#colton underwood

[hubforsmoking]

[boysappetit]

Colton Underwood

[kindaskimpy]

[twopoppies]

Hi Gina, I know you’ve been enjoying HR - it has completely taken over all my algorithms in the best possible way, with some very thoughtful posts, interviews and think pieces out there about it.

I saw this post on Insta and thought you might be interested. I had to particularly sit with these slides for a bit:

I feel like this applies to so many institutions, with the music industry being an obvious one. It’s heartbreaking to think how many people have chosen to ‘edit’ their true selves over the years, trying to make sure they retain the protection and safety of these archaic, rigid systems.

As a Larrie, I absolutely count Louis & Harry in this. I believe that their closeting, and the actions they take to reinforce it, are because they are trying to balance their own (fine) line between safety and truth, aspiration and risk, while they are both embedded in the music industry. We don’t know where that line is for them, and what they are willing (or not) to sacrifice. I could write paragraphs about how we as fans interact with these systems, not knowing whether we are helping or hurting the celebrities we admire (or ourselves in the process), but I won’t do that here.

I don’t know a lot about Colton, except that he is a similar age to Louis & Harry, and was forced to come out after being blackmailed. I believe him when he says how deeply HR resonated with him. One final thought of his that I’m taking with me is this: “… representation isn’t just about being seen. It’s about being understood. And understanding requires restraint, patience, and a willingness to depict people mid-process… not before the struggle or after it, but while it’s still unresolved”. In the case of Larry, I’m taking it as a reminder to try not to judge their journey, but observe it unfolding and hope for the best possible resolution.

Meanwhile, I’ll be watching HR on repeat and hanging out for Season 2 ❤️

Thank you so much for sending this. I have nothing to add to what you’ve beautifully said, except to encourage people to read the whole piece either on IG or Substack.

[no-twinks]

[hubforsmoking]

[boysappetit]

Colton Underwood

[always-rolling-my-eyes]

Colton Underwood vs. Michael Rapaport is literally just trash vs. garbage