News :: GLBT
Pop aidby R.J. GrubbThursday Apr 15, 2004 Twenty-something gay men have bared the brunt of being labeled an apathetic generation by their politically engaged queer forefathers. But when President Bush proposed an amendment to the Constitution, he unwittingly awoke a new generation of activists.
While West Hollywood recently witnessed the rare sight of 400 young gay men protesting Bush’s support of the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, two Somerville-based gay men who never dabbled in politics also suddenly felt galvanized. But they’re taking their political street theater to the Cambridge rock club, T.T. the Bear’s Place.
"Back in November when we found out about the ruling of the Supreme Judicial Court, we said, we have to fight for it now if we really want it," said Matthew Petrelis.
The idea to organize a local rock benefit hit Petrelis, who is 24 and works as a preschool teacher, when he was hanging out with his boyfriend, Joe Chartier who is also 24, at T.T.’s. With his boyfriend’s help, Petrelis founded a new organization called Legal Love. The concept is simple: Tap friends and local musicians to play a benefit show for MassEquality, a coalition of local and national groups working to uphold the state’s landmark Supreme Judicial Court decision and defeat any anti-gay amendment or legislation.
"We wanted to get a bunch of musicians together and have them play for the cause of equal marriage rights," said Petrelis. "The main idea was to get musicians involved because there was that whole other venue of benefit concerts that no one was tapping."
Legal Love will hold its first benefit on Sunday, April 18 at T.T. the Bear’s. The lineup includes infamous local busker Mary Lou Lord, the incredibly versatile and Boston Music Award nominee Paula Kelly, and the hilarious talents of Ad Frank. Also performing are musicians Annie Clark, Britta Wolfrum, and Liz Stahler. As for political muscle, state Sen. Jarrett Barrios and Rep. Michael Festa will deliver short addresses.
Now it’s not every day that a gay senator takes the stage at T.T.’s. But Petrelis says it was easy to convince Barrios.
"When we decided we should have guest speakers too, I e-mailed Barrios and he e-mailed me back the next day," said Petrelis. "He said he was good to go, which was very exciting." Legal Love grabbed Festa with the help of Ad Frank, who is a friend of the Melrose representative.
Legal Love’s long range plans are to hold monthly benefits with an alternating roster of local musicians. Already, Petrelis and Chartier are working on a Legal Love acoustic night at T.T.’s in June. Petrelis also hopes to connect with touring bands and book benefit shows across the country.
Though a recent political agitator, Petrelis says he digs his new role.
"I really haven’t been that much of an activist in the past," he said. "But this really stirred my energy and I think it’s touching many other people too."
To find out more information about Legal Love, visit www.legallove.org.
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