Page 18 - HGS Suburb News 150 - Summer 2022
P. 18
S U B U R B
Freedom inMusic
Freedom – LGBT+ rights
Finding the solace you have been searching for in music is
According to an Office for National Statistics survey in 2019, 2.7% in the indescribable, there is nothing else like it. Itʼs as if the notes (and lyrics)
YOUTH
UK over the age of sixteen identify as LGBTQA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, were written especially for you (even though it should be impossible for
transgender, questioning, asexual, or any other sexuality or gender someone else to understand so profoundly your situation).
identity that does not conform to the cisgender heterosexual norm). Music has been present throughout human history and forms an
In this issue, we are The proportion of people who are not public with their sexuality or intrinsic part of our highest moments of victory and our lowest cries of
gender identity is potentially even greater. Why, then, is this large and suffering. A particular song can strike a chord within us, touching our
looking at the idea of valued community continually discriminated against? heart and helps us feel, share and remember. Music allows us to return
ʻfreedomʼ. Freedom is The continual resistance to completely ban conversion therapy, to a time, a place or even a feeling.
something which the evidence clearly shows is a form of abuse, The most liberating time in all musical history was the rapid succession
simultaneously a deeply demonstrates how successive governments are not prioritising the of musicals in the early 1900s when the foundations for all modern
LGBT+ communityʼs rights. However, the Universal Declaration of
personal and yet music were laid and musical expression became unrestricted in a way it
Human Rights clearly states “All human beings are born free and equal had never been before.
universally recognised in dignity and rights and the United Nations has released a statement
saying, “The equality and non-discrimination guarantee provided by All western music up until this time had been a progression of the
idea: it is something we all international human rights law applies to all people, regardless of sex, subversion and development of established structures: the Romantic
sexual orientation and gender identity or ʻother statusʼ.” era (which spanned from the late 1700s to the early 1900s) was a
relate to, yet all find succession from Classical which itself succeeded Baroque. As the world
Although this could not be clearer, several nations actively discriminate became increasingly culturally integrated, however, so did its music.
different meanings in. For against the LGBT+ community. Within the 69 countries where being
openly gay, bisexual, or transgender is illegal, ten have the death Jazz, for example, challenged the very fabric of music theory. It began
some, freedom may show penalty for “homosexual acts”. Even in countries where this is not the in West Africa, the birthplace of many slaves. The songs that they sang
itself in society, in our case, state sponsored discrimination is rife – from President Andrzej as they worked in America were an amalgamation of tribal African
Duda of Polandʼs comments that “Homosexuality is a worse ideology music and the music of Christian missionaries. When the American Civil
rights and responsibilities than communism” to Floridaʼs Parental Rights in Education bill, which War ended in 1865, many of these slaves found jobs as musicians, and
prevents schools from teaching young people about LGBT+ issues, or in this new world of emancipation and freedom blues and jazz found
and in our governments. even that they exist at all. These politicians and law makers are creating their place. The melancholy and brutal sorrow, united with broken
For others, it is historical an environment where homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia are hope would lay the foundations for rock and roll, and hip-hop
respectively. It was ground-breaking.
prevalent. In 2018-19, 16,824 hate crimes were reported in England and
and emerges again and Wales caused by these toxic beliefs. These incidents not only cause The call for equality in struggle is timeless. Whether in Bob Marleyʼs
intense emotional, and often physical pain, but also can lead to more Exodus, or Nina Simoneʼs voice and fight for the civil rights movement,
again over all of time as serious crimes. Therefore, everyone benefits by supporting the rights both remain as important a message today, as they were in the 1960s
the liberation of the and freedoms of LGBT+ individuals. and 70s.
How can we ensure that people of all sexualities and gender identities For me (Oscar), music plays a big part in my daily life. Throughout the
oppressed. Currently, we are free to be happy with who they are? lockdowns, it provided me with escape, inspiration and enjoyment (as
it continues to now). Whatever kind of day I have, whatever mood I am
may all be feeling a sense • Call out homophobia and transphobia if
you see or hear it. Remember, it is never OK in, there is always an album I can play which reflects my mood. I have
of freedom as we emerge to discriminate against someone because enjoyed collecting albums for well over a year and have also recently
of their identity. loved finding freedom in creating my own music. There is something
from the Pandemic. fascinating in the depth contained in just a few notes, and in my
• Donʼt ʻdeadnameʼ – use peopleʼs experience, music is the greatest liberator.
However freedom is preferred names and pronouns so they
can feel more accepted. Live music is particularly freeing. Itʼs powerful and bonding. North
interpreted, it is ultimately London is a brilliant place to see all kinds of live music, whether that be
• Write to your local MP to lobby the at the local Proms at St Judeʼs (running this year from the June 25th to
fundamental to our government into action to protect July 3rd) or other shows happening nearby like musical performances
peopleʼs freedom from hate.
coexistence. at the Arts Depot in North Finchley or Lauderdale
• Educate yourself – there are plenty of House, in Waterlow Park, Highgate.
courses, newsletters, and articles out
Oscar Graham there that can keep you up to date on the Post Covid-19, peopleʼs spirits need lifting, and
the beauty of music is more
most pressing issues affecting the important than ever. As an art
LGBT+ community. form, music speaks universally. It
THOMAS YIANNIKOU has and always will be a way for humans
(Adeena, Riya & Smruthi to unite, empathise and communicate
attend The Henrietta with each other. It is the greatest
liberator. We behold musicʼs power to
Barnett School touch us collectively in a stadium or
arena, yet its power is no less
and significant on a personal level as we
replay a song on repeat when no one
Ava, Jonah, Oscar, Susana else is listening…
& Thomas attend P R HARTLEY JONAH PHILLIPS & OSCAR GRAHAM
The Archer Academy) CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
& REGISTERED AUDITOR
Accounting & Taxation Services
Call 020 8731 9745 or 07850 634395
Email: paul@prhartley.co.uk
www.prhartley.co.uk
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