Thoughts about visibility and representation in mainstream music after seeing Troye Sivan’s music video for his new single, “Rush”
The contemporary pop scene is seeing a significant surge in diverse representation. In an era when conversations about one’s queerness are supported and celebrated, a chain reaction ensues: more LGBTQIA+ individuals confidently embrace their authentic selves. Queer artists have shifted their approach to expressing themselves in new and daring ways. When a queer artist writes songs, it comes from a unique experience. The mere fact of existing alone and being unafraid to be unabashedly flamboyant and femme in a highly patriarchal world is already a fight to take up space.
When I look at the current pop culture landscape shaping how children and teenagers, queer or not, think and see the world, I feel my heart smile—but with a tinge of envy.
Finding one’s self in music
It’s a common theme among LGBTQIA+ kids to wrestle with the idea of self because society, and more often their own families, pushes them to be anything but themselves for the sake of acceptance and fair treatment. Boys who were told it was wrong and immoral to like other boys will likely grow up feeling confused and hating themselves.
@cdk.company RUSH – our dancers prepping for the iconic music video of Troye Sivan’s new single! Chreography by Sergio Reis / Asst. by Mauro vd Kerkhof ❤️ #rush #troyesivan #rushtroyesivan #ifeeltherush #dance #choreography #dancers ♬ original sound – CDK COMPANY
I was born in the early 80s, and there wasn’t any mainstream representation growing up. While there were female pop stars who were influential in molding and accepting my identity, nothing quite mirrored the nuances of my personal journey as a gay boy. Queer visibility in mainstream media is vital for normalization and representation. The image of two boys kissing is a regular expression of love and desire. But because homosexuality is still stigmatized, although not as much as before, it’s become a strong statement of resistance and courage just to be.
Pop music and sex
We’ve finally reached that point where pop songs and music videos can be about being 100% gay without attempting to cater to other audiences. Pronouns in love songs go straight to the heart as they feel more intimate and honest. They’ve become bolder in lyrics and visual storytelling when they pour their lust onto their songs. After all, pop music and sex are braided together in a gorgeous golden lock.
@troyesivan RUSH is out everywhere now⚡️⚡️
♬ Rush – Troye Sivan
From the revolutionary sexual awakening of Madonna to the overtly lewd lyrics of Cardi B, now—finally, a gay man—enters Troye Sivan’s hyper-sexualized gay hedonism of a music video for his new single, “Rush.” If Britney could do “I’m a Slave 4 You,” Troye could certainly party in a Berlin club bathroom with glory holes. What a slay, I must say.
The new album, Something to Give Each Other, is expected to be released on October 13, 2023.
Featured image: TROYE SIVAN (via Instagram)
