The San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir, which triggered mounting backlash with its about the “gay agenda,” claims that the song is ironic humor.
What they’re saying: The choir issued a lengthy statement on Thursday in response to the criticism, arguing that the “tongue-in-cheek humor is lost on many.” They also accused conservatives of using the song to push what the statement described as “intolerant and hateful needs” by taking “the lyrics out of context.”
“As a result, we have seen the comments on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram become increasingly alarming. Emails to individuals and the chorus office are vitriolic- including threats of harm,” the statement reads.
The choir notes that they have moved to make the video private and promised to “follow legal steps to act on those threats.”
They then doubled down.
“We will always accept others who may hold different values, but when violence is their choice of expression, since 1969 we have not backed down. After decades of children being indoctrinated and taught intolerance for anyone who is ‘other,’ from using the Bible as a weapon to reparative theory, it’s our turn,” the statement says.
“We have dedicated ourselves to being role models, teaching and spreading the message of love, tolerance, and celebration through our music,” it adds.
How we got here: The choir drew intense criticism after it posted a video in which they sang about indoctrinating children.
“You think that we’ll corrupt your kids if our agenda goes unchecked,” one of the members sings. “Funny, just this once, you’re correct.”
“We’ll convert your children. Happens bit by bit. Quietly and subtly. And you will barely notice it. You can keep them from disco. Warn about San Francisco. Make ’em wear pleated pants. We don’t care. We’ll convert your children. We’ll make them tolerant and fair.”
“We’ll convert your children. Someone’s gotta teach them not to hate. We’re coming for them. We’re coming for your children. We’re coming for them. We’re coming for them. We’re coming for your children,” the lyrics continue.
“Your children will care about,” the choir adds, “fairness and justice for others. Your children will work to convert all their sisters and brothers. Then soon we’re almost certain, your kids will start converting you! …The gay agenda is coming home. The gay agenda is here! But you don’t have to worry because there’s nothing wrong with standing by our side,” the choir sings.
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