Queer Music History

Image for PostEvan Westfal

Twelve years ago I was a bright-eyed, happy, and exceedingly awkward undergrad student majoring in music. I delighted in the study of music theory, ear training, and music history. One day as I sat in a lecture hall, I listened to a fellow student casually reference the homosexual themes expressed throughout the musical 'rent.' My professor chimed in and said, "I don't think people will be comfortable hearing you talk about two women being married. Use gentler language, like 'friend'." The words struck a chord with me, and I sank into my chair feeling an uncomfortable disdain. I'm a gay person. In effect, my professor was telling me that the world would be more comfortable if I didn't exist. I muttered a few short words: "I think nowadays most people are comfortable acknowledging gay people." My professor didn't respond, and I didn't press the conversation. I sat tacit, complicit in an educational system that marginalized queer people.

Fast forward to the present tense, and I'm a little less bright-eyed, just as happy, and exceedingly less awkward. I have a job that I love, working for the U of A as the Education Coordinator at the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies & Services (iSMSS). I have the opportunity to pursue advocacy work in a professional context - advocacy work that I wasn't confident enough to partake in during my undergrad. So to honour my past experiences of homophobia in a music education context, I thought it prudent to reclaim a previously heteronormative space, and queer the genre of music education.

This month, I launched a new workshop on Queer Music History (more details below) to recognize the significant contributions that queer and trans people have made to music history. Here are just three examples of queer innovators who have left their mark:

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Birthplace: Votkinsk, Russia

Lifespan: 1840-1893

Significance: Tchaikovsky was Russia's first international sensation. Many of his compositions garnered Russia some serious attention in the field of composition. He dedicated 'Symphony Pathetique' to his lover Vladimir "Bob" Davydov.

Fun Fact: In 2013 notable homophobe, Vladimir Putin, verbally acknowledged Tchaikovsky's homosexuality while publicly praising the composer.

Listen to Tchaikovsky's Work HereListen to Tchaikovsky's Work Here

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Birthplace: Marylebone, London

Lifespan: 1858-1944

Significance: Dame Ethel Smyth was one of the England's first successful female composers. She shattered the glass ceiling for femme identifying musicians, originating 6 operas, a ballet, and numerous orchestral works. One of her most notable works is "March of the Women" (1911).

Fun Fact: Smythe was a proud suffragette and member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU). In 1912 Smythe was jailed at Holloway Prison for her civil disobedience. Whilst jailed, her supporters would march the perimeter of her jail singing "march of the women", all while Smyth conducted the crowd with her toothbrush from her jail cell window.

Listen to Smyth's Work HereListen to Smyth's Work Here

Image for PostImage source: Alabama Music Hall of Fame

Birthplace: Ariton, Alabama, USA

Lifespan: 1926-1984

Significance: Thornton was a major influencer in the movement of Blues. Thornton blurred the lines of gender expression, often gracing the stage in masculine garb. One of Mama's earliest works, "Hound Dog," was released 1952, and sold over 2 million copies. Thornton reported earning only $500 dollars for her work on the recording. The song was later covered by Elvis Presley, without Thornton's consent.

Fun Fact: Big Mama's management would often try to coerce Thornton into wearing traditionally feminine clothing. Thornton would occasionally comply, but subvert gendered restrictions by pairing cowboy boots with elegant dresses.

Listen to Thornton's Work HereListen to Thornton's Work Here

As many of you know, June is Pride Month - a time to advocate for and establish equity. I encourage you to take an introspective moment to contemplate how we at the university might make space for marginalized people. If you're interested in Queer Music History, I invite you to register for the next session:

Queer Music History
July 8, 2020
2-3:30 pm
Email ewestfal@ualberta.ca to sign up

Or, if you're looking for a philanthropic opportunity, might I suggest the Mayor's Pride Brunch in support of Camp fYrefly or perhaps the CHEW Project? Both initiatives are supported through iSMSS.

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Evan Westfal (pronouns he/him) is the Education Coordinator for the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (ISMSS). As Education Coordinator, he frequently guest lectures for many post-secondary institutions and community organizations throughout Alberta. He also runs fYrefly in schools (FINS), an education program that promotes sexual and gender diversity education in elementary, junior and senior high schools. Evan facilitates the Edmonton and Area GSA Roundtables in partnership with the Pride Centre of Edmonton. Outside of his work at the University of Alberta, he is a vocal instructor at MacEwan's Conservatory of Music. He also works as a recording artist - you can find his music at www.evanwestfal.com.