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'All The Things She Said': queer anthem or problematic queerbait?

'All The Things She Said': queer anthem or problematic queerbait?

It's Been a Minute vor 3 Jahren

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18:43

In September 2002, the Russian pop duo t.A.T.u. released their
smash single "All The Things She Said." The song is a grungy
euro-dance track, and the video features the lead singers Lena
Katina and Julia Volkova dressed in schoolgirl uniforms and making
out in the rain. The video was banned from UK television for being
"not really suitable for children."

That did not stop the song from becoming a global sensation. It
topped the charts in 13 countries, and in the United States the duo
would perform the song over and over on live television. During
performances, they made a point to do as they did in their video
and make out.

But here's the thing: neither Katina or Volkova identified as
lesbians or queer at the time.

From Harry Styles to Katy Perry, debates over queerbaiting have
raged online, and t.A.T.u.'s "All The Things She Said" fits
squarely in that lineage. But despite roleplaying as lesbians for
their own success, is there something redeemable in how they
represented lesbianism at a time when no one else would put two
women kissing on camera? And how should we look at this song
today?

It's Been A Minute senior producer Barton Girdwood talked this out
with Girls Can Kiss Now author, Jill Gutowitz.

You can email us at IBAM@npr.org.

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