Scissor Sisters Reflect on Being Called a ‘Gay Band’: 'It Was Rooted in Homophobia'

The Scissor Sisters want to set the record straight about how they’ve been labeled.

Although the band was founded in New York City’s gay nightlife scene and their name is derived from a lesbian sex act, Scissor Sisters—consisting of three gay members—felt limited by being called a “gay band” in the early 2000s.

In a new interview with NMEfrontman Jason “Jake Shears” Sellards said, “I was looking at our straight counterparts and, like, I was a little resentful that we had that extra label that made it easier for some [people] to fire us.”

Backing vocalist Scott “Babydaddy” Hoffman agreed, saying, “We used to say, ‘What’s a gay band? Is it the Village People?’ Because that’s not us.” He also acknowledged that the phrase is “a lot less loaded now,” admitting, “I don’t really know what he was supposed to say, other than we were open about who we were, and there were some themes [in our music] those were definitely queer themes.”

Scissor Sisters at the BRIT Awards in February 2005.

Dave Hogan/Getty

‘Dance’ with the Scissor Sisters

“I don’t think it was meant as a compliment,” guitarist Del Marquis added. “At the time I think it was rooted in homophobia. We’d get a lot of ‘camper than tent row’ [comments].”

The band also had issues with the “camp” label. “I met Gore Vidal just before he died – which was a very special moment for me – and I’ll never forget him turning to me and saying, ‘Camp is just another word for those who don’t have talent,'” Shears, 46, revealed is, saying that being called a camp “made me a little crazy.”

Scissor Sisters singer Jake Shears is considering surrogacy babies

Scissor Sisters perform in London in July 2012.

Christie Goodwin/Redferns/Getty

Elsewhere in the interview, the Scissor Sisters also talked about how their fans have reacted to their reunion.

“Since we announced the reunion, people have been telling us they’re too young to see us [first time around]but not too young not to be influenced by us and an unintended message in the [debut] album,” said Marquis, 47. “Sometimes that’s the most impactful thing: when you’re so young and you don’t have anyone standing up for you, but you can see a glimmer of another life or another world in the bands and in the music. And if we occupy that space for some people, we have done our job.”

The band reunited just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their 2004 self-titled debut. From now on, Scissor Sisters will only perform in the UK in 2025. Original member Ana Matronic will not be joining the band for the reunion due to commitments with a new podcast, Good time.

Check out the full Scissor Sisters tour dates below.

May 16, 2025 – Nottingham, England – Motorpoint Arena Nottingham * May 17, 2025 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro * May 19, 2025 – Bournemouth, England – Bournemouth International Center * May 20, 2025 – Cardiff, Wales – Utilita Arena Cardiff *21. May 2025 – Manchester, England – Co-op Live *23. May 2025 – London, England – The O2 *24. May 2025 – Leeds, England – First Direct Arena *25. May 2025 – Birmingham, England – Utilita Arena Birmingham *27. May 2025 – Belfast, Northern Ireland – SSE Arena *28. May 2025 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena *

* with Alison Goldfrapp

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education