WASHINGTON, D.C. — Sunday night’s Harry Styles concert at the Capital One Arena appeared to be more of a political gathering for Black Lives Matter protesters and a celebration of Pride Month, and less of a concert showcasing the former One Directioner’s music off his new album.
Two Styles fans organized for 15,000 attendees at his London concert in April to create a lit up rainbow flag with cell phones during a rendition of the song “Sweet Creature,” reported PinkNews. This same political demonstration was pulled off at Sunday night’s concert in Washington. D.C., where ticket holders were asked to participate in honor of LGBT Pride Month.
Ksenia Kulikova, one of the main organizers at the London concert, told PinkNews, a U.K.-based LGBTQ magazine, that she had the intention to “create a beautiful safe space for everyone.” It has since become a trend at his concerts.
In addition, rainbow flags were passed out in line prior to entering the concert and encouraged for all fans and concert attendees to take in solidarity for the approaching show. A Black Lives Matter sign and group of protesters took front and center on the ground level in front of the stage and many gay pride signs and rainbow flags were waved in Styles’ direction throughout his performance, including one he waved on stage. (RELATED: Harry Styles Waves “Make America Gay Again” Flag At Concert)
Styles said LGBT rights were “fundamental, not political,” he told French media in April. He even made a subtle jab at his last Washington, D.C., concert in October by waving a transgender flag.
There have been rumors and speculation over Styles and his sexuality, especially after his March European tour release of the song “Medicine” and use of “bisexual lighting” at previous concerts; however, an average fan would not have known to expect such an organized effort to proclaim progressive social values at his concert.
Since President Donald Trump’s election, the left’s resistance has been growing extremely political in the entertainment and popular culture industries, a struggle for conservatives who happen to be fans of mainstream artists, yet do not share the majority of the fandom’s social orthodoxy.
“It would be interesting to see if pro-life or pro-Trump fans would be welcomed at his next concert, or even Taylor Swift’s upcoming July show in D.C.,” concert attendee Rachel del Guidice, a reporter for The Daily Signal, told The Daily Caller News Foundation.
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