A shocking announcement has shaken the world of music and popular culture: Taylor Swift has publicly declared its opposition to the celebration of the month of Pride, arousing strong reactions from both political factions. The pop star, which has always been considered an ally of the LGBTQ+community, has radically changed her point of view, expressing strong criticisms towards what she calls the “Wake culture”.
In his message, published on his official page of Tumblr, Taylor Swift wrote words that nobody expected from an icon that has often shown his support for LGBTQ+rights. “For years I have believed that Pride was a celebration of love in all its forms. But what we see now is no longer love, it is coercion. Children are indoctrinated to choose their kind even before learning to read. Drag Queen perform in schools, and anyone who raises objections is accused of bigotry. This is not equality, it is indoctrment,” said the singer.
With these words, Swift raised a fuss. He continued to criticize Wake culture, defining it as a divisive and harmful: “The Wake culture does not unite, but divides. It does not free, but shuts up. Until we return to a movement that respects all the opinions – including those of the worried parents – I cannot, with good conscience, celebrate the month of Pride.”
This change of position is even more surprising if you consider the singer’s past. In 2019, Swift had publicly taken a position in favor of the Equality Act, and in his 2020 documentary,Miss Americana, he had celebrated inclusiveness and support for the LGBTQ+community. In addition, in 2023, he included Lavernne Cox, a famous Transgender actress, in the music video of “Karma”, once again demonstrating her commitment to the LGBTQ+cause.
The reasons behind this surprising reversal of course are subject to speculation. Some suggest that Swift’s decision may have been influenced by the controversy over LGBTQ+ policies in Nashville, where Tennessee has recently prohibited the treatment of gender affirmation for minors. Others hypothesize that the pressures by his conservative fans, while preparing for a tour in traditionally red states, may have played an important role. There are also rumors that suggest a personal evolution of Swift, who would have started studying classical philosophy and conservative thought, pushing her to embrace a more traditionalist vision.
The reaction to his message was explosive. The conservatives acclaimed Swift for daring to challenge the Wake fiction. Donald Trump Jr. tweeted: “Taylor has just launched the deadly attack against Wokeism. The left is furious!”. The Daily Wire also announced plans to include Swift in a documentary focused on Hollywood’s “silent majority”. On the other hand, the LGBTQ+ community was deeply disappointed. Glaad defined the SWIFT declaration “a shocking betrayal” by a person who had built his career on a strong commitment to the rights of minorities. Hayley Kiyoko, a lesbian singer, wrote: “I imagine that we will never see that collaboration again”.
Swift has always had a strong following between the LGBTQ+community, with 20% of its fans who identify themselves as part of it. Now, with these statements, the singer risks facing serious consequences. There is already talk of possible boycotts at his concerts, in particular during his 2025 world tour, and a potential loss of corporate sponsorships, such as his contract with Capital One, who is currently under review. These statements could also mark a turning point in his career, with a possible inclination towards a more conservative audience, at the expense of a significant slice of his historical fans.
The question that everyone is asking now is whether Taylor Swift will portray his words or if he continues on his way, accepting the consequences of his declarations. What is certain is that the “old” Taylor, the one who had always declared himself an ally of the LGBTQ+community, seems to be a distant memory now. Today, the new Taylor has decided to declare war on Wake culture, a move that could change his career and his public image forever.
