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

Mar. 15, 2025

Scissor Sisters in Cologne, Germany in June 2010.Photo:Peter Wafzig/Getty

Peter Wafzig/Getty

TheScissor Sisterswant to set the record straight on how they’ve been labeled.

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

In anew interview withNME, frontmanJason “Jake Shears” Sellardssaid, “I was looking at our straight counterparts, and, like, I had a bit of resentment that we sort of had this extra label that made it easier for some [people] to dismiss us.”

Scissor Sisters at the BRIT Awards in February 2005.Dave Hogan/Getty

Dave Hogan/Getty

The band also had an issue with the “camp” label. “I got to meet Gore Vidal right before he died – which was a very special moment for me – and I’ll never forget he turned to me said: ‘Camp is just another word for those who have no talent,'” Shears, 46, revealed, saying that being called camp “made me a little crazy.”

Scissor Sisters performing in London in July 2012.Christie Goodwin/Redferns/Getty

Christie Goodwin/Redferns/Getty

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

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

Check out the Scissor Sisters' full 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 Centre *May 20, 2025 – Cardiff, Wales - Utilita Arena Cardiff *May 21, 2025 – Manchester, England - Co-op Live *May 23, 2025 – London, England - The O2 *May 24, 2025 – Leeds, England - First Direct Arena *May 25, 2025 – Birmingham, England - Utilita Arena Birmingham *May 27, 2025 – Belfast, Northern Ireland - SSE Arena *May 28, 2025 – Dublin, Ireland - 3Arena *

• with Alison Goldfrapp

source: people.com