#copyrightme

I admit that dancehalls outlet for/through sexuality should’ve been the first thing I wrote about. But this clarity came to me later, after attending the Vybz Kartel Reggae Fest concert last night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. I was very exited to attend this show because I, and so many other people have grown up and into ourselves with his music and legacy, impacting the dancehall genre as a whole. While yes, many of dancehalls songs are about heteronormative expressions of sex and gender and it could have an influence on the youths’ behavior, the music is a mode an expression for such sexuality in an otherwise prude society.

Sex is a taboo topic, it’s something seemingly restricted to adults, with Rated R content warning , but even then it also is restricted as something private or personal, with “Not Safe for Work” warnings as well. However, as human beings, sex is pervasive. We are birth onto Earth through the act of sex. We have sexual feelings and desires. Human beings are sexual beings. Yet the order of society and other modes of thinking/authority attempt to control and discipline, maybe even discourage the sexuality within us. We see this in the policing of women’s clothing, nonbinary and fluid gender expressions, derogatory connotations with ideas of a slut, hoe, whore, etc.

For me, dancehall is an outlet for me to feel sexy. It channels and releases my body’s energy. Yes the dancing is sex oriented but I’m not having sex! I’m dancing! If anything, dancehall is a safe way for youth to learn about their bodies and get in tune with their sexuality. You don’t need to have sex to enjoy dancehall.

One thing I would advocate for is different sexualities being portrayed in dancehall. The script is awfully heteronormative and homophobic.

But other than that,

spent all day learning and making beaded jewelry omggg now that I’m finished idk how to take proper photos 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫