This scene is essentially the core of the movie. I think it perfectly depicts the excitement as a teen of beginning to understand who you are, seeing the part of you that always made you feel different being celebrated by a rockstar on tv (especially since in the uk homosexuality was decriminalised in 1967, so probably sometime during Arthur's early teens) is something very important.
This interview confirms that the scene is in fact imagined by Arthur, and also adds the other important part of this scene, yes there is the excitement of finding representation but also the shame that comes with being yourself when you're different. Arthur's parents are not amused by Brian's boldness, of course Arthur wishes to be open with them, share the joy of being himself, but he knows he can't.
One of the first things you learn when you're different is to hide, it's a survival strategy sure, but one with a great cost, hiding yourself requires energy, lying, and makes you lonely, you can't let others know the real you because of shame and the fear of the consequences, you have to be a stranger to your own family and yourself, which is why there is no greater joy as a lonely teen than being able to find people you can freely be yourself around.
We see this with Arthur yearning to connect with the other glam kids, but he can't quite bring himself to, it takes a lot of courage and strength to be yourself, and it can be scary. The one thing that saves Arthur a bit from this loneliness is music, in his room between the posters on the walls and records on the floor he's made a space for himself to be free, and thanks to the glam movement he can enjoy some aspects of queerness even behind that locked door. Still, it cannot replace community, ultimately that is what Arthur's in need of, a connection with other queer people, other fans, or at least people interested in him as a person, something he doesn't get from his family since his brother makes fun of his interests and shames him, as does his father, his mother seems to be the only person that somewhat cares for him but still not enough, and ultimately Arthur leaving for London is what helps him find friends and community. Until we see adult Arthur in the 80s, once again lonely and in hiding, but ironically enough it's still Brian on a screen that makes it so he can find his way back to Curt.
Otherness makes you lonely, being able to recognize yourself through other people is the solution. Velvet Goldmine is a movie about connecting with people, be it through shared human experiences, queerness, love, being fans of the same musicians or 27 years old movie, whatever it may be, it's important to remember that there are people out there like you, that know how you feel and you must seek them out to be happy, there is no shame in being yourself.
2087
vaporwave
annaxmalina
theartofmadeline
areudirty
turnnoffyourmind
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