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Mighty Real: Unpacking LGBTQ+ Music's Legacy
24 Jun
Summary
- New book charts LGBTQ+ music history from 1969 to 2000.
- Author Barry Walters came out tactically in 1986.
- Book explores queer acts' freedom and nonconformity.
Barry Walters' latest book, "Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music, 1969-2000," presents a rich personal and cultural narrative of queer music. It traces new paths through music history, from Motown to Nirvana, highlighting artists who embraced or recoiled from gender and sexual nonconformity.
Walters, a journalist with decades of experience, decided to come out in 1986 while reviewing the Pet Shop Boys' debut album. He felt it was important to be honest about his own queerness, a decision he described as tactical yet heartfelt.
The book features subjects like Motown, Lou Reed, David Bowie, and Nirvana, unified by Walters' insightful voice. He emphasizes that embracing queerness can paradoxically lead to broader accessibility, citing examples like Beyoncé and Janelle Monáe.
Inspired by Sylvester's song "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," Walters explains the title reflects the sacrifices LGBTQ+ individuals make for authenticity. Music serves as a vital refuge, empowering them to be their true selves despite potential dangers like job loss or family estrangement.
