It seems like there’s an epidemic of straight people dressing gay. From straight influencers getting into hot water for accusations of appropriating queer culture to local straights suddenly camouflaging into the gay and lesbian scene, it looks like not even the most niche symbol or loudly queer signal is safe from the claws of the trend-hungry cisgender-heterosexual establishment. 

But everything is not how it seems……

Now I don’t blame LGBTQ people for feeling worried that their own unique identity is fading away, but this is not a new grievance. Just read the responses to the metrosexual craze of the 90s from old gay curmudgeons – it’s hard not to feel a little embarrassed. Much of what is considered mainstream or normal now originated from a fringe group. But to the credit of queer netizens moaning and groaning in Tiktok comment sections nationwide, there is something to note about this situation.

Since the beginning of the modern gay rights movement, the LGBTQ+ community’s place in society has shifted, and the most acceptable aspects of queer identity have become entirely commercialized. I would argue that even the most recognizable and straight-forward gay symbol, the pride flag, has been commodified and is slowly becoming a symbol for liberal acceptance rather than a call for radical reimagining. Now that companies stock their shelves every June with the ugliest rainbow tchotchkes you could possibly imagine, I can’t help but wonder; is this progress? I encourage queer people, as well as everyone else, to question why so much of their identity is purely material, and if we can even win liberation through the material world.  

But all this talk about commodity fetishism and commercialization doesn’t change what is happening on the ground. Discreet gay clothing symbols serve a purpose in the community. It allows queer people to find like minds without alerting bigots. Post mainstream adoption, queer people lose their ability to maintain a safe community, but do we gain anything? A local concerned gay put it well, “We just haven’t got to a point in society where you can feel comfortable going up to anyone.” On the surface it seems like we are reaching a more egalitarian society, however adoption of queer symbols doesn’t necessarily coincide with the advancement of LGBTQ people’s status. I’m afraid we still have a long way to go. 

But until then don’t worry, I too will be fuming when that cute lesbian somehow turns out to be straight.  

Reach column writer Helen Burt at musemediauw@gmail.com. 
Instagram @helen_b.b