Kunle Adeleye
Taylor Swift, a Grammy Award winner, kicked off Pride Month with a message of solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community, pointing out policies she believes are anti-LGBTQ+.
Throughout June, members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies celebrate their identities, successes, and the struggle for equality as part of Pride Month in the United States and some European nations.
Swift, 33, was addressing on Friday night, June 2 during the Chicago, Illinois stop of her Eras Tour when she reminded her fans that her concerts are a’safe zone’ for everyone.
Before she began performing, the Grammy winner received thunderous yells from the thousands-strong audience as she remarked, ‘First things first, happy Pride Month, everyone!’
‘I’m looking out tonight, and I’m seeing so many wonderful individuals who are living genuinely and gloriously, and this is a safe space,’ Taylor continued.
‘This is a happy place for you. One of the things that makes me so proud is being with you and seeing how you connect with each other, being so loving, thoughtful, and caring.’
‘Being with you during Pride Month, getting to sing the lyrics to You Need To Calm Down where there are songs like, “Can you just not step on his gown?” or, “Shade never made anybody less gay,” and you guys are screaming those lyrics,’ she said.
‘What a show of unity. Such mutual support and encouraging, wonderful acceptance, peace, and safety. And I wish that every place was safe and beautiful for LGBTQ+ individuals.’
She advised her supporters to vote carefully in the midterm elections in the United States.
‘We can’t talk about Pride without discussing grief.
‘Right now and recently, there have been a slew of terrible pieces of legislation that have put people in the LGBTQ+ and queer communities in jeopardy.
‘It’s excruciating for everyone. Each and every ally. Everyone you care about. Everyone in these neighbourhoods.’
‘That’s why I’m constantly posting, “This is when the midterms are.” This is when the essential vital primaries take place.”‘
‘Are they genuinely advocates?’ she asked her audience, encouraging them to question the objectives of certain politicians. Are they friends? Are they defenders of equality? ‘Should I vote for them?’
