Coldplay have today announced the tracklist for their highly-anticipated tenth album, Moon Music, which will land in stores and on streaming services on October 4, 2024. A video of Chris Martin writing out the tracklist was shared on the band’s Instagram.
Rising pop singer & songwriter Paulina reveals her new EP, ‘everything’s still,’ out August 16th. Across the EP’s 3 songs, “stranger,” “funny (interlude),” and “a song I wrote,” Paulina opens up about an emotionally resonant breakup she went through.
“The title of my EP, ‘everything’s still,’ was inspired by one of my favorite Noah Kahan songs, ‘The View Between Villages,’ she says. “The closing line of the song, ‘and everything’s still,’ really resonated with me. It feels so uplifting, like it’s the moment you can finally breathe again. That’s how making this EP made me feel; I wanted to embody that feeling.”
The EP kicks off with the dark and sultry lead single, “stranger,” which grapples with her initial heartbreak and the phenomenon that the person you once loved has now become a stranger. The second track, “funny (interlude),” sees Paulina wading through the emotional whiplash of the breakup, slowly picking up the pieces of her shattered heart. She emerges with a sense of bittersweet resolution on the EP’s closing track, “a song I wrote.”
“The final song on the EP is about questioning whether or not the person still thinks about you,” she says. “And it’s the realization that even if they don’t admit it, you know there will always be things that remind them of you — like the song you wrote that you know they’ll be listening to. It’s a sassy, mic drop conclusion to the breakup story.”
Paulina is the solo pop project of Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter Paulina Ella Levitan. Born and raised in Long Island, New York, her love for music was sparked at a young age. She was classically trained in piano starting at the age of 8 and grew up performing in musical theater productions. After taking a songwriting summer camp in high school, Paulina decided to dive headfirst into making music her full-time career and enrolled at the University of Miami’s esteemed Frost School of Music.
She made her introduction in 2023 with her first single, “best friend,” which she followed with her debut EP, ‘the show goes on.’ Working with her close collaborator and producer Sam Merkin across both EPs, Paulina has created a unique and cinematic pop sound that showcases her glistening vocals and ear-candy melodies. With the release of her second EP, ‘everything’s still,’ Paulina continues to solidify her status as a rising star.
‘everything’s still’ will be out on all streaming platforms on August 16th.
‘everything’s still’ Track List:
1. stranger
2. funny (interlude)
3. a song I wrote
https://www.instagram.com/paulinalevitan/
5 Seconds of Summer are celebrating the 10th anniversary of their global chart topping self-titled debut album. It will be reissued in two brand-new vinyl formats – a picture disc and a red vinyl with both containing different bonus tracks. They are available to pre-order now from here.
With both released on 27 September, the Picture disc is housed in a die cut sleeve and includes the bonus tracks of fan favourites, ‘Voodoo Doll’ and ‘Disconnected’. The red vinyl LP exclusively features an alternate front cover sleeve and bonus tracks ‘Lost Boy’ and ‘Mrs All American’, both of which were only available on the Australian and American versions of the album respectively.
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) comprised of Luke Hemmings (vocals/guitar), Michael Clifford (vocals/guitar), Calum Hood (vocals/bass) and Ashton Irwin (vocals/drums) have brought pure rock energy to pop music over the past 12 years, releasing 5 number one albums, selling over 18m albums and 6m concert tickets globally. While rooted in pop punk DNA, 5SOS have pushed the boundaries of traditional alternative pop music, taking influences from wide-spanning genres throughout their career which is reflected sonically in the unique music they make. 5SOS continue to bring a new wave of depth and dimension to their industrial and harmony-driven sound and are always evolving their music with every album they release.
COMPETITION TIME
To mark the 10th anniversary of their global chart-topping self-titled debut album, 5 Seconds of Summer are reissuing it in TWO BRAND-NEW VINYL FORMATS!
We’re giving away ONE OF EACH to two lucky winners!
WINNER 1: Receive the PICTURE DISC edition, featuring exclusive bonus tracks!
WINNER 2: Receive the RED VINYL edition, featuring a different set of bonus tracks!
To enter:
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Good luck, and thank you for celebrating 10 years of 5SOS with us! #5SOS #10YearAnniversary #DebutAlbum #PictureDisk #RedVinyl #BonusTracks #CompetitionTime #Giveaway
Today Dizzee Rascal has announced a UK tour celebrating the 15th Anniversary of his most iconic and commercial album ‘Tongue ‘N Cheek’. Dizzee will be performing all the hits during a very special headline show at London’s Eventim Apollo as well as a string of regional dates including Wolverhampton, Glasgow, Dublin, Manchester and Leeds.
To mark the occasion Dizzee is also releasing some brand new never before released content including remixes and live versions of Bonkers and also a remix with rising star Buckley. In 2023 Dizzee Rascal has ignited the electronic music scene with his collaboration with Leeds-based DJ Buckley in 2023, their track “Bonkers (Buckley Edit),” became a viral sensation and was featured in sets by heavyweights like interplanetary Criminal. As a constant innovator, Dizzee incorporates the track into his liver performances, where it continues to energise crowds and solidify its status as an essential anthem
Following this collection, Dizzee will release more unreleased tracks associated with the album Tongue ‘N Cheek. Further announcements will be made shortly.
Fans can pre register now for early access to tickets: https://subscribepage.io/o0UnhJ
TOUR DATES
Thursday 17th October Wolverhampton Civic Hall
Friday 18th October Eventim Apollo
Sunday 20th October O2 Academy Glasgow
Tuesday 22nd October 3Olympia Theatre Dublin
Wednesday 23rd October Victoria Warehouse Manchester
Thursday 24th October O2 Academy Leeds
Having just completed a dream tour as special guest to Stevie Nicks last month, acclaimed Scottish singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Nina Nesbitt returns today with one of her most personal tracks yet, “Anger,” taken from her forthcoming album, Mountain Music, out September 27.
With her biting lyrics and impassioned vocals, Nina unveils a raw, emotional journey while challenging the notion that anger must be contained. She warns that the facade of politeness will one day crumble, revealing the damage done by those who have polluted her with their negativity. This song is her way of unraveling the blush pink bows of her feminine rage, shedding the constraints of being soft and polite. “Anger” is a declaration and reclamation of her power.
Speaking about the track, Nina reveals, “As someone who is introverted and quiet I’ve always struggled to know how to express my anger. I think a lot of the time we associate male anger with destruction and violence but female anger to me, feels like a force of nature. I think a lot of us use our rage as fuel to become better. We turn our pain into beauty. We turn the chaos into creation. Songwriting is my vessel for expressing that. Writing this song was my therapy after feeling totally betrayed and let down by someone close to me. For me, anger feels like love that has nowhere to exist anymore. It’s something that I’m learning to let out in order to let go.”
The track is paired with a visually stunning official music video, directed by longtime and frequent collaborator, Wolf James. Shot on location in the picturesque area of Fairhead in Northern Ireland, with its’ vast overgrown fields of green and severe cliffsides with waves crashing beneath, the landscape lends itself perfectly to the feelings of rage conveyed through the lyrics and imbued by music.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the music video, director Wolf James says, “Anger is a healthy part of our expression. But – Anger is often seen as a negative emotion – especially in women. Women are told anger is ‘unattractive,’ ‘silly’ and ‘not ladylike’ – and yet the suppression of anger often leads to depression. Anger can also be the very thing that will save us, protect us, show us our boundaries and help us find our voice and drive us forward to positive change for ourselves and others. In this video – we wanted to convey how anger can be a creative force – not a destructive one. How it should be celebrated as a force of nature, a release, a wildness that we need to rediscover in ourselves. Nina stood on the edge of the cliffs overlooking Scotland and screamed whilst we all screamed back. She destroyed the past and let go and drove a quad with a dog and scared the shit out of us. As she should. Easily this is her most raw and best performance yet – she just keeps growing stronger and better (if possible) and it is so incredible to see.”
“Anger” follows previous releases, “Pages” ,“On The Run,” “Mansion”, and most recently, “I’m Coming Home,” a rousing Springsteen-inspired, journey back to the places and people she loves. Mountain Music is to be released on September 27, via her own record label—Apple Tree Records. The album is now available to pre-order/save HERE.
In addition to the digital release, Nina has announced exclusive Roadtrip Bundles, available to pre-order now on her official online store. The bundles include a signed copy of the new album on CD or vinyl, cassette, bumper stickers as well as a run of specially commissioned Mountain Music maps, designed by artist Sarah Obtinalla. For more information and to pre-order a Roadtrip Bundle, please visit Nina’s official store.
Having risen to fame at a young age with her disarming, candid pop – championed by stars including Taylor Swift – with her new album, the Scottish musician is now found in an entirely new realm. Mountain Music is inspired in part by the two years she spent touring the States in support of her second studio album: the critically acclaimed Top 40, The Sun Will Come Up, The Seasons Will Change, which has now accrued over a billion streams.
The songs on Mountain Music are permeated with gorgeous nods to US folk and Americana. Produced by Peter Miles and Nesbitt, and mixed and mastered by Miles at his studio MiddleFarm in South Devon, in the UK. It will be released via her own label, Apple Tree Records, which Nina launched earlier this year with her longtime manager, Vicky Dowdall. The name, a playful nod to her 2012 debut EP, The Apple Tree, this marks the start of an exciting new era for Nina Nesbitt, both personally and creatively.
Talking about her new body of work, Nina says, “I’m beyond excited to be releasing my new album, Mountain Music, on 27th September. To me, it feels like the most authentic and honest piece of work I’ve created so far. I was inspired by a lot of the American folk music I grew up listening to, and revisiting it made me fall back in love with writing music again. I knew I wanted to take inspiration but to also write my own story. That being, someone with a female perspective who grew up in a Scottish village and spent her turbulent twenties in London. This album celebrates that small town girl, puts an arm around the big city twenty-something and looks back at the view with me now from the calm and the quiet. It’ll be the first release on my own record label, Apple Tree Records, which I’m delighted about. It feels like the perfect time to take full control of my career and put my stake in the ground as the artist I’ve always dreamed of being. Mountain Music held my hand through some of my hardest moments and I hope it can hold yours too.”
Following the tour as special guest to Stevie Nicks last month, which included a show in London’s BST Hyde Park, as well as a SOLD OUT headline show at Camden Assembly, Nina recently announced details of a UK headline tour, set to kick off this October. For a list of upcoming tour dates, please visit ninanesbittmusic.com and any remaining tickets are available HERE.
UK Headline Tour dates:
October
16th – London, Scala
17th – Manchester, Academy 3
18th – Glasgow, Old Fruitmarket
The iconic artist and DJ, Bimini, today releases their new track ‘If You Get It You Get It’.
The song is a disruptive electronic dance tune with it’s tongue firmly in cheek and lyrics that have already been heard across TikTok. Written by Bimini, Gracey, Matt Rad, Finn Keane, the track is produced by EASYFUN & Matt Rad.
Bimini says: “I can’t wait for people to hear this dance floor banger for the girls, gays and theys. The ones that get it, y’know. It’s bouncy, glitchy and pumping. This is a middle finger up to anyone that makes you feel less than for being yourself. Their opinion is irrelevant, stay fabulous. It’s being unapologetic at its cvntiest”.
Bimini – IF YOU GET IT YOU GET IT
Listen to IF YOU GET IT YOU GET IT by Bimini.
This is Bimini’s first new music of 2024, following their previous releases with Relentless Records including ‘Rodeo’, ‘Different Kinds Of People’ and ‘Fashion Nympho’.
Bimini is a British cultural icon. A huge favourite with both fans and critics alike, Bimini has garnered acres of media coverage and 950,000 followers on Instagram. First finding global fame as the break-out star of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK they have dominated press and social media ever since with their innate sense of style and fashion. They have taken part in campaigns for Calvin Klein, Selfridges, H&M and Maison Margiela, alongside editorials for GQ Style, tmrw, DIY, Bricks, Notion, Kerrang, Dazed, ES Magazine, W Magazine and The Face.
2024 has seen them DJ’ing and performing at major music events including Toronto Pride, Mighty Hoopla and Margate Pride. They recently embarked on their debut tour as a DJ, ‘The Tories Out Tour’ across the UK and also run their own queer club night in London ‘House of Trash’.
Meet Stevie Bill, the Dutch girl from Amsterdam who lives in New York City. She writes about change, the heartbreaks of life, the joy of being a girl, and the nostalgic feelings you get in your twenties. She describes herself as a classic songwriter with a twist, blending oldies with R&B vocals, folk, and rock influences. Following an impressive run of live support shows with Nieve Ella, Aidan Bissett, and opening at BST Hyde Park for Stevie Nicks, Stevie Bill has just announced her own headline tour titled ‘I Was A Platinum Blonde Tour’ throughout the UK. Tickets will be available from Friday 9th of August at 10am here.
Born to an English mother and a Dutch father, Stevie Bill moved to Berlin at 17 to develop as a songwriter and vocalist. In Berlin, she worked in studios and wrote songs for other artists such as Rei Brown, Joji, Casey Lowry, Daine, Daya, Abigail Barlow, Gayle, and Daniel Leggs. Stevie later attended the prestigious Clive Davis Institute at NYU, graduating in 2023.
Her debut EP ‘Messy’ introduced the world to the reflective nature of Stevie Bill as she pondered on her youth and the chaos around her. The EP quickly received praise from a multitude of tastemakers such as BBC Radio 1 Future Pop, Radio 1’s Future Alternative, Billboard, Earmilk, and The Line of Best Fit, labeling her a rising Gen Z pop talent. Following this in September 2023, her song ‘Hahaha’ became a viral hit across the alternative pop space.
2024 saw the release of Stevie’s latest single, ‘Girl’ which celebrates the happy feelings and moments we share as girls. From wearing the same socks three days in a row, our messy rooms, and our weird habits to the sweetness we carry in our hearts. Along with ‘Girl’, Stevie’s latest release ‘Lalala’ on Friday 02 August, will both feature on her upcoming EP which narrates the experience of change and acceptance of growing into adulthood.
Stevie on the EP: “When I started writing these tracks, I was in a place of change, heartbreaks, girl power, meeting new friends, and moving to new places. I grew out my platinum blonde hair and changed it back to my natural brown. I was going back to my roots and everything I stand for. With this EP, I’m taking you with me on my journey of adulting.”
‘Lalala’ is a song about blasting your favourite song on repeat. Stevie talks about the inspiration behind the track saying ‘Some might not know this about me but I am quite a party girl. Growing up with my parents hosting frequent gatherings at home sparked my passion for hosting and now even DJ-ing, including the all-girls’ nights I organize with my friends in New York. Dancing and nightlife are genuine outlets and hobbies for me—they’re where I really let loose. The right music can truly elevate the night and make it unforgettable. I wanted to write a fun song, a song to strut down the street to with your headphones on, a silly song that’s not to be taken too seriously.’ Listen to ‘Lalala’ here.
Oct 05 – Manchester, UK – Neighbourhood Festival
Oct 07 – London, UK – Omeara
Rising star EMMMA faced up to the realisation that she had unwittingly become a supporting character in her own life. She reacted to that dilemma by writing herself out of that situation, and finding catharsis through her gorgeous brand of alt-pop that will surely draw comparisons to the likes of Chappell Roan, boygenius, Phoebe Bridgers, MUNA and Griff. It’s an experience she explores with today’s release of her debut single ‘Playing It Safe’. Listen below.
Far from ‘Playing It Safe’, the racing tempo of the track is an ambitious cocktail of switching rhythms, dramatic pauses and a huge, rousing chorus. Meanwhile, EMMMA’s voice is capable of flitting from a rich, full-bodied call to a perfectly pitched falsetto redolent of 2024 breakthrough Chappell Roan as she sings, “Am I missing out? / Not making mistakes? / Am I playing myself? / Playing it safe?”
EMMMA says, “I had very much fallen into a pattern in my life where I played the game too safe. I get really scared when I’m pushed outside of my comfort zone whether that be in relationships with other people or following rules. I was always so nervous that I was missing out on the joys of life because I’m boxing myself in by being too safe with my choices. Life had become stagnant.”
EMMMA wrote ‘Playing It Safe’ with Emily Haber (Joy Oladokun, Anna Clendening), with production and co-writing duties from Doug Schadt (Maggie Rogers, ASHE) and mixing courtesy of Lee Smith (Holly Humberstone, Griff).
‘Playing It Safe’ is the first taste of EMMMA’s debut EP, which is set to follow on Nov 28.
Born Emma Ruchefsky in the coastal town of Westport, Connecticut, she was raised in a family with a long heritage within music. Her mother is a former opera singer who studied at Julliard; her uncle plays percussion with the New York Philharmonic; and her late grandmother was an opera singer and vocal coach, who met EMMMA’s grandfather, a classical radio host, in the school choir.
She laughs that music was always destined to be her career path, and the more you uncover about her story the truer that becomes. She first picked up the violin when she was just two-years-old, before moving onto the piano and performing in local music theatre when she was five. Her family’s music taste was a pivotal influence: jazz and classical to folk and classic rock, and particularly Carole King, James Taylor and Joni Mitchell.
The lyrical prowess and influence of those artists heightened EMMMA’s talents as a born storyteller. Her ability was further honed when she studied songwriting and performance at the prestigious Berklee College of Music. After graduating she set off across North America, playing live shows in all manner of venues. It was a process that enabled her to figure out who she is as an artist and feel comfortable in all manner of scenarios, yet some of the lessons were more prosaic – knowing when to say no being an essential one.
Now EMMMA knows that she has to dig deep in order to speak truth through her music – and those stories, delivered with her enchanting voice and heartfelt lyricism, will find their place with listeners who need to know that they’re not alone.
In the meantime, EMMMA will spend much of the closing months of 2024 touring as the guitarist and keyboard player in Sasha Alex Sloan’s live band. She will perform with the ‘Dancing With Your Ghost’ / ‘Older’ artist at headline shows spanning Asia, North America and Europe, including a London show at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on November 27th.
Playing It Safe – EMMMA
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Y Not Festival electrified the Peak District this weekend, drawing in over 25,000 music fans from 1st-4th August. This year’s lineup was nothing short of spectacular, with headliners Snow Patrol, Jamie T, Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds, and the Kaiser Chiefs leading the charge. They were joined by an array of stellar acts, including The Kooks, Declan McKenna, The Vaccines, Jake Bugg, Frank Turner, Katy B, Scouting for Girls, Pale Waves, The View, Pale Waves, ADMT, The Snuts, Bleach Lab, SOFY, and many more. Tickets for next year’s edition in 2025 go on sale this Friday 9 August.
Thursday 1st August
The festival kicked off in style with the Kaiser Chiefs. Charismatic frontman Ricky Wilson and the band delivered a long line of indie bangers from “Ruby,” to “Oh My God,” to “Never Miss A Beat” for the first night. Earlier, Scouting for Girls received a rapturous welcome, with frontman Roy Stride exclaiming, “Y Not, it’s so good to be here. What about this weather? Blue skies in the Peak District!” Their sunset performance, including the beloved “She’s So Lovely,” was a perfect opener. Other acts kickstarting the festival included Ten Tonnes, Shady Baby, The Crooks, Lexi Caroll and Dead Pony.
Friday 2nd August
Snow Patrol headlined Friday night, delivering a powerful performance led by the charismatic Gary Lightbody. “We’ve got a new album coming out in a fortnight, and this is the new single,” Lightbody announced before debuting “The Beginning.” The crowd was treated to emotional renditions of “Run,” “Chocolate,” and “Open Your Eyes,” culminating in a euphoric singalong to “Chasing Cars” and a high-energy closer with “Just Say Yes.” The Kooks also brought sunshine to the festival, playing fan favourites like “Seaside” and “She Moves in Her Own Way,” with frontman Luke Pritchard radiating enthusiasm. Other acts on Friday included SOFT PLAY, Black Honey, Jake Bugg, Lottery Winners, NewDad and Mysterines.
Saturday 3rd August
Saturday night belonged to Jamie T, whose set included anthems like “Sticks ‘n’ Stones,” “Sheila,” and “If You Got The Money.” A grateful Jamie T expressed his appreciation for the headlining slot “You don’t know how happy and proud we are to be here tonight. I know it looks like we don’t give a f**k, but we do”. Earlier on, everyone’s favourite fitness guru Mr Motivator got the day started with his infectious energy and humour, proclaiming, “Why aren’t I the headliner at Y Not festival? I should be the headliner! I could start a mutiny here.” Barrioke, hosted by Shaun Williams, returned to Flamingo Jacks for the ultimate singalong, solidifying its status as a festival favourite. The day also featured standout performances from Frank Turner, Deco, Do Nothing, Shy FX and many more.
Sunday 4th August
The grand finale on Sunday saw Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds close out the festival with a legendary performance. Backed by a six-piece band, Noel played new hits like “Pretty Boy” and “Council Skies,” alongside Oasis classics such as “Half the World Away,” “The Masterplan,” and “Little by Little.” The night reached a historic high with a massive singalong to “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Noel, reflecting on the end of his own live tour, said, “This is the last night of our tour, we’ve been on tour for over a year so we’re sick of the sight of each other. I don’t know if I’ll tour again, we’ve got to write an album first.”
The Vaccines pumped up the crowd with tracks like “Post Break-Up Sex,” “Wetsuit,” and the anthem “All My Friends.” Holly Humberstone, BRIT Award winner from Lincolnshire, captivated with her performance, culminating in “Scarlett.” Stoke-on-Trent’s Lissy Taylor brought her vibrant energy to the stage, with hits “Young” and “She’s a Stunner.” The festival also saw the return of King Pleasure and the Biscuit Boys, delighting fans with their jazz and swing tunes. Other highlights included Nieve Ella, Cucamaras, Katy B, Bez, Bob Vylan and many more, ensuring Y Not 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of music and fun.
Jason Oakley, Managing Director at Y Not Festival, says “Thank you to everyone who joined us at our 17th Y Not! We’re always incredibly grateful for the continued support from our incredible audience, and this year, you all made the festival truly unforgettable. We were delighted to welcome phenomenal acts like Snow Patrol, Jamie T, Noel Gallagher and the High Flying Birds, Kaiser Chiefs, Declan McKenna, and many more top tier acts, we think it was our best line up yet!
We also had the privilege of showcasing fantastic local talent and emerging artists, making it an exhilarating time for new music. We’re proud to champion these rising stars. Thank you for your unwavering support – see you in 2025!”
Y Not Festival 2025
Super Early Bird Tickets for 2025 start at £99.50 and go on sale Friday 9th August at 12pm, sign up HERE
Not gay enough: the hidden culture of exclusion within Britain’s LGBQT+ nightlife scene
By Janina Smietanka, University of Plymouth
I am a lesbian woman and I have been going on nights out on the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene (better known as the gay scene) for 20 years. My own experiences over the past 18 months have formed part of my ongoing research into lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people’s experiences of the gay scene.
Recently I was denied entry to two “diverse and inclusive” LGBTQ+ venues in a large UK city, following a pride event. A group of us who identify as a mix of lesbian and bisexual women were told that we would not be able to go inside, due to being presumed “straight”. Although we were eventually granted access to the second venue after explaining our sexuality, the exclusion did not end there. We received comments from others in the queue, who accused us of not being a part of the “rainbow”.
Larger cities such as London, Manchester and Cardiff are often considered places of freedom for the LGBTQ+ community. This is largely due to their thriving LGBTQ+ pub and club scenes. Many of these spaces actively promote and pride themselves on being diverse, inclusive and friendly. They provide a place for LGBTQ+ people to build and maintain romantic, sexual and platonic relationships with others within the community.
Importantly, research has shown that these spaces are also fundamental in helping to shape and establish sexual identities. This allows people in the community to develop a sense of belonging, recognition and affirmation.
This article is part of our State of the Arts series. These articles tackle the challenges of the arts and heritage industry – and celebrate the wins, too.
However, beneath the rainbow-fronted glow of inclusion and acceptance lies gatekeeping, policing and exclusion from these seemingly welcoming spaces. My research highlights that other harmful behaviours such as unwanted sexual attention, harassment and exclusion are not only prolific in the general night time economy, but also on the gay scene.
A key example of this is people facing judgement from others within the community when they do not present themselves in a way that adheres to LGB stereotypes. This highlights a toxic hyper-focus on physical appearances. The aesthetic hierarchy is maintained among the gay scene through informal policing from the community and more formally, through bouncers or bar staff who become gatekeepers of oppressive and rigid structures.
As one of my research participants, a 23-year-old bisexual woman, told me:
My research has shown this to be a common experience. As a 33-year-old lesbian participant explained:
There’s little discussion of these topics within the LGBTQ+ community. This means, from the outside, and to many inside it too, the community appears to be a cohesive and supportive environment that is united through shared oppression. However, the exclusion of particular sexual and aesthetic identities within the gay scene means many relationships have become fractured and fraught.
Furthermore, those on the gay scene can feel forced into changing how they present themselves to gain access to LGBTQ+ pubs and clubs. A 23-year-old bisexual male participant explained to me:
Their story also highlights that this is not just an issue of lesbian invisibility, as those who present themselves as more feminine are not the only ones who face exclusion.
Being excluded from the gay scene as an LGB person based on who you are presumed to have sex with, or how you dress, creates rigidity within a community that prides itself on freedom, authenticity and individuality. It means that those who may not feel safe in “hetero night life”, may also face exclusion from their own community because of the entrenched social and sexual bodily norms set out by the gay scene. More needs to be done urgently to ensure equality across the community.
Janina Smietanka, Phd Candidate Criminology, University of Plymouth
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.