Lgbtq Sexual Identity

Gender Identification and Sexual Orientation in Music As of 2017, the LGBTQ+ movement has progressed and slowly have been more accepted. This allowed for those in the community to express themselves through art and music. There are many LGBTQ+ artists and songs created to support the community, examples include Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator, David Bowie, Sam Smith, Mary Lambert, Elton John, etc. It is very important for those finding themselves to be able to relate to others which is usually difficult as individuals in the community can’t listen to any hit song and relate to it. Although the society has progressed, there is still stigma and negative views towards the LGBTQ+ community. Due to the fear of being judged against, many people

This is shown in the songs, “Garden Shed,” by Tyler, the Creator, and “Metamorphosis,” by Pet Shop Boys.

In the song, “Garden Shed,” by Tyler, the Creator, he uses the song as a metaphor for concealing your sexuality. The term “garden shed,” itself is used as a representation of a hiding place. Then, it draws to the opposite phase of “coming out of the closet,” meaning when an individual reveals they’re gay or bisexual. One of the most common feelings within an individual conflicted with their sexuality is the difficulty of admitting to themselves and others that they’re gay. The root of the problem with individuals that find it difficult to come out of the closet is because of the judgement and discrimination that they will have to face. Although many people are very supportive and open minded, there is homophobia in the world. Homophobia can lead to discrimination, false myths, stereotypes, suicide and etc. The fear that those who are not ready to reveal their sexuality faces is due to the stigma around homosexuality. In the song, “don’t

The song describes how he is conflicted with his inner and outer self as he is trying to figure out his identity. He grew up living life the way he thought he should in order to fit in with society, avoiding being “different” from others. However, he began to realize that he must overcome his doubts and insecurities developed from society’s perspective of homosexuality, to be truly happy. Similar to Tyler, The Creator, the lead singer of Pet Shop Boys, Neil Tennant, shares the feelings of emptiness while trying to live a “normal” life. This is shown in the song in the verse, “But every now and then...And often at night...A particular feeling would surface in spite...Of what I told myself and tried to deny….I kept on asking the question: why?” It is clear that his conflicted feelings would become more evident as he is alone at night. Many individuals concealing their sexuality will live a life similar to the Pet Shop Boys, however, the constant frustration, and confusion will eventually consume them. It is necessary to come to terms with who you are. If society stopped censoring sensitive topics such as homosexuality, and talked about it more then it may show that it is okay to accept the differences in people. The verse, “With time and age I had to change… 'Cause my behaviour was getting strange…. People on the street caught my eye,”