On two recent episodes of one of my all-time favorite shows, Saturday Night Live, I was struck by two of the recent performers that appeared, namely Harry Styles and King Princess.
Styles, most known first for his boyish charm (and third nipple) in the now dissolved Simon Cowell creation: One Direction, is now known for his position as a sexy and sensual, gender fluid performer.
Styles has become an icon in recent years by bending the laws of gender conformity with both his style and creative expression, seen most recently at the Met Gala wearing a stunning lace jumpsuit and polish adorned nails (see below).
(Photo Courtesy of Getty Images)
During his night hosting, Styles performed as well, singing his recently released “Hit the Lights” whose video included a shirtless Styles being caressed by both men and women.
His style and gender-bending style was no more visible than with the host appearing in a tutu in a commercial break transition photo:
(Photo Courtesy of NBC)
Mikaela Mullaney Straus, known as King Princess, who identifies as gender queer, was the previous weekends musical performer. To say that King Princess’ performance was amazing would be an understatement.
During her set, King Princess performed her hit single “1950” as well as “Hit the Back” an anthem, she calls “for bottoms everywhere”. Donning first an oversized suit, then a skimpy crop top (pictured), King Princess pushes the envelope in both her lyrics and self-expression.
(Photo Courtesy of NBC)
Both Harry Styles and King Princess are just a small part of a growing community of young people who refuse to be defined in binary terms. Overall, the two being unapologetically themselves feels like a breath of fresh air, proving that talent and sexual prowess are not gendered.