The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #59158   Message #940635
Posted By: phil h
26-Apr-03 - 10:23 AM
Thread Name: HOMOPHOBIA in British Folk Movement
Subject: HOMOPHOBIA in British Folk Movement
Re the recent 'RACISM ...' thread, folk revival in Britain grew up in a CND, CP, anti racist cauldron but a lot that's happened since seems to have passed it by. A guy (Mitch from Worksop?) in Whitby earlier this week proudly sang a song he had written called 'My propper name is Clarence'. Most of those present seemed to find it amusing. The song, which I have heard previously in sessions, was to me embarasingly homophobic. I spoke afterwards to Toni Bunnell, who like me was obviously offended by the song, we determined to think of ways to confront the next person we heard sing it.
My point is that despite being forced in recent years to acknowlege trans gender issues the folk movement in Britain still doesn't think there is an issue in 'comic' songs about gay people.

Phil