Scissor Sisters recall being called a “gay band”

scissor sisters I want to clarify what they were called.

Although the group was formed in the New York gay nightlife scene and their name comes from lesbian intercourse, Scissor Sisters, which has three gay members, felt constrained in the early 2000s to be called a “gay band” ”

IN new interview with NMEfrontman Jason “Jake Shears” Sellards said, “I was looking at our straight colleagues and, like, I had a little resentment that we had some extra label that made it easier for some (people) to fire us.”

Backing singer Scott “Babydaddy” Hoffman agreed, saying, “We used to say, ‘What’s a gay band?’ Is this the Village People? Because that’s not us.” He also admitted that the term is “much less loaded now”, admitting: “I don’t really know what he had to say except that we were open about who we are and there were some themes (in our music). ), these were definitely strange topics.”

“I don’t think it was a compliment,” guitarist Del Marquis added. “At the time I think it was rooted in homophobia. We had more “campers than a row of tents” (comments).”

The band also had problems with the “camp” label. “I got to meet Gore Vidal right before he died—it was a very special moment for me—and I’ll never forget him turning to me and saying, “Camp is just another word for those without talent.” , – Shears, 46, said that being called camp “drove me crazy.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Scissor Sisters also talked about how their fans reacted to their reunion.

“Ever since we announced the reunion, people have been saying that they were too young to see us (the first time), but not too young that they weren’t influenced by us and the unintended message in the (debut) album,” Marquis, 47, said. “Sometimes that’s the most touching thing: when you’re so young and there’s no one protecting you, but you can see a glimpse of another life or another world in bands and music. And if we take that place for some people, we’ve done our job.”

The group reunited just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their self-titled debut in 2004. For now, Scissor Sisters won’t be performing in the UK until 2025. Original member Ana Matronic will not be joining the group for the reunion due to commitments to her new podcast. Good times outings.

See full Scissor Sisters tour dates below.

May 16, 2025 – Nottingham, England – Motorpoint Arena Nottingham *
May 17, 2025 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro *
May 19, 2025 – Bournemouth, England – Bournemouth International Center *
May 20, 2025 – Cardiff, Wales – Utilita Arena Cardiff *
May 21, 2025 – Manchester, England – Live Co-op *
May 23, 2025 – London, England – The O2 *
May 24, 2025 – Leeds, England – First Direct Arena *
May 25, 2025 – Birmingham, England – Utilita Arena Birmingham *
May 27, 2025 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – SSE Arena *
May 28, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena *

*with Alison Goldfrapp