Music

Gay punk tribute bands goof on punk homophobia

by Tyler Munro

Punk and hardcore can be a little homoerotic. Sweaty dudes, drunk and shirtless, touching late into the night. But punk and hardcore can also be a little homophobic – which is why we need Black Fag.

This week on This Exists, we explore the world of bands like Gayrilla Biscuits, Youth of Togay and the aforementioned Black Fag. An extension of the queercore scene made popular by bands like Limp Wrist and Pansy Division, this new wave of gay punk aims expose homophobia and bigotry through parody.

Is it appropriate for hetero-dudes to be in these bands? And does performing lisping Black Flag covers dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz poke fun at stereotype, or lend to them?