T-Swift Can’t Calm Down
Taylor Swift is out to end LGBTQ hate
In her newest single and the accompanying music video, Taylor Swift is a loud and proud LGBTQ ally.
“You Need To Calm Down,” Swift’s second single released prior to her upcoming album Lover, scolds the bigots and haters online and beyond. The fun, danceable pop tune’s first verse generally chastises haters and their senseless criticisms. But the second goes a little deeper, especially calling out homophobic and transphobic people.
In the song’s lyric video, Swift shouts out the prominent pro-LGBTQ organization GLAAD, which has been said to have led to an influx of donations to the alliance in the days since its release.
The official music video, released Monday morning, is a sparkly and over-the-top three minutes of dancing, cake fights and more. It features a number of notable celebrities who are openly LGBTQ, such as Ellen DeGeneres, Laverne Cox and the five guys of Queer Eye.
But Swift isn’t just talking the talk –– she’s walking the walk, too. The final screen of the “You Need To Calm Down” music video calls for viewers to sign her petition for Senate support of the Equality Act. The piece of legislation would prohibit employers and others from discriminating against LGBTQ-indentifying people.
Lover is due out August 23 everywhere and looks to be a divestment from the dark and edgy Taylor we see during her reputation era. But Swift’s new music is a different kind of edgy –– it’s bold because of its radical message of love and acceptance, both of others and ones self. Swift will continue to show how artistically versatile she can be, always keep us on our toes.
