Topp Twins: Amusing Activist Allies

Ruth/Rachel this is SIFF blog 2 of 2 for regular grading

Last night I went to the SIFF opening screening of "The Topp Twins: Untouchable Girls". This film showed how two down-to-earth Kiwi sisters communicated with their music & humor and used it to educate and motivate on issues which they were oppressed and those which they were allies for.

In the late 1970s the Topps' music was a part of the Women's movement and then in the early 80s they were on the forefront of marches and protests for several other issues. They addressed issues from Maori land rights and anti-apartheid to homosexual rights and a nuclear-free New Zealand. They were out lesbians on the forefront of a broad collection of movements and helped create role models for activists and LGBTQ people.

Before the screening, the Topp's came onto the stage and preformed an opening song in Maori as a tribute to their country. As well, the film showed them fighting for the land rights of indigenous peoples. The Topp's told the story of how at the last minute they had to dodge being arrested for the cause as they planned when they were summoned to perform the next day as a fundraiser for those who were being arrested. The Topps were also shown performing a song with one of the close friends they had made in this fight. Their rendition of "Nga Iwi E", a Maori song, showed their ability to create a rallying cry for people through music. With their performance before the film and their activism with in it voicing the rights and respect to indigenous peoples it makes me wonder what it would look like if non-indigenous Americans honored the tribes whose lands they occupy.

The Topps also showed themselves to be great models for LGBTQ people. Lynda and Jools Topp came from a farming country background and still carry on that as a big piece of their identity. These are 'good old country western gals' and they are also lesbian. They affirmed that being gay is about who you love, not liking certain kinds of music or being from an urban or rural background. Country musicians don't have to be straight and gay people don't have to be urban. They can also be funny. The Topps have created several campy characters that are both humorous and contain some social commentary. They reached many rural audiences and helped to normalize lesbian performers. Just as the Topps had been allies and activists for many causes they also appealed to a wide audience from rural people and steel mill workers to members of the gay community and women's movement.

Overall I feel that this film displays the work of two strong women who are allies and activists as well as entertainers. I think that the Topp Twins can be good role models for all people as to what it means to be an ally and an activist and how we can all use our talents to communicate a greater message of unity.

All Images From:

The Topp Twins Website

Trailer Courtesy:

Youtube