Does your Lifestyle really matter more than your Artistry?

So it’s pride month. I don’t know when June became pride month but apparently it is. I’m not a member of the LGBTQ community so I’m not hip to all of the events. I know people in the community but I really don’t give much thought to them being in that community. Why? Because for the most part as I understand it, all of the Letters in the community name really show some indication of preference sexually and if we aren’t interacting sexually, does it really concern me? I think not.

I’m not anti any of these letters. I just don’t think it really involves me. I’m not interested in those topics or in stopping you from being interested if you are. It’s just not on my radar like that. It also goes for the work you do. I’m also not interested in pushing or prohibiting your agenda. I’ve got other things I’m more concerned about.

Novation has recently been posting little questions on Instagram in celebration of pride month. I suspect it’s to show support and ally ship for the movement. I normally wouldn’t be concerned (see above) but these questions seem very insulting. The fist question I saw was “Who is your favorite LGBTQ musical artist?” followed by “What is your favorite LGBTQ podcast?” Both questions in my opinion are very insulting and demeaning in the since that they reduce your hours of hard work and passion down to your bedroom preferences. Why can’t I like your music just because it is good music? Is there such a thing as Gay Music? Is Lesbian LoFI a new genre?

Now don’t get me wrong, I get just as frustrated with any and all additives associated with these things. I’m not actively seeking Black chill beats or Female Music Production or Asian Jazz or Indian country or Dentist hip hop or whatever. I like MUSIC. I often will add a song to my like play list just based on the groove and the bass line. I don’t stop to consider if the Artist is a part of a certain community or has a particular sexual preference.

A lot of the labels we’ve introduced in society are taken as the only thing that makes you cool. Being Black doesn’t make me cool. I don’t want that to be the defining thing about me. I don’t want my legacy to be based on my skin color. I’m also not interested in defining you based on your lifestyle. Being LGBTQ or any other letter doesn’t make you COOL. It’s what you do with your talents and how you treat other people that interest me.

So to Novation I don’t have a favorite LGBTQ Artist or PODCast. I just listen to Good music and interesting podcast because the content interest me, not because the creator fits into some group.