Archives Rainbow Music Mois des fiertés LGBTQ

Description

Choosing a hundred records that have marked queer culture is to accept that you will be defeated. The contribution of this community to music far exceeds that count. Taking this journey through its rainbow history means rediscovering some obvious truths – from Marlene Dietrich to Beyoncé, from Freddie Mercury to Lil Nas X – dusting off some unjustly forgotten gems (like the entire catalog of trans composer Wendy Carlos) and recalling fascinating stories (like the album Love is a Drag). It also means observing that while men have long taken up a lot of space (as in so many other areas), women have often played a pioneering role in terms of visibility, like blueswoman Bessie Smith or soul singer Dusty Springfield. It’s admiring the projection ability of LGBTQ+ individuals, who can turn a song written about an abused woman into a gay anthem (“Young Hearts Run Free” by Candi Staton). It’s paying tribute to heterosexual artists who have done their part to sing queer loves. But it’s also confronting strange paradoxes, like seeing singers who are not always very friendly rise to the status of gay icons (follow our gaze). These “Archives” are both a treasure map and a massive disco ball. You’ll find French chanson, pop, funk, soul, rap, hyperpop, house, rock, dance... The LGBTQ+ movement has made use of everything, polishing all musical styles. On these records, there are sometimes tears, sweat, blood, sex, anger... But above all, oh yes above all, a lot of pride.