It’s 2022, coming up to a new year and you’d expect that everyone was able to be out and proud and everyone just accepts that. Sadly, not the case. Although we are moving in the right direction, many people within the LGBTQ+ community continue to be attacked, disowned by their own families and sometimes, even killed. The importance of allies is more crucial than ever.
It’s important for those who are not a part of the community to understand what allyship means. Being an ally is all about support, but also about keeping yourself informed on any current LGBTQ+ issues and events. Any and everyone should be an ally, whether it’s your mum, dad, grandma or your colleagues, but for people in the public eye it’s more important than ever.
Whilst some famous advocates identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves, others such as Jade Thirlwall, Lady Gaga, Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus use their platform constantly, to speak out on injustices and fight for equal rights.
Beyoncé once said, “If you’re part of a group that’s called ‘other’, a group that does not get the chance to be center stage, build your own stage, and make them see you.”
Many people in the community find comfort in celebrities who are allies, many who call them a ‘safe space.’ A song that was written with no intent to be an LGBTQ+ anthem is Secret Love Song, written by Rachel Furner and performed by Little Mix. During this song, the ultimate ally Jade Thirlwall always makes sure to give a speech dedicated to the community, offering them love and support but also thanking them for teaching the girls about true allyship. In 2019, Little Mix headlined a festival in Dubai, a country in which same sex marriage is not legal, their allyship in question due to this, however they still performed Secret Love Song, with a huge pride flag behind them. Which is exactly what allyship is about, potentially pushing boundaries but making sure those who are your fans and beyond know they are accepted and people are willing to fight for them.
An act that seems so small but I know to me, as a member of the LGBTQ+ community myself, makes me feel safe, accepted and happy is when celebrities either incorporate pride colors into outfits or hold pride flags whether it be on a red carpet or whilst being on stage. It’s become increasingly popular for those in the community to bring along pride flags and throw on stage for the artist to hold up during a song or two. A major artist who is also sure to show their support always is Harry Styles. Although Styles doesn’t identify with any sexuality, his constant public support means a lot, especially when he is able to help fans come out at his shows.
Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go, some countries still do not allow same sex marriage and even if they do, it’s not to say it’s supported. However, the more people actively support the cause, the more it’s normalized and accepted.
ROARA Magazine 