Brooklyn, New York Brace For Straight Pride Parade Aug 1st.

Word out of the big apple is that a group of reggae artists, backed by their record label, namely TCOOO productions, will openly embrace their heterosexuality this upcoming Labor Day weekend in Brooklyn New York

"Although reggae is known for its militancy and its resistance to injustice," TCOOO Productions proclaimed, "the reggae community has remained calm throughout the attack on the music by Peter Tatchell and other Gay activists (sic) groups."

Frequent reports of kidnappings, harassment and mob beatings of gays, particularly in Jamaica, provide the backdrop for the lyrics of reggae and dancehall artists such as Beenie Man and Buju Banton, assailed by OutRage! founder Peter Tatchell as part of his Stop Murder Music campaign, which spans two decades.

Buju Banton's "Boom Bye Bye," released in the early 1990s is cited as the catalyst to the campaign's birth.

"The Straight Pride Parade is a chance for Heterosexuals to gather together and proudly embrace their sexuality," said reggae artist Jango Fresh. "The Parade will also allow reggae and dancehall fans who are in New York City for the Labor Day celebrations to get together and celebrate reggae, dancehall and family in love and unity."

Gay Jamaicans at home and aboard have responded to the parade “as an attempt to undermine the principle of gay liberation.” Other gay sympathizers have disregarded the parade as an anemic attempt to sideline Gay and Lesbian rights in the greater Caribbean and North America.

On the heels of frequent cancellations and interruption of radio play, Buju Banton, Sizzla Kalonji, Beenie Man and Capleton have signed the Reggae Compassionate Act, acknowledging their music's historical use as an agent of influence, activism and positive change and pledging to temper hatred and prejudice in their music.

The event is planned for August 31, 2008 in Brooklyn, on the same route as the Caribbean Labor Day parade.


The Reggae News Agency

www.riddimjamaica.net | www.riddimja.com