August 14th 2023.
Billy Porter is not holding back his thoughts on Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour's decision to make Harry Styles the first male cover in December 2020. According to Porter, an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ causes, the coveted spot was secured due to "white and straight" privilege.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Porter candidly shared his feelings about the cover. He recalled a previous conversation with Wintour months before the release, in which she asked how the magazine could do better. Porter expressed regret for not having the opportunity to suggest using Vogue’s power to uplift the voices of those leading the de-gendering of fashion movement.
The Pose star continued to express his thoughts on Styles' cover, not blaming the singer for the opportunity, but instead the "systems of oppression and erasure of people of color who contribute to the culture." Porter believes Styles was chosen due to his "white and straight" privilege, and further noted that it was his community being used to elevate Styles, without the singer having to sacrifice anything.
This isn't the first time Porter has spoken out on the topic. Back in 2021, he criticized the cover, highlighting the strides he made himself by wearing lavish gowns to major award shows. He commented that the fashion industry accepted him due to his success, yet Styles was chosen for the first gender-neutral cover. Porter clarified his statements by saying his issue was not with Styles, but with the systems of oppression.
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