Queer Folk Music: Making a Scene

This blog is all about queer folk music and the scene that surrounds it. Here you’ll find interviews with queer folk musicians, articles about the scene, and more.

What is queer folk music?

queer folk music is music made by and for LGBTQIA+ people. It can be any genre, but is often acoustic or singer-songwriter based. The lyrics often deal with queer experience, and the music is often used as a form of political resistance.

The history of queer folk music

The history of queer folk music is long and varied, with artists creating their own spaces to express themselves and connect with others. Queer folk music has often been at the forefront of social change, with artists using their music to challenge norms and fight for equality.

queer folk music has its roots in the early 20th century, when a number of queer musicians began to experiment with traditional folk music. These musicians used folk music as a way to express their own identities and experiences, and to create a community for other queer people.

One of the most important early queer folk musicians was Haldane Burgess, who was born in England in 1887. Burgess was a classically trained musician who became interested in folk music after hearing it played by working-class people in England. He began to collect and perform folk songs from around the world, and also wrote his own songs about his experiences as a gay man.

Burgess was an important figure in the early development of queerfolk music, but he was not the only one experimenting with this new genre. In the United States, Tom Glazer also began collecting and performing folk songs in the 1930s. Glazer was particularly interested in songs about social justice and labor rights, and he often wrote his own lyrics to traditional tunes. Like Burgess, Glazer saw folk music as a way to build community and promote social change.

Queer folk music continued to develop throughout the 20th century, with more and more artists using it as a way to express their identities and experiences. In the 1960s and 1970s, artists like Phil Ochs and Odetta were at the forefront of the US civil rights movement, using their music to fight for equality. In Canada, Ferron emerged as one of the most important queer singer-songwriters of the late 20th century, writing highly personal songs about her life as a lesbian woman.

Today, there are queerfolk musicians all over the world making powerful music that reflects their identities and experiences. Artists like Ani Difranco, The Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, India Arie, Brandi Carlile, Angel Olsen ,and Our Lady J are just some of the many queerfolk musicians who are making an impact today.

The queer folk music scene today

Queer folk music is a relatively new genre that is only beginning to gain recognition in the music industry. While there is no one definitive sound or style that defines queer folk music, it is typically characterized by its focus on LGBT+ themes and issues.

The queer folk music scene has been growing steadily in recent years, with more and more artists coming out with music that celebrates queer identity. This movement has been led by a new generation of queer folk musicians who are using their music to create a more inclusive and representative scene.

While the queer folk music scene is still largely underground, it has been gaining traction in recent years, with more and more people taking notice. In 2017, NPR released a list of the best queer folk albums of the year, and many of these albums went on to receive critical acclaim.

As the queer folk music scene continues to grow, it is becoming an increasingly important cultural force. This genre of music provides an important outlet for LGBTQ+ people to tell their stories and express their identity. It also serves as a powerful tool for social change, raising awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ+ people around the world.

The future of queer folk music

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in queer folk music. This is partially due to the increasing visibility of queer people in society, and the growing acceptance of queer culture. However, it is also due to the hard work of queer folk musicians who are working to create a scene for this type of music.

Queer folk music often deals with themes of love, loss, and social justice. It is often personal and political at the same time. This type of music has the ability to reach people on a very deep level, and it can be a powerful tool for social change.

The future of queer folk music is very exciting. There are many talented musicians working to create new and innovative sounds. We can expect to see more queer folk music in the mainstream, as well as more niche scenes developing for this type of music. Whatever form it takes, queer folk music will continue to be an important part of our culture.

How to get involved in the queer folk music scene

If you love folk music and you’re looking for a community to get involved in, the queer folk music scene might be perfect for you. Here’s how to get started.

1. Find a queer folk music event near you. Check out online event listings or ask around at your local LGBTQIA+ community center.
2. Go to the event and introduce yourself to people. Talk about your love of folk music and ask about their favorite artists and bands.
3. Stay up to date on new releases by queer folk musicians. Follow your favorites on social media, sign up for email newsletters, and check out LGBTQIA+-specific music websites and blogs.
4. Support queer folk musicians by buying their music, going to their shows, and sharing their work with your friends.

The benefits of queer folk music

There are many benefits to queer folk music. For one, it can help build community and foster belonging. It can also be a form of activism, helping to raise awareness about social justice issues. Additionally, queer folk music can be a source of support and healing for those who identify as LGBTQ+.

The challenges of queer folk music

Since its inception, queer folk music has been a way for LGBTQ+ people to tell their stories and connect with each other. But the genre is not without its challenges.

For one, folk music is often based on traditional gender roles, which can be difficult for queer people to relate to. In addition, the DIY nature of folk music can make it hard for queer artists to get their start in the genre.

But despite these challenges, queer folk musicians continue to make their presence known. By creating their own spaces and sharing their stories, they are helping to create a more inclusive world for all of us.

Queer folk music and intersectionality

Queer folk music is a musical genre that emerged in the late 20th century in the United States. It is characterized by its focus on themes of sexuality, gender, and relationships, as well as its DIY aesthetic.

The genre has its roots in the folk music scene, which has traditionally been open to queer artists and performers. In recent years, however, there has been a growing number of queer folk musicians who are challenging the heteronormative values of the mainstream folk music scene. These artists are using their music to create visibility for queer people and to promote social change.

Queer folk music is not just about gay rights or same-sex love; it is also about intersectionality. This means that queer folk musicians are often also people of color, women, trans and genderqueer folks, immigrants, and people with disabilities. By bringing together these different perspectives, queer folk music creates a more inclusive and representative picture of the world.

The growing visibility of queer folk music is due in part to the rise of social media and digital technologies. These platforms have allowed queer artists to reach new audiences and build community outside of traditional music scenes. In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of queer folk music festivals, which provide safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people to celebrate their identities and showcase their talents.

As the genre continues to grow and evolve, it will continue to be an important force for social change. Through their songs, queer folk musicians are creating a more inclusive world for all of us.

Queer folk music and social change

Queer folk music has been a vital force in social change movements for decades. From the civil rights movement to the AIDS crisis, queer folk musicians have used their music to challenge injustice and build community. In recent years, queer folk music has become increasingly popular, with major stars like John Grant and Ani DiFranco bringing queer perspectives to the mainstream.

With its roots in the folk music of the 1960s, queer folk music is characterized by its use of acoustic instruments, personal lyrics, and openness to diverse styles. Queer folk musicians often use their music to explore themes of identity, love, and politics. While some queer folk musicians are openly gay or lesbian, many do not identify as such, instead using their music to create a space for all people who feel marginalized by society.

By its very nature, queer folk music is political. Through their songs, queer folk musicians challenge norms and years of oppression. In doing so, they give voice to the experiences of queer people around the world and inspire others to fight for social justice.

Queer folk music and you

Folk music has long been a staple of queer communities across the world. For many queer people, folk music provides a sense of connection and community that can be hard to find elsewhere.

Despite its popularity, queer folk music is often overlooked or marginalized within the wider folk music scene. This is starting to change, however, as more and more queer folk musicians are making a name for themselves.

If you’re interested in exploring queer folk music, there are a few ways you can get started. One option is to check out online resources such as Queer Folk Music Database, which is a searchable database of queer folk musicians from around the world. Another option is to attend a queer folk music festival or event. These events are becoming increasingly common, and they provide an opportunity to see many different queer folk musicians in one place. Finally, you can support queer folk musicians by purchasing their music or attending their live shows.

No matter how you choose to get involved, supporting queer folk musicians is a great way to help make the scene more visible and inclusive.