Billy Porter Bashes Harry Styles For His Famous 2020 Vogue Cover: "You're Using My Community"

Billy Porter, American actor and singer, recently took a shot at Harry Styles for his famous Vogue cover shoot in which he wore a dress. Styles made headlines in 2020 when he became the first man to appear solo on the cover of Vogue. What garnered even more attention was his choice to wear a periwinkle blue, lace-trimmed gown by Gucci. The cover, celebrated by many for its supposedly groundbreaking push against traditional gender norms in fashion, also sparked debates about masculinity and cultural perceptions.

Porter had worn a tuxedo gown to the Academy Awards just two years before Styles' cover, and many were comparing the two moments, claiming that Styles unfairly got much more positive attention than Porter.

Billy Porter Bashes Harry Styles for His Famous Vogue Cover

Porter said, "You’re using my community—or your people are using my community—to elevate you," indicating that he felt Styles hadn't made the sacrifices that many in the LGBTQ+ community have. He also claimed that Styles only got the opportunity because he is "straight and white."

In an interview with the Telegraph, Porter emphasized that his issue wasn't with Styles personally but rather with "the gatekeepers" who decided to feature him. Porter expressed disappointment, suggesting that such a choice seemed to co-opt and commercialize the gender non-conformity movement.

Adding another layer to his critique, Porter recalled a conversation with Vogue's editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. During a Q&A with Wintour, she asked him how Vogue could "do better." Reflecting on that moment, Porter expressed regret over not having challenged Wintour more forcefully, suggesting she could use Vogue's influence to amplify voices leading the so-called de-gendering of fashion.

However, this wasn't the first time Porter commented on Styles' Vogue cover. In 2021, during an appearance on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert, he apologized to Styles, acknowledging that his earlier criticism may have been misplaced. Porter clarified that his issue wasn't with Styles but with systemic issues: "The conversation is actually deeper than that. It is about the systems of oppression and erasure of people of color who contribute to the culture."

The initial criticisms from Porter stemmed from a 2021 Sunday Times interview, where he discussed the Vogue cover featuring Styles. Porter said, "I created the conversation, and yet Vogue still put Harry Styles, a straight white man, in a dress on their cover for the first time." He emphasized that he wasn't trying to criticize Styles as an individual but questioned Vogue's choice to use him as the face of a broader conversation on fashion and gender. In his view, Styles' involvement in this "new conversation" seemed opportunistic rather than genuine.

Styles has consistently positioned himself as an ally of the LGBT community and an advocate for broader social and political issues on the left. From donning shirts that read "Treat People With Kindness"—a mantra he consistently promotes—to waving pride flags at his concerts, Styles' support for the community has always been palpable. He has been vocal about his belief that love and identity should not be constrained by traditional societal norms. During Pride Month, Styles has been known to voice his support, sharing messages of love and acceptance with his vast audience.

Styles made a notable move during the 2019 UK general elections by endorsing the liberal Labour Party, emphasizing the importance of youth participation in the democratic process. He urged his followers to "vote with love" and consider policies like the National Health Service in their decision-making.

But no matter how progressive you are, you will never be woke enough for the mob. Styles may have a long track record of being an "ally" for these intersectional communities on the left, but it wasn't enough to spare him from Porter's attacks. Because it's never enough for the woke intersectional crowd. You will never be progressive enough. You will never be enough of an ally, especially if you're white, straight, and male, regardless of how many ridiculous outfits you wear in the name of gender neutrality. Styles hasn't responded to the accusations, and he likely won't, especially considering the fact that Porter doesn't possess nearly as much fame as he does.

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