTQ+ community.
Queer aesthetics: Queer aesthetics refers to an artistic and cultural approach that challenges normative representations of gender and sexuality, embracing fluidity, diversity, and subversion. This concept often manifests in music, performance, visual arts, and literature, aiming to create spaces that reflect queer identities and experiences while disrupting traditional narratives. Queer aesthetics encourages artists to express their unique perspectives, thus fostering inclusivity and challenging societal norms around beauty and representation.
Queer community: The queer community is a social and cultural group that encompasses individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ and who share experiences related to their sexual orientation, gender identity, and expressions of queerness. This community serves as a supportive network, fostering connections among diverse individuals who often face marginalization, discrimination, and challenges due to their identities. The queer community often finds expression through various forms of art, activism, and performance, which highlight its unique perspectives and experiences.
Queer icons: Queer icons are figures, often from popular culture or history, who embody or symbolize LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, serving as representations of queer resilience, creativity, and diversity. These individuals often challenge societal norms and conventions through their art, activism, and public personas, inspiring marginalized communities while influencing mainstream culture.
Queer music festival: A queer music festival is an event that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and artistry through live performances, showcasing diverse musical genres and performances that resonate with queer identities. These festivals often create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, promoting community bonding while challenging mainstream norms within the music industry.
Queer punk: Queer punk is a cultural and musical movement that emerged in the late 1970s, characterized by its defiance of societal norms regarding gender and sexuality, while embracing the DIY ethos of punk music. It combines the raw energy and rebellion of punk with a focus on LGBTQ+ identities and experiences, often using performance as a means of challenging heteronormative standards and promoting inclusivity. This movement not only redefined punk music but also provided a platform for marginalized voices within the queer community.
Queercore: Queercore is a subcultural movement that emerged in the 1980s, combining punk aesthetics and queer identity to challenge societal norms around gender and sexuality. It is both a cultural and artistic response to mainstream representations of LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a platform for alternative voices and expressions. This movement includes music, film, art, and literature that embrace queerness and critique heteronormative standards, creating a sense of community and identity among queer artists and audiences.
RuPaul: RuPaul is a prominent drag queen, singer, and television personality best known for hosting the reality competition series 'RuPaul's Drag Race.' As a cultural icon, RuPaul has played a crucial role in popularizing drag culture and challenging traditional gender norms through performance art. His influence extends beyond just drag, impacting music and LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media.
Sam Smith: Sam Smith is a British singer-songwriter known for their soulful voice and emotive lyrics that often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and identity. As a prominent figure in queer music, Smith has utilized their platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in the music industry, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Stonewall Riots: The Stonewall Riots were a series of spontaneous protests by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City in June 1969. This event marked a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and is often credited with igniting the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, linking directly to themes of identity, activism, and cultural expression.
Troye Sivan: Troye Sivan is an Australian singer, songwriter, and actor known for his contributions to pop music and his open representation of queer identity. His work often explores themes of love, acceptance, and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, making him a prominent figure in queer music and performance culture. Sivan's music and public persona have significantly influenced the visibility of queer artists in mainstream media.
Voguing: Voguing is a stylized dance form that emerged from the Harlem ballroom scene in the 1980s, characterized by angular, linear movements and poses inspired by fashion models. This dance style is not only about physical expression but also serves as a powerful medium for performance, identity, and cultural commentary within queer spaces. The art of voguing often incorporates elements of theatricality and storytelling, making it a vibrant part of queer music and performance culture.