Thematically, Electra’s debut album is a ruthless deconstruction of modern masculinity, exploring everything from the homoeroticism of fighting in ‘Man to Man’ to sugar daddies in ‘Daddy Like’. Their production is perhaps reflective of Electra’s own gender identity: their vocal manipulation which changes the gender presentation of their voice reflects the fluidity of their own gender, as explored by Max Schaffer in depth here. It is therefore safe to say that Electra holds a special place in my heart, and their 2019 album Flamboyant was hugely important to me. This was a time when I was coming to terms with my own sexuality, and seeing Electra dressed up in various ‘flamboyant’ and gender-crushing outfits whilst proudly declaring “I’m flamboyant/I go all the way” played a not-insignificant part in cementing my own queer identity.
Drawn in by the thumbnail, I proceeded to watch the video, and I remember crying about halfway through. Late on a spring night, I was on a usual early-hours YouTube perusing session when the music video for ‘Flamboyant’ by Dorian Electra appeared in my recommended feed. CW: explicit discussion of sex and sexual themes, homophobia
