“What do I have to do for people to listen?” - Jamey Rodemeyer.

In September Jamey Rodemeyer, a 14-year-old boy from New York, took his own life as a result of continuous homophobic taunts from three fellow students. Jamey received comments and abuse about his weight and sexual orientation at school and online. And he is the latest in a string of suicides by teenagers, abused or ridiculed because of their sexuality.

So, I’ve heard that society is slowly progressing; that we are becoming a lot more accepting of people’s sexual-orientation. I also heard Santa was real. Confirm?

The number of people afraid to come out, for fear of being hated or prejudiced against, is sickening in today’s society.  It seems that for every equal right the LGBT community gains, there are several hate crimes and tragedies accompanying it; the recent homophobic murder of Stuart Walker, a man from Ayrshire, only proves that.

What about Fifa’s announcement that they’re to hold the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a state where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to five years in prison or lashes. Why should the World Cup be held in any country that abuses and disregards the most basic of human rights? When Fifa President, Sepp Blatter, was asked about this he said “I think they should just refrain from any sexual activities” and proceeded to give a little laugh. The fact that Blatter thought there was something to laugh about only lends weight to the theory that ignorance is still rife everywhere.

Even today’s politics is still plagued by homophobia.  In Russia, Prime Minister Putin, backed by President Medvedev, is currently trying to pass a discriminatory legislation against gay, lesbian, bi and transgender people. This legislation could see the rights of these people vanish. If the law is passed, it will silence the LGBT community; stopping any person being allowed to publicly voice anything to do with their orientation, as well as forbidding them from publishing a book or article relating to it. These men are in positions of authority; they shouldn’t be using this power to further bigotry, but rather to educe positive change.

Now, look me in the eye and tell me homophobia is dead?

I know I go on about this a lot; and I’m aware some people may see my reaction to hate crimes and even small, backhanded remarks I am sometimes subjected to as over the top. But are they really over the top? Are you so naive that you think the world will heal itself?  Is wanting to help people, wanting them to see that suicide is not the way out, such a bad thing?  It only takes one person to start a movement. Imagine what millions could do.

After hearing about Jamey’s suicide Lady Gaga said this: “Bullying must become illegal. It is a hate crime. The past days I've spent reflecting, crying, and yelling. I have so much anger. It is hard to feel love when cruelty takes someone's life.”

Nothing will change if people continue to be indifferent to homophobia; simply saying “that’s a tragedy, isn’t it?” will not alter the fact that hatred still has hold over the world.  Stand up, speak up, make a change.

GAY Pride - One Step Forward, Two Skips Back.

The streets are full of people sporting outlandish, colourful clothing. They stand fairy-like on top of eccentric and flamboyant floats. Effeminate middle-aged men, that are mostly out-of-shape, defiantly wear over-the-top leather clothing that would make even Lady Gaga and Rihanna squirm. Men in platinum blonde wigs zigzag across the streets; black and silver sequined tops sparkle and glimmer in the light. And six-foot tall queens wave regally at passersby. Welcome to Gay Pride 2011!
Thanks for that, guys. You just set the whole thing back about 15 years.

When Gay Pride marches first started flying their rainbow flag they had one agenda: to promote awareness about the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender) community. It was a public demonstration that hoped to create acceptance and tolerance; to help people understand what they were scared of and to give gay people the same rights as straight people. Homosexuality was originally considered a mental illness, and the point of these marches was to lift that stigma. Now it just seems to be an excuse for men to wear drag, get drunk and stagger around the streets wearing stilettos that are at least three sizes too small for them.

When I was coming to terms with my sexuality, around the ages 11 or 12, the only information I got about being gay came from the television; notably footage of the Pride parades on the news. I knew that I liked boys, but I didn’t have the urge to dress like that. I didn’t want to paint my room every colour of the rainbow. I thought Liza “with a Z” was some pissed off English teacher. I played with toy guns and action men, not a feather boa and my mother’s make-up. I am in no way saying I’m not in touch with my feminine side, not at all. But this stereotype that I see parading around on my TV screen makes me wants to commit a hate crime, so imagine how the homophobes feel.

I am no fool; I know that society still has further to travel up the yellow brick to the accepting Land of Oz, but does Pride really help? No, I don’t think it does. Each to their own, that’s what my Gran told me. And rightly so; be who you are but be logical about it.

Gays still have a long way to go until we’re considered properly equal and accepted. So why do we indulge in these Pride marches that only detract from our cause? All they do is promote annoyance from those who are opposed or apathetic to us. I’m not ashamed of being gay, but my sexuality isn’t my defining quality, so I see no reason why thousands of people choose to use it as their identifier. Be proud of who you are, not what you are. The marches aren’t helping to break the gay stereotype; they’re waving it in the world’s face. I’m tired of seeing my sexual orientation used as a merchandising gimmick.

Chris Gen

Evanescence Album Review

Evanescence - Evanescence
Chris Gen

It’s been a rocky-road for Evanescence since their solid debut with Fallen in 2003. There’s a turbulent history of band members fighting, leaving and then returning over the years, but one thing is for certain: the quality of the music has never wavered. Their 2003 debut ended up selling over 6 million copies worldwide and their 2006 album, The Open Door, though not as successful in the mainstream, is still a critical masterpiece. Now, five years later, the band returns and though physically they do not resemble the 2003 line up, their sound is still as epic as ever, a credit to the driving force of roaring lead vocalist Amy Lee.

Their third self-titled album recently hit the stores, and though at first it doesn’t wow its audience, after a few listens fans will be hooked. Although the songs aren’t as commercial as previous tracks (Bring Me to Life, My Immortal, Call Me When you’re Sober) the album does contain a couple of soon-to-be radio gems, which, without a doubt, will leave fans satisfied. The debut single from the album is called What You Want and it is without a doubt the most commercial sounding track on the album. Had the song been released in 2005-06, it would have been a top 20 hit, but due to ever changing nature of the industry it failed to peak the top 40.

With electronic drum beats, heavy guitars and catchy riffs combined with Lee’s now more powerful vocals and infectious melodies, the album holds a lot of promise for those who will give it a listen. Made of Stone, a song Lee penned a couple of years ago, is typical Evanescence: rage driven guitars paired with Lee’s blunt as ever lyrics “It’s never enough for you, baby” pull you into the chorus. This is followed by two heavier songs, The Change and My Heart Is Broken (the band’s second single) and they seem sure to be fan favourites.

“The Other Side”, the fifth track on the album, has a lot more attitude than anything the band has previously released. Lee sings about the death of her younger sibling in this song, a theme consistent through-out their albums, but in a way fans haven’t heard before. The song has an almost R’n’B flow to the verse and unlike similar themed songs, doesn’t come from a place of sadness.

 Stealing the album is Lost in Paradise, a pop gem that could see Evanescence make it back to the mainstream.  Lee’s sultry vocals infuse “Paradise” with a sense of longing. The song is written about being lost at a time when her life seemed to be perfect; in the song Lee almost apologies for feeling as she does.  It starts as a beautiful ballad that ends up with the full band involved. Even a sceptic couldn’t fault this track.

The final track Never Go Back, a song-written about the Japan Earthquake tragedy - an event that really impacted the band. The track is clearly a band favourite and rounds off the album well.

The album is a great effort and sets the bar high. For fans of the previous albums, it will definitely provide the fix needed after the five year sabbatical. The band is currently on their world tour, which has seen almost every venue sold it. Despite the new line up, the band are tight and clearly just as popular as they were in 2003.