In the ’80s, some Yugoslav rockers made songs about homosexual love – Global Voices

In the ’80s, some Yugoslav rockers made songs about homosexual love – Global Voices

Exploring LGBTQ+ Themes in Yugoslav Rock Music: A Report on Cultural Expression and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

This report examines the presence and significance of LGBTQ+ themes in Yugoslav rock music during the 1980s, highlighting the intersection with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). The analysis focuses on how music served as a medium for expressing same-sex love in a patriarchal and often repressive society, contributing to social inclusion and awareness.

Historical Context and Cultural Expression

Patriarchy and LGBTQ+ Representation in 1980s Yugoslavia

During the 1980s, Yugoslavia’s mainstream society became increasingly patriarchal. Despite this, some rock bands openly performed songs about same-sex love, challenging social norms and contributing to SDG 5 and SDG 10 by promoting gender equality and reducing social inequalities.

  1. Sejo Sexon and Zabranjeno pušenje: The Bosnian rock star and leader of the Sarajevo band Zabranjeno pušenje revealed that their 1989 hit “Javi mi” (“Let me know”) was about love between two men. This song highlighted the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, emphasizing secrecy and fear due to societal stigma.
  2. International Influence: The song was a cover of Lou Reed’s “Turn on Me,” a love song between two men, reflecting more open attitudes in cities like New York, Paris, London, and Berlin. This contrast underscores the need for SDG 10 by addressing inequalities in social acceptance.

Lyrics and Social Commentary

  • The Bosnian lyrics depict a man living in a mock marriage to conceal his sexuality, illustrating the social pressures and legal constraints faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Despite these challenges, the emotional universality of love allowed the song to resonate widely, demonstrating the power of cultural expression in advancing SDG 5.

Music as a Platform for LGBTQ+ Visibility

Other Notable Songs and Artists

  1. “Neki dječaci” (“Some boys”) by Prljavo Kazalište (1979): This punk-era song celebrated “free male love,” promoting acceptance and challenging social norms.
  2. “Retko te viđam sa devojkama” (“I rarely see you with girls”) by Idoli (1980): The song alluded to the need for LGBTQ+ individuals to hide their sexual orientation, reflecting societal pressures and the importance of SDG 16 in fostering inclusive institutions.
  3. Women’s Love in Music: Songs like “Ana” by Videosex (1984) and “Moja prijateljica” (“My female friend”) by Xenia (1983) addressed lesbian love, highlighting gender equality and the fight against discriminatory laws criminalizing homosexual relations.

Media and Public Awareness

  • Foreign LGBTQ+-themed music videos, such as Bronski Beat’s “Smalltown Boy,” were broadcast on public TV, increasing visibility.
  • Music magazines openly discussed the sexuality of celebrities like Freddie Mercury and David Bowie, contributing to social dialogue and awareness aligned with SDG 10.

Challenges and Regression in the 1990s

Impact of Yugoslavia’s Breakup and Rise of Conservatism

The 1990s saw a decline in progressive LGBTQ+ representation in music, as newly independent ex-Yugoslav countries embraced genres promoting nationalism and social conservatism. This period was marked by increased homophobia, undermining the progress toward SDG 5 and SDG 10.

  • Examples include the 1994 song “Mala, mala” by Familija, which contained homophobic lyrics disguised as humor.
  • “Pedro” by Risto Bombata i Kučeška Tenija ridiculed homosexuals, reflecting societal backlash against LGBTQ+ visibility.

Ongoing Interpretations and Legacy

Many songs from the Yugoslav era are retrospectively interpreted as having LGBTQ+ themes, though not always explicitly. The legacy of these cultural expressions continues to inform contemporary discussions on equality and human rights, supporting SDG 16’s goal of inclusive societies.

Conclusion: Music as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development Goals

The exploration of LGBTQ+ themes in Yugoslav rock music during the 1980s demonstrates the role of cultural expression in advancing Sustainable Development Goals:

  • SDG 5 (Gender Equality): By challenging patriarchal norms and promoting visibility of diverse sexual orientations.
  • SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities): Through fostering social acceptance and reducing stigma against LGBTQ+ communities.
  • SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions): By highlighting the need for legal reforms and inclusive policies protecting human rights.

Despite setbacks in the 1990s, the pioneering efforts of musicians and cultural figures laid important groundwork for ongoing advocacy and social change in the region.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

  1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses LGBTQ+ rights, same-sex love, and the social and legal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Yugoslavia, which relates to achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls, including sexual minorities.
  2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The article highlights issues of discrimination, secrecy, and fear faced by LGBTQ+ communities, pointing to social inequalities and the need to reduce inequalities within and among countries.
  3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article references legal provisions criminalizing homosexual relations and the authoritarian context, implicating the need for inclusive, just, and accountable institutions that protect human rights.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

  1. SDG 5 – Gender Equality
    • Target 5.1: End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
    • Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life, inclusive of LGBTQ+ individuals.
  2. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
    • Target 10.3: Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices against marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ people.
  3. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels that protect human rights, including the rights of LGBTQ+ communities.
    • Target 16.b: Promote and enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development, including those protecting sexual minorities.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

  1. Indicators related to SDG 5
    • 5.1.1: Whether or not legal frameworks are in place to promote, enforce and monitor equality and non-discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual orientation and gender identity.
    • 5.5.1: Proportion of women (including LGBTQ+ women) in leadership positions in political, economic, and public life.
  2. Indicators related to SDG 10
    • 10.3.1: Proportion of population reporting having personally felt discriminated against or harassed based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
    • 10.3.2: Number of countries that have adopted laws or policies to promote equality and prohibit discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals.
  3. Indicators related to SDG 16
    • 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services, including services related to protection of rights of sexual minorities.
    • 16.b.1: Proportion of population who believe decision-making is inclusive and responsive, including towards LGBTQ+ communities.
  4. Implied indicators: The article implies the importance of measuring social acceptance, visibility, and representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in media and culture (e.g., music), which can be used as qualitative indicators of social progress.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 5: Gender Equality
  • 5.1: End discrimination against all women and girls, including LGBTQ+.
  • 5.5: Ensure full participation and equal opportunities for leadership.
  • 5.1.1: Legal frameworks for equality and non-discrimination.
  • 5.5.1: Proportion of women (including LGBTQ+ women) in leadership roles.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • 10.3: Eliminate discriminatory laws and practices against marginalized groups.
  • 10.3.1: Population reporting discrimination or harassment based on sexual orientation/gender identity.
  • 10.3.2: Number of countries with anti-discrimination laws/policies.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • 16.6: Develop accountable institutions protecting human rights.
  • 16.b: Promote non-discriminatory laws and policies.
  • 16.6.2: Population satisfaction with public services protecting sexual minorities.
  • 16.b.1: Population perception of inclusive and responsive decision-making.

Source: globalvoices.org