J-Setting is a form of dancing has been a part of black gay culture for at least a decade, and was inspired by the famed Jackson State University band’s dance line, which is known as the Prancing J-Settes. The lead-and-mimic style of dancing—actually an interpretation of Bob Fosse's style in All That Jazz and Chicago— has been re-appropriated by black gay youth across the country, but is particularly popular in the South.
J-setting is a fixture in black gay clubs across Atlanta and other parts of the country—especially in Atlanta clubs such as Traxx and Chicago clubs like the Prop House—, with teams of dancers engaging in fierce battles against one another on the dance floor.
Jaquel Knight, a 19 year old choreographer from Atlanta choreographed Beyonce's video "Single Ladies". Jaquel was chosen by longtime Destiny's Child and Beyonce choreographer Frank Gatson.
“[Being a gay icon is] definitely my goal, and my dream,“ Knowles revealed during a 2006 interview with Here! TV. “That’s the ultimate thing I could be. That’s the ultimate compliment for me.”
Tracy Garraud of Vibe Magazine asks: Beyoncé: The New Queen of Queer?., and says: How Beyoncé became the gay man's best friend, and why it's important.
This queer did not elect Beyonce queen. She is not my best friend.
Friendship is a term used to denote co-operative and supportive behavior between two or more people. In this sense, the term connotes a relationship which involves mutual knowledge, esteem, and affection and respect along with a degree of rendering service to friends in times of need or crisis. Friends will welcome each other's company and exhibit loyalty towards each other, often to the point of altruism. Their tastes will usually be similar and may converge, and they will share enjoyable activities. They will also engage in mutually helping behavior, such as exchange of advice and the sharing of hardship. A friend is someone who may often demonstrate reciprocating and reflective behaviors. Yet for many, friendship is nothing more than the trust that someone or something will not harm them.
My friends stick by me, support me, and love me. They don't use me when its convenient and then deny me to my face.
It is all very grand of Beyonce to utlize the talents of gay choreographers, fashion designers, makeup artists, and hair stylists. Without the gays she would be wearing her mothers tacky clothes, dancing the running man, and washing and setting her own wig.
And really, what has Beyonce ever done for the gays?
Where was Beyonce when Propositon 8 was put on the ballot in California? Why hasn't she spoken out against this bigotry and hatred?
Christina Aguilera, a true friend of the gays, spoke out against Proposition 8.
"Last night, there was a whole rally that I saw for Prop. 8," she told MTV News. "A lot of people came out with their signs, and I think [Prop. 8] is discrimination and I don't understand how people can be so closed-minded and so judgmental. We chose an African-American president, and it means so much ... [it's] a time in history of great change and open-mindedness. Why is this any different? It just doesn't make sense to me. Why you would put so much money behind something [aimed at] stopping from people loving each other and bonding together? I just don't understand it. It's hard for me to grasp. But I would've been out there with my rally sign as well."
George Clooney, a different kind of gay icon, told E!'s Ted Casablanca, "At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won't be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black."
Beyonce's silence on Proposition 8 is deafening. Jaquel Knight and Jonte are the real deal. Beyonce is the new Pat Boone: taking the fierceness of gay culture and watering it down for the masses.
J Setting:
Beyonce J Setting:
Beyonce dancing with Jonte:
Jaquel Knight's Choreography Reel:
Jaquel's Ladies night:
Bob Fosse's Sweet Charity:
Bob Fosse's All That Jazz:
Bob Fosse's Chicago:
Christina Aguilera speaks out against Proposition 8:
Proposition 8 The Musical:
