Most of the world is familiar with the pop sensation that is One Direction, and even more familiar with the band members’ solo music. Harry Styles has undoubtedly become more famous since the bands hiatus back in 2015. Since then he has released two albums; Harry Styles (2017) and Fine Line (2019). One of his most famous sayings is “Treat People with Kindness”, a saying that he shares with fellow Gay icon Ellen DeGeneres, and it has garnered a lot of traction among his fans. The saying is so popular that people are getting it as tattoos, put on t-shirts, tapestries, and making it a mantra for their daily lives. Harry has always made it known that he is not afraid of doing/wearing things that are considered more feminine, in fact he is almost always seen with his nails painted and has even been on the cover Vogue while in a dress/skirt (https://www.vogue.com/article/harry-styles-cover-december-2020). This was not the last time that fans have seen Styles in a dress, on October 30, 2021 he wore Dorothy’s (Wizard of Oz) iconic dress and ruby red slippers on the first night of Harryween. And although he has not explicitly stated that he is part of the LGBTQ+ community, he has not denied the rumors that he is bisexual or gay; meaning that he is more than just an ally to the community, he is part of it.
Styles is on his long awaited Love on Tour and fans are going crazy. Aside from the colorful wardrobe, amazing music, and of course banter with the crowd, he has gone above and beyond in making sure his fans feel that they are in a safe environment where they can truly be themselves. Being comfortable doesn’t just apply to his fans though, it applies to Styles himself. He wears clothes that he is comfortable in, does, and talks about things that are important to him while on stage. Some of the things he talks about while onstage are that of being comfortable in your own skin. One of the biggest themes of this is him walking around with and giving away Pride flags to his fans (https://www.tiktok.com/@joshhelfgott/video/7004614725979868422?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=7007879185675552261). TikTok influencer Josh Helfgott does a lot of videos following Gay News and he has multiple videos in which he talks about Harry Styles and his concerts, especially the ones in which he shows his alliance with the LGBTQ+ community.
Harry has also helped numerous fans come out at his concerts. In one case, from October 24, 2021, he was filmed asking a fan (who had a sign asking him to help her come out) if she would like him to raise/wave her flag. He even says “When I raise this flag, you’re officially out. I’ve heard that’s how it works.” While helping this fan come out he even gets the entire audience to help in this experience. When he finally raises the flag for the fan, he drops down to his knees, raises the flag over his head and shouts “Freedom!” (https://www.tiktok.com/@joshhelfgott/video/7025700622405995782?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=7007879185675552261). The most “well-known” case of Harry helping a fan come out is actually from his Milwaukee concert from November 3, 2021. A video of the star helping his fan come out can be found on Josh’s tiktok (https://www.tiktok.com/@joshhelfgott/video/7026896620423892229?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=7007879185675552261), but it has also been reported by news sources like NBC News. Dan Avery of NBC News found three different cases in which Styles has helped fans come out to their family and friends, the earliest case dating back to July of 2018. All of these fans that he has helped have said essentially the same thing, the environment that he creates is one in which fans feel safe and loved by all that are there. The latest fan that he has helped come out, McKinley McConnell, told NBC News that “He always says, ‘Treat people with kindness,’ and I’ve never experienced an environment where everyone is so nice. You’re talking to strangers, complimenting each other. It’s such a safe and open environment.” (https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/harry-styles-helps-fan-come-mom-milwaukee-concert-rcna4578).
In true ally fashion, Styles knows that sometimes all you need is a moment to know that you’re not alone. In November 2017 he even told fans at a show that:
If you are Black, if you are white, if you are gay, if you are straight, if you are transgender – whoever you are, whoever you want to be – I support you.”
So, if you are a part of the LGBTQ+ community and you feel alone, know that there is someone out there who loves and supports you for who you are and who you forever will be. Be your true authentic self and the world will learn to love you for who you are.