Proudly gay and militantly so, Gay Guerrilla is a sibling work to Evil N— in both commentary and compositional process. As he glorified the N-word and its “Evil” qualification in the latter, he says of the former, “in the case of ‘guerrilla,’ that glorifies ‘gay.’” Both works orient themselves around a minor key, while Gay Guerrilla begins with a comparatively more gentle pulsation. But in like manner this pulse develops according to Eastman’s “organic” process, as harmonies arise and dissolve into serene mosaics and volatile abstractions.  

Having referenced Islam in regard to Evil N—, Eastman incorporates a Christian perspective into Gay Guerrilla. The slow, somber pulsing in this work is akin to the tolling of cathedral bells. Eastman directly incorporates “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God,” a hymn composed by Martin Luther in 1527. It appears in canon form toward the end of the work, where it invokes the deity as a shield and protector. Referring us back to the composer’s spoken commentary, the lyrics of this hymn touch on Eastman’s emphasis on principled conviction and self-sacrifice in the name of truth and freedom. Or, as Luther penned: “The body they may kill/God’s truth abideth still.” —Matt Marble