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This article reveals the reasons of musicians for performing at gay pride celebrations in the U.S. Tracing roots back to the Stonewall riots of 1969, the gay pride observance has become a festive summer ritual, from the dance-floor divas and singer-songwriters onstage to bands. Dance diva Ultra Nate has played so many pride events globally that she has lost count of how many. She says that it performing at gay pride celebrations givers her an opportunity to support the gay community, which has been a great supporter of her music. Amy Ray of the singing duo Indigo Girls notes that every show is a pride festival for them. But she considers pride celebrations as more of a dialogue about transgender issues. Meanwhile, singer Deborah Gibson performs at gay pride celebrations to express herself and be with like-minded people. Singer-songwriter Tret Fure, a pioneering artist in transgender's music since the 1970s, has played at plenty of pride events in her career. However, 2005, is different as the event would be a reminder that gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders are not the evil that the religious right is trying to portray them to be. Arizona-based singer-songwriter Namoli Brennet sings about her transgender experience to mixed audiences all year round. But at pride performances, her audience connects more viscerally.

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p142-146 4p; 8c