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Stephen Ceplenski

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Power to the People

…of the people, by the people, for the people.

How often we forget the power of this simple phrase from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. A concept that once sparked a revolution is now often taken for granted. MTV started “Rock the Vote” nearly 20 years ago. This campaign was designed to harness the power of young voters who could dramatically influence the results of any election. By tapping into the unifying properties of music – a common love of music videos, singers, musical groups, and concerts – MTV was able to capture the imagination of an entire generation and urge them to vote. This year they have registered over 1.6 million new voters for the upcoming election.

Other, similar campaigns seeking to explore the demographic strength of young people followed. “My First Vote” (myfirstvote.pnn.com) is aimed at those just turning 18 and voting for the first time. Churches, synagogues, and mosques preach community politics from the pulpit every weekend, mobilizing parishioners to vote according to their beliefs. All across the country various groups are trying to motivate their members to register, vote, and recognize that every vote counts – especially in a country where almost 60% of the citizens choose not to vote.

What is our role in the electoral process as a gay Circuit and dance community, focused in part on raising money to fight AIDS and fund other worthy causes? Unfortunately, many signs point to the grim reality that we’re not mobilized on that front yet. But there is no reason we can’t get there. This issue of noiZe directly precedes the 2008 presidential election. Every “Circuiteer,” dancer, lover of music, noiZe reader, DJ, disco ball worshipper, and promoter has the power to affect the vote this November. We believe in the power of music and dance. There’s no reason we shouldn’t focus that passion on voting and on getting everyone around us to vote. We could have an impact as big as that of the many other voting campaigns out there today. We only get a chance to make a decision this big about our country every four years; we should take advantage of the opportunity.

But it doesn’t end with the presidential election. What about the RAVE Act? For the past five years this offensive legislative farce has directly affected the dance community not only at predominantly straight rave events, but also at completely legal gatherings of dancers at Circuit and festival events across the country. What have you done recently to help preserve your right to dance safely, enjoy live DJ music, and gain knowledge and information on harm reduction? DJs and promoters can help make us aware of the federal/local laws affecting events, venues, and dance culture by publicizing them on their CDs/MP3s, as well as at the events themselves. But it is up to us in the dance community to mobilize each other to help keep dance parties and festivals alive. Ever wonder why most of the largest, best-produced events are outside of the USA? Less government intervention, more lenient local laws, cooperative citizens, less insurance, fewer legal hurdles to face. These are all accomplished by people exercising their power to vote and preserve their freedoms.

So what can you do specifically? Easy. First, vote. Second, get everyone around you to vote. At work. At home. At the lounge where you hang out at to have a few drinks on a Friday (or Tuesday) after work. At the next major dance event (Halloween’s upon us) as you chat and flirt on the dance floor. On Election Day. “Did you vote?” “Why not? “I’ll drive you!” “Don’t be apathetic.” “Yes, it does matter.” “Make it matter.”

How about at White Party in Miami? How can you make it easier for Care Resource and the White Party to continue hosting their event year after year? It isn’t always about money. An hour of service a week or a well-written letter to the Miami Visitors Bureau might make all the difference. Don’t forget that it was people just like us who formed these events originally to help those in need. Engage those around you in civic-minded conversation. We can’t ask DJs to announce the next set of important initiatives in the middle of a party (much like they actually do at church), but promoters can use the power of the community they help form to get the word out on initiatives and laws that need to be challenged or changed. Don’t wait for someone else to do it, do it yourself. Ask a promoter, set up a table, start an online group.

It’s all about using the power we have as a focused, concentrated, and highly motivated group of dance and music enthusiasts to create real change. Given the massive size of the Pride, festival, Circuit and dance communities in this country, there are potentially millions of us that can make a difference. And when we decide to make a statement, it’s always loud and proud.

In this issue…

City Spotlight: Boston is full of history, cool clubs and hot college boys, and home to America’s first bad boys’ costume tea party. Once you get past some of the stiff collars, this historical New England hub is a great place to play.
PROMOTER SPOTLIGHT: Chris Harris has renewed New England nightlife. If you go out to any big clubs in Boston or you’re a regular at the major Circuit events in the U.S. or Canada, chances are you’ve been to one of Chris Harris’ events. We’re excited to feature him in this issue.

DOUBLE DJ SPOTLIGHTS - JOE GAUTHREAUX & MICKY FRIEDMANN: Rising Circuit star Joe Gauthreaux is having a stellar year, and it ain’t over yet. Joe’s a travelin’ man, not only professionally, but in his personal life as well. The New Orleans native, who left the Big Easy five years ago for the Big Apple, has relocated to the Big Orange. Micky Friedmann also gets around. The Israeli native lives in Berlin, but having played all the biggest clubs and parties in Europe, he’s now setting his sights on America.

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