Wes Smoot 10/15/21 Wes Smoot 10/15/21

ACL FEST 2021- BEING HEARD AT MUSIC FESTIVALS

By Wesley Smoot

When you think of music festivals, you might think: headliners, huge crowds, fun costumes, overpriced drinks, perhaps creating unforgettable memories with your closest friends… This is often the case for most of us. So, while organizers work tirelessly to make their events stand out, what else could be missing?

HBO Max’s 2021 documentary showed us the tragic events of Woodstock ‘99 in a chilling story (Woodstock 1999: Peace, Love, & Rage) that ended in arrests, bloodshed, and eventually a bunch of angry white men setting the whole damn thing on fire. With multiple cases of sexual assault and even preventable deaths, this was the perfect example of toxic masculinity at its finest.

Was it the perfect recipe for the events that took place? Could it have been avoided? Again, what was missing?

An obvious solution, Diversity.

Music festivals, including ACL have been booking talent with large LGBTQ fanbases for some time. In previous years, ACL has brought us LGBTQ icons like Robyn, Lizzo, Megan Thee Stallion, The Cure, and more. While I personally love these performers, I’m eager to see more talent that actually identifies as LGBTQ.

Could ACL do a better job of booking more diverse, or specifically more queer artists to their line-up? I’m happy to say, they have and they did… an absolutely, fabulous job!

Austin City Limits 2021 was a milestone of inclusivity, From having their first ever drag performer, Trixie Mattel on the Tito’s Vodka Stage, to hosting Spanish speaking acts like Gina Chavez and Karol G. Representation seemed an obvious goal for this year’s organizers.. and bravo to you! Please don’t think this goes unnoticed.

Trixxie Mattel ACL Fest 2021 Weeked 2- Photo Credit: Alison Narro

Norway native, singer/songwriter, and proud lesbian, Girl in Red brought a considerable audience to her stage. (Look her up!) As a fan, I was a pleasantly surprised to see the crowd her performance attracted. Lead singer, Marie Ulven Ringheim told audience how she almost cancelled her ACL performance due to Texas’ Governor Greg Abbott’s horrific abortion law that passed earlier this year. She stated, “It wouldn’t be fair to skip this opportunity, I know many of you don’t agree with what’s happening… by performing here, I want to show support to those who don’t follow the Governor’s outdated views on something that most of the civilized world has moved past.”

Girl in Red ACL Fest 2021 Weeked 2- Photo Credit: Alison Narro

It’s worth mentioning country music star, LeAnn Rimes opened her song, Love is Love is Love by talking about her early, personal experience with LGBTQ acceptance. Non-binary, North Carolina based, Future Islands gave an unforgettable performance that will leave me a diehard fan. Erika Badu… well, she’s Erika Badu. Who always delivers gold. But what about the attendees?

A considerable number of rainbow flags and queer statements proudly worn by LGBTQ attendees, including myself and our very sexy group, was peppered throughout the vast audience. We experienced moments where straight-allies asked for photos with us and our rainbow flag. This meant a lot, or least to me. Hearing words of love and encouragement never goes unappreciated. We see you allies!

Future Islands ACL 2021 Weekend 2- Photo Credit: Charles Reagan

To wrap it up in a real cute bow… I can honestly say, what I witnessed is real progression. While I’d love to see acts like Toddrick Hall, Kameron Ross, and even Ricky Martin take stage, I can’t help but wonder what’s in store for next year and if other music festivals will follow suit.

I say, keep marketing to us, with us. Keep it diverse & inclusive and we’ll keep coming back. As someone who lived in Austin, Keep Austin Weird is something the LGBTQ community has always contributed to. Thank you for seeing us, and you can count on seeing me next year.

-Wesley Smoot

Unleashed LGBTQ

Wes Smoot 5/6/20 Wes Smoot 5/6/20

Product Review - TOM OF FINLAND ORGANIC VODKA

May 7, 2020

Dallas, TX

Most of us are familiar with Tom of Finland, (Touko Laaksonsen) the Finnish artist and gay icon known for his homoerotic artwork. He created images of hyper-masculine bikers, sailors, and cowboys that are just as relevant today as ever. Want proof? Just stop by The Eagle on leather night and take a peek. Hell, you might even be one of them (DM me pics if so).

Tom of Finland’s name has been used to sell not only his artwork but everything from apparel to sex toys. It has been the inspiration for a feature biographical film (Tom of Finland) as well as the inspiration for many gay porn films. There is even a Tom of Finland Foundation in Los Angeles, created to preserve erotic art and advocate tolerance towards sexuality.

While shopping at my local liquor store in the gayborhood (Cedar Springs in Dallas, TX), I spot something with a very familiar name. Was it Tom of Finland? Yes! Was it a sex toy? No! It was Tom of Finland Organic Vodka. I was immediately intrigued. The bottle was equipped with the iconic artwork you would expect from the Tom of Finland brand. It included a masculine male profile rocking a leather hat, leather jacket, and a thick mustache. The bottle read: Distilled from Organic Grain (Rye and wheat to be exact). I took out my phone and with a quick google search I found this vodka is distilled using pure arctic water and made with no sugar. Sounds impressive, I thought. I went in deeper.

Tom of Finland Organic Vodka is the brainchild of One Eyed Spirits, a progressive Finnish company made up of ex ad creatives who aim to nurture brand ideas and find ways to bring them to life. Not a bad mission statement. After all, these are the same guys who brought us Ron de Jeremy Rum (yes, pornstar Ron Jeremy has his own rum).

I proceeded to check out and even with paying considerably more than I normally do for my Tito’s Handmade Vodka, I was excited to get home and give it a try. I typically put a half ounce in a shot glass for a quick taste if I’m trying a new spirit. I do this to appreciate the quality (or lack there of) even though I plan on mixing it later with Topo Chico or club soda later. What did I learn?

I can honestly say this is one of the best vodkas I’ve ever tried. I am not much of a martini drinker but after that sample the martini glasses came out. I put two ounces of Tom of Finland Organic Vodka, a bit of dry vermouth, and some ice in a shaker. I did a cute dance (seriously adorable) and poured what is now one of my favorite drinks in my fanciest martini glass.

Vodka and martini drinkers, I highly encourage you to give this one a try. While it’s not the most available product yet, you can request your local liquor store to order it from their distributor. You can also take it upon yourself to do a little cruising. I promise you this, he’s worth finding.

Wesley Smoot