In 1970, Gil Scott-Heron, a poet and singer with a strong distaste for political apathy, released the song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” It was something of a brass-knuckled, knock-out punch against anyone who didn’t fight the powers-that-be, with Scott-Heron delivering his lyrics with just the right amount of sarcastic outrage. The revolution will not be brought to you by the Schaefer Award Theatre and will not star Natalie Woods and Steve McQueen or Bullwinkle and Julia. The revolution will not give your mouth sex appeal. The revolution will not get rid of the nubs. The revolution will not make you look five pounds thinner, because the revolution will not be televised, Brother. Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell will be one of the films showcased at this year's Outfest in Los Angeles. I first heard the song on KCRW several years ago, as I recall, around the same time I came out. I often think about it whenever I write something about the gay rights movement because it makes a certain amount of pragmatic sense--people need to get involved, hit the streets, and work for equality. But, over the years, I've realized Scott-Heron's battle cry doesn't fully apply to the gay struggle. ...
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In 1970, Gil Scott-Heron, a poet and singer with a strong distaste for political apathy, released the song “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised.” It was something of a brass-knuckled, knock-out punch against anyone who didn’t fight the powers-that-be, with Scott-Heron delivering his lyrics with just the right amount of sarcastic outrage. The revolution will not be brought to you by the Schaefer Award Theatre and will not star Natalie Woods and Steve McQueen or Bullwinkle and Julia. The revolution will not give your mouth sex appeal. The revolution will not get rid of the nubs. The revolution will not make you look five pounds thinner, because the revolution will not be televised, Brother. Wild Combination: A Portrait of Arthur Russell will be one of the films showcased at this year's Outfest in Los Angeles. I first heard the song on KCRW several years ago, as I recall, around the same time I came out. I often think about it whenever I write something about the gay rights movement because it makes a certain amount of pragmatic sense--people need to get involved, hit the streets, and work for equality. But, over the years, I've realized Scott-Heron's battle cry doesn't fully apply to the gay struggle. ...