Trish Bendix, a writer known for her deep dive into sapphic pop music, joins to explore its vibrant history and cultural impact. The conversation highlights the evolution of queer representation in music, emphasizing influential artists and pivotal moments. They tackle JoJo Siwa's claim to create 'gay pop' and the mixed reactions she's faced. The duo celebrates resilience in sapphic identities and the growing acceptance of queer narratives in mainstream music, inviting listeners to connect with emerging artists and discussions.
Chappell Rone's acceptance speech highlights the evolving landscape of queer representation in mainstream media, contrasting past superficial acknowledgments with genuine validation.
The historical contributions of female queer artists are essential for understanding the evolution of sapphic pop and current representation in music.
Deep dives
Queer Representation in Mainstream Events
The acceptance speech by Chappell Rone at the VMAs serves as a potent moment for queer representation in mainstream media. Rone, who has openly embraced her identity, provides visibility and validation to queer individuals, especially those from underrepresented regions, such as the Midwest. This moment contrasts sharply with previous representations where celebrity acknowledgments of queer fans often felt patronizing or superficial, rather than a genuine inclusion of their identities. The speaker reflects on how this has evolved, noting that queer artists now have more opportunities to express their identities openly and be celebrated rather than risk backlash.
Historicizing Queer Pop and Female Influence
The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the historical context of queer pop and the significance of female artists in shaping the genre. Artists like Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls paved the way for contemporary figures like Chappell Rone, providing a lineage that many modern fans might overlook. The speakers emphasize that acknowledging past contributions of queer women is crucial for appreciating the evolution of music and representation. This historicization not only honors the artists but also enriches the current landscape, demonstrating that contemporary successes are built upon years of groundwork laid by those who came before.
Cultural Shifts in Pop Music and Queer Identity
The transition in pop music towards more open expressions of queer identity is notable, with artists now feeling more freedom than ever to portray their authentic selves. This shift is partly attributed to societal changes, such as greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals and political advancements in rights. Artists like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish have played significant roles in normalizing queer expression in their music and performances, making it a more commonplace aspect of the pop culture landscape. The discussion suggests that as younger audiences become primary consumers of pop, their acceptance further empowers queer artists to be open about their identities without fear of stigma.
Intersection of Visibility and Political Backlash
The rising visibility of queer artists is accompanied by a paradoxical increase in political backlash against LGBTQ+ rights and visibility. The speakers discuss how, despite a more accepting cultural landscape, reactions from conservative groups reveal a fear of losing control over societal norms. They argue that the progressive representation in pop culture, including explicit discussions of queer identity and sexuality, serves as a catalyst for anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment. This dynamic suggests that the more prominent LGBTQ+ identities become in mainstream culture, the more some individuals might feel threatened, resulting in a pushback that can manifest in legislative and social resistance.
We’ve had listeners asking us to do an episode on sapphic pop for months now, and were trying to figure out who we wanted to co-host. Then Melody sent me a text: I FOUND THE PERFECT PERSON. That person is Trish Bendix, who just published a sprawling look at the past and present (and popularity) of sapphic pop, from Big Momma Thornton to Chappell Roan. I absolutely loved this conversation, where we did our very best to answer your questions about everything from the ‘80s sound in contemporary sapphic pop to Jojo Siwa “inventing” the genre. Plus we talk about “Constant Craving” at least three times (which Melody had never heard!!!!) Make sure you check out the show notes to links to all the songs we mention in the episode. Join the ranks of paid subscribers and get bonus content, access to the discussion threads, ad-free episodes, and the knowledge that you're supporting an indie pod trying to make its way in the world. If you're already a subscriber-- thank you! Join us in the discussion thread for this episode! Got a question or idea for a future episode? Let us know here.