The Irrepressibles, What I Am! Queer | Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈

In the 66th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2025), we highlight “What I Am! Queer” performed by The Irrepressibles. 

Prepare to beam with P-R-I-D-E 🏳️‍🌈! Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 celebrates, embraces, and spotlights songs by LGBTQ musicians or allies.  Here, we provide background and insight into musicians, analyze, plus go gaga over the decadent bops served up.  When songs dictate deeper and more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is fully articulated.  All styles of music are welcome, whether the songs are classics or brand-new. So, without further ado, in the 66^th edition of Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 (2025), we highlight “What I Am! Queer” performed by The Irrepressibles.

“We stand with all the men who can’t express their love.” Amen! “All of the women fighting against the oppression from men.” Amen! “All of the queers who can’t express their truth.” Amen! And everyone who’s afraid of rejection for being themselves.” And again, I say, amen! There are far too many conservatives, homophobes, and myopic folks who cry foul when it comes to being queer.  It is incredibly disheartening and frustrating. But, we who identify as queer want to live our lives freely, without being accosted, bullied, disrespected, or repressed. The Irrepressibles released a moving anthem, “What I Am! Queer”, that celebrates queerness and looks forward to a better, more promising tomorrow. Jamie McDermott says it best himself: “Freedom is for everyone!”

The Irrepressibles released “What I Am! Queer” as an EP. There are four versions of the song, all of which showcase its meaningfulness and magic.  The main attraction is the second track, the full-length version of the song in all its grandiosity. “Queer” begins minimally, with McDermott singing authentically, beautifully, and honestly. Supported by bass and finger snaps, Jamie hauntingly recollects a rough and tumble past: “As a teen, I felt alone, no one to understand aloneness that I felt /… We were led to fear all the color in the night!”  Soon enough, he puts that ugly, repressed past behind him, accompanied by a grander soundscape, including chilling background vocals. Embracing his queerness, he sings out and proudly:

“Don’t expect me to apologize!

Who I am is painted in the skies

You think I’m wrong? I know I’m right

But through love, we’ll all make it.”

Jamie and the Irrepressibles are 1000% correct! They tell the truth as they preach about that “life and it’s waiting for you,” and “a time where you won’t feel shame.” Sadly, many don’t see the pain inflicted upon queer individuals. They are stuck in holier-than-thou, narrow-minded ways. But, this song is not about wallowing in pain or sorrow – it’s about living life proudly! Beyond its marvelous vocals and pitch-perfect songwriting, the musical arrangement is EPIC. There are layers of striking rhythmic strings and choral vocals that elevate the musicianship to a whole other level. Tracks three and four of the EP show the intricacy of the string and choral arrangement.  When all the parts are put together, “What I Am! Queer” is breathtaking. This is an anthem that everybody needs to hear!