Hero of the Week
This may be one of the few times that there were several people nominated for the HWA. First, I would like to give an honorable mention to CNN anchor Don Lemon. There is great power in coming out of the closet and I think it takes even more courage to come out as gay when you are African-American. Bravo!
This week I was elated to learn that I am not the only one that is absolutely sickened by the music industry’s double standard when it comes to homophobia and misogyny. Sara Quin, of the singing duo Tegan and Sara, showed great integrity and social courage for calling out TSM’s Bigot of the Week, the reprehensible behavior of rapper Tyler The Creator and his band Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. Sara Quin is most deserving of TSM’s HWA. Brava! In an open letter to the music industry, Quin writes:
When will misogynistic and homophobic ranting and raving result in meaningful repercussions in the entertainment industry? When will they be treated with the same seriousness as racist and anti-Semitic offenses? While an artist who can barely get a sentence fragment out without using homophobic slurs is celebrated on the cover of every magazine, blog and newspaper, I’m disheartened that any self-respecting human being could stand in support with a message so vile.
I must confess that Quin’s words really resonated with me, as they should resonate with ALL marginalized populations. Her words also put me in mind of the celebrity Kobe Bryant, whom Nike fully supports. I, too, am saddened that any decent human being would support any person with a message of such hate and venom. Click here to see the full article.
Hooray for Sara Quin. I read the Bigot award first and was so sickened I believed no tonic could ameliorate the situation. How delightful to hear this strong voice of reason – mainsteam media, are you listening?
Exactly how I found our Sara; the perfect tonic.