The Gossip, MEN, We Are The World, and DJ Paul V were hosted by 106.7 KROQ at the Henry Fonda Theater on Monday. The concertgoers were a conglomerate of lesbians and feminists amidst alternative fans. Ticket scalpers and takers were present all over, but the main event was waiting to happen  indoors. Though the crowd was diverse, everyone was unified through meaningful music. It was real, as you could see the faces of the people light up, even if just flushed red from beer. The people mingled and got along accordingly, while some were sketchy and vivacious.

We Are They World

We Are They World performed promptly at 9pm. A la coed Blue Man Group, they wore avant-garde kimonos and masks that displayed themselves as unisexual. They throbbed and danced like Cirque du Soleil acrobats. Next up was MEN, with frontwoman JD Samson, Michael O’Neill (guitar), and Ginger Brooks Takahashi (bass). The hours wait energized the crowd even more while they were entertained by the openers, who were also big supporters of the LGBT and feminist community.

MEN

As everyone’s cell phone clocks struck 11 o’clock, the fragments of fog and light beamed on  Nathan Paine (guitarist) and Hannah Billie (drummer) playing beats to “Dimestore Diamond.” However, Beth Ditto (vocalist) was nowhere to be seen. She entered as the lights flickered to the right, amplifying the stage. She was dressed in a black and yellow mummy wrap-printed, off-shoulder dress. Her hair was on fire, and her lips pulsated with pizzazz to every note she reached. Holding the mic gave her voluminous power to belt out her pipes and to crack her jokes. The stage and crowd only reciprocated each other’s electricity throughout the night. “Pop Goes The World” came next, and it only implanted a stronger message about having a say in society. Ditto interacted with the roaring crowd like a gospel punk preacher to the soulful choir. She even apologized for not hitting the notes due to a cold. Their act lasted over an hour, but time went by and “Standing in the Way of Control” ended the night perfectly. Even when the Gossip ended, they were pushed to their limits and played three encores, including Tina Turner’s “What’s Love Got to Do With It.” Using Queen’s “We Are The Champions” as a rally for the LGBT to fight for their rights, the night could have not been a better celebration for the victorious community.

The Gossip trio, much like a tripod, is held up with much support from self-loving people. Beth is a force of nature that seldom comes and goes, but is a dominant striking power whether it be with the LGBT community, positive body image campaigners, or indie scenesters. It may be over when the fat lady sings, but when the curvy lesbian sings, it’s only the beginning of a wide awakening for self-empowerment.

—Katrina Guevara