KITTIE Drummer To Gay, Bi And Transgender Fans: 'Stay Strong'

[and-justice-for-all]

Drummer Mercedes Lander of the Canadian all-girl metal band KITTIE has released a video message (see below) in response to reports of several suicides in recent weeks by young gay teenagers who had been harassed by classmates, both in person and online. A transcript of her message follow below.

"I just wanted to talk to you guys about something super-important to us in the band.

"Recently I've been reading on Perez Hilton, because I'm such a big Perez Hilton fan, about the recent teen suicides. It's definitely been a big shock to everyone. So I figured I would reach out for the metal community , 'cause nobody has stepped up. 'Cause we do have some of the best and the most amazing gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual fans in the universe. So I wanted to reach out to you guys for the metal community and just let you guys know that it does get better — a lot better. Trust me, trust me, trust me...

More: http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=147087

[leftstreet]

1. K&R

[and-justice-for-all]

3. Hilarious!!! nt

[TexasObserver]

2. recommend

[Withywindle]

4. You go, Mercedes.

I've always really liked this band. Metal is still very male-dominated and I LOVE to see women playing it.

[hermetic]

5. It Gets Better!

Is a new channel on YouTube started by Dan Savage in response to the recent suicides. People who are (at last) accepted by family, etc. are sending in videos telling others to not give up because it will get better. It's really quite moving.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IcVyvg2Qlo

[Jamastiene]

6. I had not heard of that band before, but

you can bet this gay girl will be giving them a listen now. Thank you for sharing this. I love finding GLBT allies in the music world.

[and-justice-for-all]

7. Listen to OTEP; she is in a 'metal' band and openly Gay...nt

[Jamastiene]

8. I love OTEP

She is a great poet and singer and has a great mind. :thumbsup: