Protest songwriter Billy Bragg has updated the lyrics of his 1991 song "Sexuality" to include references to non-binary pronouns. The songwriter has now spoken out to explain the reason for the change, and to voice his support of trans rights.
The studio version of the song that appeared on the album Don't Try This at Home featured a lyric in support of the gay community: "Just because you're gay, I won't turn you away / If you stick around, I'm sure that we can find some common ground."
Bragg, who frequently changes and updates lyrics when performing live, now reportedly sings (according to Twitter user @CroneInAMillion), "Just because you're they, I won't turn you away / If you stick around, I'm sure that we can find the right pronoun."
In response to criticism, Bragg said that he was "surprised that you and your friends have become so agitated by the change of lyrics." He continued, "Times changed. Anyone born since the song was released would wonder why it's a big deal to find common ground with a gay man. The front line now is trans rights."
See the relevant tweets below. Bragg thanked the trans community and allies for their support of his comments.
The studio version of the song that appeared on the album Don't Try This at Home featured a lyric in support of the gay community: "Just because you're gay, I won't turn you away / If you stick around, I'm sure that we can find some common ground."
Bragg, who frequently changes and updates lyrics when performing live, now reportedly sings (according to Twitter user @CroneInAMillion), "Just because you're they, I won't turn you away / If you stick around, I'm sure that we can find the right pronoun."
In response to criticism, Bragg said that he was "surprised that you and your friends have become so agitated by the change of lyrics." He continued, "Times changed. Anyone born since the song was released would wonder why it's a big deal to find common ground with a gay man. The front line now is trans rights."
See the relevant tweets below. Bragg thanked the trans community and allies for their support of his comments.
