Since their formation in 1991, Pansy Division has continually challenged assumptions about what a gay band is supposed to look, act, and sound like. The seminal queercore outfit known for their catchy punk rock songs featuring unapologetically in-your-face lyrics about gay life recently released their new album, That's So Gay, as well as the DVD Pansy Division: Life in a Gay Rock Band. Now, unsatisfied with merely assaulting your stereo and home theater, Pansy Division is taking to the Internet and rolling out a batch of webisodes entitled The "Jonah" Series.
Inspired by New Media, social networking environments, and viral video crazes like Liam Sullivan's Kelly doing "Shoes," band member Chris Freeman (acting as producer, director, and editor) teamed up with scriptwriter Don Speziale to create a series of short videos which focus on a central character who viewers could watch "grow from his ongoing life experiences." Freeman had Speziale pick four songs from That's So Gay and they found a way to connect the tracks to the character they created, Jonah, as seen in this exclusive video, "Some Of My Best Friends." Freeman says, "Each of these stories is meant to be humorous, which is a hallmark of Pansy Division, but is also meant to leave you thinking; to consider a message about doing whats right and finding yourself. I think the 'webisodes' capture the spirit of Pansy Division in a new and fresh way, showing that the band is truly relevant today and still has an important contribution to make in the music world and the gay community. Were able to cross over and appeal to people of any age or sexual orientation, without compromises or interference. But our main goal is, and always be to entertain." To see another webisode, "You'll See Them Again," click here. The two other webisodes from The "Jonah" Series will be released to different outlets in the coming months. Check out Pansy Division's website for updates and more info about the band, the new album and DVD, and Jon Ginoli's new book Deflowered: My Life In The Pansy Division. Send a letter to the editor about this article
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