Me and Clea Duvall, who was hanging out at Le Tigre’s merch table at the Pomona Glasshouse in 2003
Last night, on July 9, 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to witness Le Tigre perform at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, 20 years after my last encounter with them at the Glasshouse in Pomona back in 2003. This experience was both surreal and uncanny as I couldn't help but notice the striking similarities between the political climates of then and now, while also acknowledging the progress made in positive and progressive ways. In this blog post, I want to share the five valuable lessons I learned from Le Tigre as a young queer person and how they continue to resonate with me today.
Kathleen Hannah performing live at The Glasshouse in Pomona in 2003.
It's Okay to Be Mad and Disillusioned: Living in the midst of an ugly political time marked by rising fascism, anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, and restrictive laws, it's understandable to feel anger, disillusionment, disappointment, and rage. Le Tigre's music provides a powerful outlet for expressing these emotions and validates the frustration we experience in our current political climate. While the era of George Bush seemed problematic, today's conservative party exhibits unprecedented levels of racism, homophobia, and misogyny. Le Tigre's music reminds us that it's okay to be furious and motivates us to channel that energy into fighting for a better future.
Your Art, Voice, and Presence are Needed: In a world that often encourages marginalized individuals to stay silent and small, Le Tigre emphasizes the importance of taking up space, sharing our experiences, and using our voices to demand change. They remind us that our art matters and that we must be bold, critical, and unafraid to express our grievances. By utilizing the mediums and platforms available to us, we can make a significant impact and shape a more inclusive and accepting world.
DIY and Punk Aesthetics as Empowerment: Amid a society that values formalization, professionalism, and mainstream success, Le Tigre's embrace of DIY and punk aesthetics becomes a powerful form of resistance. Doing things for ourselves, not waiting for external validation, and creating our own scenes and communities are acts of liberation. These ideals challenge problematic hierarchies and allow us to define our own values and spaces, both within the underground and in more conservative environments. Museums and larger institutions benefit from the energy generated in DIY spaces, reminding us to foster and merge these aesthetics and values into all cultural spheres.
Solidarity within Marginalized Communities: Le Tigre taught us that queer people, trans folks, women, and other marginalized individuals of the global majority outnumber those who seek to oppress and diminish us. They instilled in us the belief that we have each other's backs and the power to create spaces of safety and resilience. As we forge connections and support networks, we defy societal norms and shape new realities where everyone can thrive, experiment, and take risks. Together, we can build a future that celebrates diversity and allows marginalized voices to be seen, heard, and uplifted.
The Personal is Deeply Political: Le Tigre has consistently used their platform to shed light on how queer, femme, trans, and artists of color often face exclusion and pigeonholing within mainstream society. By sharing personal struggles and exposing the disparities in the music and art industries, they have sparked crucial conversations about diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Le Tigre's advocacy emphasizes the need for art to be a viable and sustainable path for artists, ensuring that everyone has an opportunity to thrive creatively.
Le Tigre's powerful music and activism have shaped the lives of countless people, offering inspiration, validation, and a sense of community for us. From embracing anger to advocating for inclusivity and sustainability in the arts, their influence is profound and timeless. As we navigate through today's challenging political climate, let us remember the valuable lessons learned from Le Tigre and continue their legacy by using our art, voices, and presence to effect positive change in the world.
Click here to see more images from my first time seeing Le Tigre at The Glasshouse in Pomona in 2003.
Click below to see Le Tigre perform their song F.Y.R. live at The Greek Theater in Los Angeles in 2023.