Erik Blood’s video flashes back to gay conversion camps in the 50s

Seattle-based musician Erik Blood’s video for the lead single, Chase the Clouds, from his upcoming album Lost in Slow Motion, which comes out later this month, dives deep into some queer history as it travels back to a gay conversion camp in the 1950s.

The beautifully shot video directed by Peter Edlund follows a young man who is sent to a conversion therapy camp where they subject him to rubber band snaps on the wrist, mock dating scenarios, and even a baptism. But, to no surprise, it’s not really working as the young man sparks a small romance with another unfortunate boy who was sent to the camp.

The video is beautiful, and puts us in the mindset of a summer romance story, but with a terrifying undertone. Yes, terrifying. Why? These places still exist, and continue to subject young queers to physical and emotional abuse.

Just days ago, Colorado republicans shot down a bill that would outlaw these types of camps, allowing them to stay open.

Check out the video, and get off your ass and let our Senate know that their decision will not stand.

Erik Blood – Chase the Clouds from Visual Pollution on Vimeo.