Caveats: I am admittedly getting more and more cranky about uber-educated Queers writing "manifestos" dissecting everything from marriage to orgasms and most often, labeling those things as "racist" or "sexist" through the lens of "but, but, but". That "but, but, but" thing being things like "Queers shouldn't get married because it's racist" or "women shouldn't have orgasms because it's giving in to the patriarchal notion that all sex should be orgasm-driven" or "we shouldn't celebrate the repeal of Don't Ask/Don't Tell because Gay soldiers are still agents of genocide". And NO, I am not saying that all of these things are not valid to discuss or even agree with. My irritation is around the micro-dissection of the fucking leaves while the forest grows wild and free.
More caveats: There are several articles out there with screen-shots of things that Macklemore is supposed to have tweeted that could appear to be homophobic. I have, admittedly, not dove very far yet into what the context or circumstance might have been but wanted to acknowledge that I know it's out there.
Broad caveat: I am speaking from my experience and my thought process. My thoughts do not necessarily reflect the direction or process of the site "ButchFemmePlanet" as an entity. My intent is to be as respectful as possible and I am speaking as clearly as I can with what language I normally use.
*breath*
With all of the above caveats, I'd like to start by saying that I appreciate the sentiment behind the song "Same Love" and think that Mary Lambert is fucking amazing. I also appreciate that Macklemore's song "Same Love" has become a highly-visible and recognizable "Gay rights" song. If I am not mistaken, this is the first time a popular "Top 100" song has said succinctly and openly that Gay folks should have the same ability to marry their partner/obtain the same human rights as everyone else.
I do think it is problematic to draw such a definitive parallel between Gay rights and the rights of Persons of Color because I do not feel that those principles are the same. BUT, I acknowledge that there are definite similar themes and can see why a person who is only looking at the surface would draw those conclusions.
I thought the performance at the Grammys was important and super-appreciated the inclusion of seemingly-appearing "straight" couples in the 33-couple ceremony that was performed on stage. I think it was purposeful and did much to say, "this is not just a "Gay" thing, this is a "marriage" thing".
I also noticed several celebrities like Keith Urban wiping away tears and thought that was nice.
No ally is perfect and I do believe that Macklemore has to understand the value of "playing to the crowd" with his Gay Rights stance. He's not stupid, clearly. Is he pandering? Probably. Is he exploiting? Probably.
Is it super-valuable that a famous, white, straight, rap performer is calling for equal rights for Gay people? In my opinion, yes, it is valuable. Acknowledging that there are shitty areas of this entire media thing, I'd submit that Macklemore's "Same Love" is falling in line with the idea that it is up to the folks with the rights to help the folks without rights carve a path to those rights.
And I'll be honest, it pisses me the fuck off that what little this guy is doing is being vilified on some level. Is it perfect? Oh, hell no. We call for our straight allies to stand with us. This one did. Did he have one hand in the Queer cookie jar? Probably. Do we sometimes have to acknowledge that our allies suck at being allies? Yep. Can we find ways to appreciate what strides people are able to make with their language and their experience to understand us Queer folks? I think we can. Gah, I hope we can.
I have more but I need to rest my wrists!! Back in a bit!
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