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HOMOCORE

Excerpt from the book, "Homocore: The Loud and Raucous Rise of Queer Rock"
Written by David Ciminelli and Ken Knox

CHAPTER 18
KARMA CHAMELEON

Kelly doesn't necessarily need to write about politics in his songs to convey that he's an activist," says out singer-songwriter Micah Barnes. "He doesn't necessarily need to picket at rallies to portray his activism. His very being embraces an obvious and outward statement on gender revolution. That is her political statement."

Mantle stands on the stage with guitar strapped around his sinewy torso, his silken voice haunting in its simplicity yet mystifying in its range. One moment his vocals are deeply masculine, a rich tenor of unwavering beauty; the next, his voice hits a high note that sends chills through the spines of the audience members. As he sings the lyrics to "Satellite Baby," calling for the acceptance and understanding of androgyny and gender individuality, he draws the audience onto the stage with him--not physically, but certainly in spirit. Looking around, you can see the moment it happens--a collective submission to the power of such an extraordinary performer whose sincerity and unmistakable telent defy definitions of gender and sexuality.