Morning Benders Change Name from Unintentional Gay Slur

Christopher Chu performs at Coachella.

When the Bay Area band the Morning Benders formed in 2005, they had no idea about the British meaning of their name. While on tour in the U.K. and Europe, fans approached band members to ask about the meaning of the name. In England, the term "bender" is slang for "homosexual."

"We were told our band name was the equivalent of 'the Morning Fags' in America," lead singer Christopher Chu said in a statement on the band's website. "We simply cannot go on using a name that is demeaning to the gay community. The reason we are making music is to reach and unite as many different kinds of people as possible, and the idea that our name may be hateful towards anyone makes us sick."

The trio announced its third album will be released under the name POP ETC. "We still like to think of this as merely a further embodiment of our commitment to change," said Chu. "We believe that it will only lead to new growth and excitement."

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