Queer Gnosis

by Troy Williams

I have always loved the Indigo Girls.  As a queer kid looking for validation, the lyrics and music of Amy Ray and Emily Saliers spoke directly to my soul.  I didn’t feel so much like a freak because they were so cool.  They, more than any other artists, helped me feel happy to be gay.  Not only are they beautiful musicians, but they also have a phenomenal commitment to social justice.  They are one of the big reasons that I became fired up about activism.  And despite all of our escalating challenges, the one thing I still have faith in regarding the political process, is that local grassroots activism can and will make the world better.   

4 ½ years ago I started producing RadioActive on KRCL Community Radio because I believed that building and sustaining independent progressive media was essential to a healthy, thriving democracy.  Back in 2003, in the heat of our war-crazed national blood lust, one local scrappy station offered an alternative voice to counter the insanity:  KRCL.  I became a volunteer, and in three months an employee.  My life has never been the same.  One of my first (selfish) objectives was to meet the two women who played such a big part in shaping my queer and political activism.  I was determined to interview the Indigo Girls. 

Amy and Emily have since been on both RadioActive and my old series, Now Queer This.  In fact, my first interview with Emily was one of the cheesiest, gushing shows I’ve ever hosted (hopefully, I’ve become more professional since!).  Both Amy and Emily have always been tremendously gracious whenever I’ve approached them. They are as kind in person as you would expect them to be.   

In 2004 I was working on a radio documentary with my friend Duncan Phillips in Ft. Benning, Georgia.  We were covering the School of the Americas Watch annual protest.  I was able to hangout with Amy that day and I pleaded with her to come to Salt Lake on her solo tour. She agreed.  KRCL was privileged to host Amy the next summer and broadcast her concert live. 

On Tuesday Amy’s third solo CD, Didn’t It Feel Kinder, is released.  She wrote a track inspired by her tour visit: SLC RADIO

“I’m pulling into the LDS Nation,
looking for the community station.
Cause we heard about the kids in Salt Lake City
and how they fight to be set free,
and how they fight for you and me.”

Amy told me how much she loves Salt Lake City – and how much she believes in the importance of community radio.  Amy Ray walks her talk.  The other cool thing that I love about Amy is that she honors the radical queer ethic that is rebellious, loud and dangerous.  Our world right now needs more outspoken political queers who aren’t afraid to be a little more dangerous. 

Thank you Amy Ray for remembering us upstart rabble-rousers in Utah.  This track is really a great tribute, not just to KRCL, but to all of the hard-working activists in Utah who fight on believing that change can and will happen. Long Live Independent Media everywhere!

Everybody across this nation
join with me and your
community station.
What have you got to loose?

Pick up Didn’t It Feel Kinder available August 5th.

Listen to SLC Radio (but make sure you buy it!)

My interview with Amy on 08/05/08

read Amy’s interview in the Deseret News.