Singer/ Songwriters Burning Down the Closet

ERIC HIMAN - "LITTLE BOY BLUE"

This tattooed love boy made a huge splash this year with his album Resonate. Eric says the song “Little Boy Blue” was written “about a transgendered boy I met years ago who taught me how to be myself without apologies”.

In your world, I was lost in time
My roles uniformed, your body and mind
Were living separate lives in separate towns
On opposite sides
Little boy blue
Greener pastures surround you
A yellow sun and white clouds too
They don’t understand you, but you do 

That last line speaks to anyone who’s ever felt “different”, especially queer youth. Growing up gay, it’s easy to feel like you’re alone and misunderstood, and this song delivers that message (as well as a great hook).

Rating: Quality - 5, Outness - 2, Groundbreaking - 3

Final Score - 3.3

MÉLANGE LAVONNE - "GAY BASH"

Sometimes the message needs to be delivered like a blunt force instrument, and fiery Hip Hop artist Mélange Lavonne lays her heart and her outrage out there for everyone to see with “Gay Bash”. After the murder of her gay best friend Kevin, Mélange takes to the pulpit to blast the hypocrisy of some Christians. 

You just see the paint, but don’t see the big picture
You go and preach hate, but hide behind scripture
You point the finger first but you’re the worst sinner
I’m angry cause his life was short, that’s not fair
You condemn him to going to hell, he’s not there
He was good, he was love, he was all of the above 

The song delivers an emotional knockout punch to all those who use their religious beliefs as an excuse for bigotry.

Rating: Quality - 4, Outness - 5, Groundbreaking - 5

Final Score: 4.6