I was kinda on a nostalgia trip and I stumbled on Jennifer Lopez's Waiting for Tonight, and it's basically about how she wants to fuck her partner. It could be more romantic in nature, and for some people it is, but looking at the repression in the West, it's very racy for its time.
But I ask: Why is it considered bad for straight men to want to listen to a song about how a woman wants to fuck? Volcel Pledge, notwithstanding.
I mean I know the answer is systemic misogyny, but like it doesn't even make sense?
It's so bizarre to me as a queer person attracted to men that men and boys are discouraged from listening to musicians who are women.
I'd have loved growing up with musicians I'm attracted to who were attracted to my gender.
I sorta want to explore this experience as an outsider, but I'm curious, what was that like? Did you listen to artists you liked in secret? How are your music tastes now? Any recommendations on music that feels different on a revisit?
I feel like in the UK it's not the same. Britain in general loves to sing. Our world renowned football hooligans, yeah they love a punch up, but they also love singing and chanting. They'll remix any song into a song about Norwich fans being incestual.
I can't think of a time where I've seen people be shamed for that stuff, honestly. If a big tune comes on in the club, it doesn't matter the gender of the singer or the dancers, people will always get involved.
I also think Britain is quite accepting of men being camp while still being perfectly straight, because of our rich history of pantomime and drag. I know a lot of blokes who like to 'pretend' to gay it up with their singing and dance moves 'for a laugh', no one even really picks up on it. It's just having fun with your mates.
I'm calling it folks. It's a rare win for Britain on this one.