No True Allies.

 I've had many loves in my life, and in recent memory? Industrial music has been one of them. It's given me lifelong friendships and bonding moments with people whose music I've listen to in college, and in a self serving note? The ability to do shows with them and have my name alongside some of the greats. It was a place to be myself. 

A scene built and fostered by the LGBTQIA+ community and wouldn't have thrived had it not been for gay clubs. 

Why do I preface my thoughts with this? Because it's integral to what needs to be discussed. 

The Industrial scene should be seen as one that's inherently progressive aka counter culture. Especially when you see what the prevalent culture is at present, Industrial is the opposite of it. It should be a place where all who believe the marginalized should feel safe belong. 

But this story isn't one of triumph and understanding, its one of disappointment and frustration. 

Brian G. of the Gothsicles fucked up. There's no other way to put it. He's been a mainstay in the Goth/Industrial scene with his comedic songs and association with other notables. But what broke shit open was him hosting a TERF on his video interview show. However, what the scene at large didn't know was he was flirting with conservative talking points and sadly buying into it. 

His dive into it cost him his partner and his place in the scene as a whole. Why? Refer to what I mentioned earlier; a scene filled with the marginalized and wouldn't exist without the LGBTQIA. (Shout out to the ever problematic Genesis P. Orridge, trans godmother of this shit) 

So imagine if you will someone who is believing the worst of the worst regarding conservatism (birtherism, anti trans ideology, etc.) but still garnering the goodwill of folks who are queer af and span races and gender ideologies. That's duplicitous and hurtful as hell. 

For those that knew him personally, worked with him...it hurts. Because we all thought he was a decent enough dude. But guess not. He honestly thought he could chill with us while hanging out with conservative mindsets. Nah. We're public enemy number one to conservatives and..nah. Betrayal. 

There were apologies, but the apology feels like the fact he got rightfully aired out for it and lost his ability to give lip service and be the good guy. At one point, I would have been one of the people to call him in and try to help.  But no, that isn't and never will be my ministry. Tired of white guys getting nothing but grace when they fuck up and only to learn nothing from getting caught. 

Keep Industrial Queer. A better person than mine stated this and it's important. Especially in a world that wants us gone. One ally that showed their ass ain't gonna stop the show.