Aired Apr 25, 2024

Music As A Force For Healing

For many, music has the power to heal and to help them through the good and bad times. With her status as a country music queen being reaffirmed on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter, including her cover of “Jolene,” it’s only natural that the PFLAG National team takes some time to talk about Dolly Parton, and her music’s impact on the LGBTQ+ community.

Join us on Thursday, April 25 at 4:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM PT for our monthly episode of Something to Talk About Live! where we will discuss “How Dolly Parton’s Jolene Helped Me Through Queer Heartbreak,” by David Opie which appeared in Paste Magazine. We are excited to welcome members of the PFLAG National staff to join this month’s discussion!

Article: How Dolly Parton’s Jolene Helped Me Through Queer Heartbreak

Source: Paste Magazine

Author:  David Opie

Questions for Discussion:

1. Have you ever consumed a piece of media or art that has moved you in a way you wouldn’t have expected? What was it and how did it affect you?
2. The author of this article discusses a Dolly Parton album from the early 1970s alongside more modern releases from artists like Shakira and Lana Del Rey. What makes pieces of music stand the test of time? How can our experience of art and media inform our understanding of our own history? LGBTQ+ history? American history?
3. How can art and music inform our self-identity and understanding of ourselves? Has there been any project that led you to better comprehend yourself and your identities?

Bonus Resources: Check out “Music Makes the Bi People Come Together” from The Advocate by PFLAG National’s very own Mackenzie Harte and “How the LGBTQ+ Community’s Influence Shaped Music History and Culture” from the SAE Institute on their website.