Billy Porter Criticizes Harry Styles’ Gender-Neutral Vogue Cover, Citing Privilege

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Billy Porter expressed his dissatisfaction with Harry Styles’ 2020 Vogue cover. Porter believes that Styles was chosen for the cover because he is “white and straight,” and accuses him of using Porter’s community to elevate himself without making any sacrifices.

Billy Porter, a prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, has voiced his disapproval of Harry Styles’ Vogue cover. In an interview with The Telegraph, Porter stated that he believes Styles was selected for the cover due to his race and sexual orientation, rather than his talent or contributions to the fashion industry.

Porter expressed his frustration, stating, “It doesn’t feel good to me. You’re using my community — or your people are using my community — to elevate you. You haven’t had to sacrifice anything.” He further revealed that he had a conversation with Vogue’s editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour, prior to the cover’s release. Porter claims that he urged Wintour to use her influence to uplift the voices of leaders in the gender-neutral fashion movement. However, he feels that his advice was disregarded, as Styles ultimately became the first man to grace the cover.

The actor and singer emphasized that his criticism of Styles’ cover is not a personal attack on the artist himself. Porter stated, “I’m not dragging Harry Styles, but he is the one you’re going to try and use to represent this new conversation? He doesn’t care, he’s just doing it because it’s the thing to do.” For Porter, this issue goes beyond personal preferences; it is a matter of politics and his own life experiences.

Porter highlighted the significance of his own journey, explaining that he had to fight throughout his life to be able to wear a dress to the Oscars without fear of violence. In contrast, he believes that Styles’ privilege as a white, straight man allows him to navigate the fashion industry without facing the same challenges.

Billy Porter’s criticism of Harry Styles’ gender-neutral Vogue cover sheds light on the complexities of representation and privilege within the fashion industry. Porter argues that Styles’ selection for the cover undermines the efforts of marginalized communities and fails to uplift the voices of those leading the de-gendering of fashion movement. This conversation serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for inclusivity and equality in the world of fashion.