SubRosa released a music video this past week for their song “Troubled Cells”. The song was written in response to a change in the Mormon Church’s handbook which punishes LGBTQ members that choose to marry and the children they might have. The band comments:
“The SubRosa song ‘Troubled Cells’ was written for all LGBTQ individuals around the world who face oppression and exclusion from religious communities.
It was inspired by a new policy affecting LGBTQ members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), released Nov. 5, 2015, declaring that gay members of the church who marry will face excommunication. The policy also forbids children of gay parents to be baptized until they turn 18 and then, only if they formally disavow their parents’ lifestyle. This came on the heels of escalating rhetoric against same-sex marriage and relationships from the church for many years.
Since the passing of this policy, multiple suicides among Mormon LGBTQ have occurred. Youth are particularly vulnerable to negative messages from church culture. Many of those who have taken their own lives since last Nov. 5 were under the age of 20.
SubRosa has friends and family within and without the church deeply affected by this policy change. Many individuals—both straight and gay—are in turmoil, both those who have left the church in protest, and those who stay in the church, dedicated to incite change from within.
In SubRosa, we believe that art can help change the world. Therefore, we feel compelled to speak out about what is happening, and to reach out to those most affected—LGBTQ youth. This desire compelled us to write ‘Troubled Cells’ and partner with filmmakers whose ambition matched our own to create the song’s accompanying video.
The ‘Troubled Cells’ song and video is a reminder that if we feel we have the luxury to avoid examining our deepest prejudices, we do so at our own peril and the peril of our children.”
This video was shot in the forests and deserts of California by a hand-picked crew of film industry professionals from all over the country, all of whom donated 100% of their time, skills, and resources to make this project possible. The film was co-directed by Danica Vallone and Thomas Dekker. The song is taken from the group’s new record For This We Fought The Battle Of Ages, which is out now on Profound Lore.
For more information, please visit TroubledCells.com
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the Trevor Lifeline now at 1-866-488-7386. Their trained counselors are here to support you 24/7.
[via NPR]