Opinion: Why Beth Ditto is the new Ali?

"Gossip is a band. They stand up for what they feel and what they believe in. Recently, they welcomed Barrack Obama and his sweeping plans for US health care for all who can’t afford health insurance. They believe things may take a little while to adapt, but hope the President has the country heading in the right direction.

They welcome alternative fashions, feminism, LGBTs and a rocking punked up music scene.

They pack a powerful punch with their live shows, and front woman Beth Ditto can more than hold her own with those who dare to question what GOSSIP are all about.

Mohammad Ali took on all comers in the ring and proclaimed “I am the greatest", and “I am so pretty”. So, is Miss Ditto and Gossip emulating the former World Champion when they speak out against discrimination and the like?

And is Beth, not talking just about herself, [just like Ali did] but rather all those who are victimized when she states, “yeah I’m fat so what, that’s how I am, I’m fine with it, yeah I’m queer and that’s cool?"

They are getting a whole message across that there is a whole world out there full of different people, who are different shapes and sizes, sexualities, ethnicities, backgrounds, ages, educations. Following on with what others think of you means nothing, the only thing that matters is you are happy with yourself.

Gossip are midway through a short European tour, off the back of their first US tour for 3 years. The new album Music for Men, was well received and the bands endless raw energy shone out on stage every night, despite a virus affecting Beth for the last third of the dates, when many would have downed tools and called in sick.

If you catch the show in Manchester on 30th November, you could quite well witness a solo encore, a rendition of Queen's 'We are the Champions', its possible that Gossip are the only band who could play this song and do it justice. Beth states that the song is being ‘taken back’ to its rightful original roots and reclaimed as a big gay anthem for LGBTs the world over who still face unnecessary amounts of homophobia every day of their lives."

Gossip play Academy Manchester on Monday 30th November. The Gossip's post show party follows at THE OUTPOST, and who knows the band just might turn up! It's donations on the door and all money raised will go towards helping the Lesbian & Gay Foundation continue to challenge homophobia. The post Gossip party kicks off on Monday 30 November at THE OUTPOST (11pm - 3am), 4-6 Whitworth Street, Manchester, M1 3QW. For more info visit,click here.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH! SAY NO TO HOMOPHOBIC HATE CRIME:  If you have experienced a homophobic hate crime or want to know more about reporting one, pick up or download the The LGF's new personal safety guide for LGB&T people - "Enough is Enough! Say no to homophobic hate crime". The resource includes practical tips on personal safety, information on how you report a hate crime, and LGB&T organisations that act as third party hate crime reporting centres. To find out more, click here.