GSN teams up with London Gay Men’s Chorus and London Gay Big Band to Bring Me Sunshine and spread the word about fighting homophobia and transphobia
Gay Star News joined forces with the UK capital’s talented LGBT singers and musicians to make a video to mark International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO).
While reports out for IDAHO today (17 May) again show the shocking levels of abuse, harassment, discrimination, violence and even murder faced by the world’s LGBT citizens, the GSN video tries to bring some hope.
Against a soundtrack of the song Bring Me Sunshine, it celebrates gay marriage breakthroughs in Brazil, Denmark, France, New Zealand, Uruguay, Scotland, England, Wales, Luxembourg, Nepal and many states in the US.
And it points out the international support the LGBT community now has, including from the United Nations.
The video concludes with an appeal for viewers to ‘join Gay Star News and the thousands spreading sunshine on 17 May’.
The GSN flashmob was filmed on Saturday (11 May), at The Scoop – an open-air performance space by City Hall, London.
Luckily the rain held off to allow the musicians to perform.
The London Gay Big Band and the London Gay Men’s Chorus headlined the event and their powerful vocals and instruments drew in the passing public.
Simon Sharp, artistic director for the London Gay Men’s Chorus, says: ‘It was great to be invited by Gay Star News to mark IDAHO.
‘The chorus wholly supports this great initiative by GSN and working together as a community – on this occasion with the London Gay Big Band – makes a strong and important stand against prejudice and intolerance.’
London Gay Big Band manager Stefan Doering adds: ‘It’s absolutely fantastic to bring such a worthy and important cause to life with an engaging, inspiring event to make a positive impact.’
Marketing executive at Gay Star News, Anthony Fortune said: ‘IDAHO is a great cause and GSN is proud to get involved.
‘Despite the clouds, the flashmob had a great turnout. As soon as the band started and the big rainbow umbrellas were opened, it brightened the spirits and got everyone singing and cheering along.’
Our event fitted with the Global Rainbow Flashmob theme of IDAHO 2013.
Some of the charities that turned up on the day included Peter Tatchell Foundation, Trans Media Watch and Broken Rainbow UK.
You can see the London Gay Men’s Chorus’ show Heroes at Cadogan Hall, London on 24 and 25 May. Find out more and get tickets here.
The next London Gay Big Band and Friends show is this Sunday (19 May) at the The Two Brewers, Clapham High Street, London. Get tickets here.
Watch the GSN flashmob here. Please share to spread the message of hope and to encourage people worldwide to help fight homophobia and transphobia:
by Tris Reid-Smith
Source – Gay Star News
