Strong and warm and wild and free

 

Sometimes a song can stop you in your tracks.

This morning I casually clicked on a Facebook link to listen to a recommended Billy Bragg song (thanks, Mark). I never took a lot of notice of Billy Bragg. I clocked him as a left-wing (fine) folkie (also fine but not top of my musical likes) though he did do something about one of my historical heroes (Gerrard Winstanley) so I should have done so.

The link opens the Official Video on Youtube of Bragg's song.

Within the first minute there were tears in my eyes. And it wasn't just from the sadness of seeing Kirsty MacColl again.

It's a song about tolerance and about embracing all forms of consensual, exuberant, lovely sex!

I've never experienced any discrimination, violence, verbal assault, or prejudice regarding my gender or sexuality as far as I know. I'm, very very lucky; many others have. Though things have improved significantly for gays and lesbians (in the UK anyway) since Bragg released the song in 1991, it is just as relevant today. Until everyone can be who they want and walk down the street holding hands with whoever they want - without stares, comment or abuse - then equality hasn't happened. And quite apart from the fact that it's nobody else's business, you don't need a degree in biology to find out that the shape of a person's body doesn't necessarily define what's in their head.

Bottom line - it's a wonderful song with a very topical message - and a great, fun video. I shall be exploring Billy Bragg further!