I am a fan of two artists, who I see (by so many observations over all the years), as both talented, ambitious, driven, decent, and also closeted. Through that prism, in particular, there have been times of both great joy, and immense frustration, of insights and challenges, at least in part because the fandom has been divided and pitted against each other in the process.
So far, I have chosen to roll with the punches, and some of those punches have been pretty brutal. I reserve the right to bow out if the cost of being a fan feels too high, but - always bearing in mind that almost all the power lies in the hands of the industry, rather than the artist or audience - so far, I stay.
How any artist choses to navigate their career paths, and from what options they may have had to choose - balancing their artistic dreams and financial security against their constraints - I can’t truly know. Are their goals noble or shallow? Wise or foolish? Harry and Louis started so young. They still are young, in the scheme of things. They have had to operate in an environment in which wisdom and balance are hard to find, if not actively undermined - an era where our society’s gods are fame, fortune and power.
I can only guess at it all, from where I sit, so I choose to trust that they are doing their best.
he got the dagger and birds don’t have eyebrows -
and “even as young as you are”
and banana songs (and necklaces and props),
and the tattoos on display, still -
and “I fell in love to this song”,
and “we’re all a little bit gay”,
and songs about the challenges and joys of long term love and identity,
and finding the couples, and babies, and men in the crowd,
and the still moments of beautiful love songs
and all the blues and greens, still…..
and all the blues and greens, still…..
……must be balanced against the demonstrably go-to industry tactics of stunt relationships, added to stunt narratives in songs (and videos) and interviews, then that is the nature of this already long-term closet, as disappointing and frustrating and challenging as that can be. They both participate, from within their particular images, opportunities and abilities. If Harry (as the actor he now is) more seamlessly sells this fine line right now, I hope it affords him (and them) some rope.
As I hope for a wiser, kinder, safer, and more tolerant time, I am just continuing to draw what I see.
Oh, and on this day, happy anniversary to this tweet. Ten years on, it remains in the top ten all time, headed only by a Japanese billionaire mogul twice offering cash for followers, a chicken nugget stunt, the immeasurably sad death announcement of Chadwick Boseman, and Ellen’s star-studded Oscar pic.
No picture. No stunt.
A simple declaration of love, on the eve of a harsher closet.
Bless both your hearts, sincerely. 💙💚