On Jan 20, I released the single "It's A Sin" with my band Afflicted By Design. "It's A Sin" is a hard-driving and guitar-heavy industrial rock version of the Pet Shop Boys classic.
I chose to cover "It's A Sin," because it is possibly my favorite Pet Shop Boys song, and to show my support for the LGBTQ community. "It's A Sin" was an important song 30 years ago, and it and its themes are just as important and relevant today.
When the Pet Shop Boys wrote "It's A Sin" they wrote about the experience of being gay in the 80s and as a song of hope. The song talks about the shame and self-loathing of being gay in the 80s, and the homophobia experienced and the persecution by the Church. But the song goes on to say that "they didn't quite succeed." No amount of fear, or intimidation, or humiliation or shaming is going to change or discourage them. The song let's people know that it's not their fault. That it's OK to be you.
Today, despite the cultural advances of the past 30 years, American conservatives and the religious right are amping up their anti-gay rhetoric, and are feeling empowered like never before. They are trying to undo any and all advances in LGBTQ rights... and women's rights and the rights of non-Christians, as well.
Animosity, intolerance and violence towards the LGBTQ community from the Right is on the rise and is being stoked and encouraged by the followers of the new US president, and people are continuing to get hurt and killed.
"It's A Sin" is anthemic and hopeful. And, if anything, we are going to need hope these next four years under this new conservative regime in America.
