Arts & Entertainment
Taylor Swift blasts homophobia, shouts out GLAAD on new track
‘You Need to Calm Down’ is the second single from her album ‘Lover’
Taylor Swift. (Photo by Glenn Francis/Pacific Pro Digital Photography)
Taylor Swift released her new song “You Need to Calm Down,” the second single from her upcoming album “Lover,” and it’s being hailed as a pro-LGBTQ anthem.
In the song, Swift calls out haters with the second verse dedicated to people who have anti-LGBTQ views. She even namechecks media watchdog organization GLAAD.
According to TMZ, GLAAD has received an increase in donations since the song’s release.
“You are somebody that we don’t know. But you’re coming at my friends like a missile. Why are you mad? When you could be GLAAD? Sunshine on the street at the parade. But you would rather be in the dark ages making that sign. Must have taken all night,” Swift sings. “You just need to take several seats and then try to restore the peace / And control your urges to scream about all the people you hate. Cause shade never made anybody less gay.”
“Can you just not step on his gown?” Swift adds in the refrain.
did @taylorswift13 just — pic.twitter.com/MkfkkBComN
— GLAAD (@glaad) June 14, 2019
Fans praised the track for calling out homophobia on social media.
Honestly though, #YouNeedToCalmDown talks about self-expression, bullying, double standards, being gay, AND it’s an 80s synth-esque bop. Thank you, @taylorswift13. pic.twitter.com/zjNgLqcAxH
— Ryan Schocket (@RyanSchocket) June 14, 2019
@taylorswift13 ending homophobia and sexism in 2 minutes and 51 seconds #YouNeedToCalmDown pic.twitter.com/52gBQu4mXe
— Mauricio: Stream/Buy #YouNeedToCalmDown (@MauricioSwift13) June 14, 2019
The fact taylor Swift dropped her new song on Trumps birthday & it’s all about how hiding behind the internet & focusing on being rude is a waste of time and how everyone should be accepted and not shading them is ICONIC #YouNeedToCalmDowm pic.twitter.com/8QFivoS8Yt
— Alla (@allakmiller) June 14, 2019
Girls and gays we’re really going to be screaming “‘CAUSE SHADE NEVER MADE ANYBODY LESS GAY” at the next tour. That’s really happening.
— Chris Swiftie™?️?? (@HuffleBoy) June 14, 2019
Listen up lgbt swifties can you imagine screaming “shade never made anybody less gay” at the ts7 tour with all your friends because I can and… I’m crying
— Jemima Skelley (@jemimaskelley) June 14, 2019
“Lover” will be released on Aug. 23.
Listen below.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Laverne Cox, Reneé Rapp, Deacon Maccubbin named WorldPride grand marshals
House passes reconciliation with gender-affirming care funding ban
PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride
Men convicted of murdering two men in NYC gay bar drugging scheme sentenced
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Pope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
