Taylor Swift’s new song inspired a cascade of $13 donations—because why be mad when you can be GLAAD?
On June 14th, Taylor Swift dropped her latest single, “You Need to Calm Down” (cue the internet rejoicing). Swift previously hinted that the music on her seventh album would have “political undertones,” and her new track’s anti-homophobia message was loud and clear. The lyrics even included the phrase “Why be mad when you could be GLAAD?” just in case you were wondering how Swift feels about the LGBTQ community.
And apparently, “You Need to Calm Down” has had a very real, positive impact. Swifties have been donating money to GLAAD since the song’s release.
According to E! News, the LGBTQ media organization has seen an “influx” of donations of $13—Swift’s favorite number—over the past few days. Anthony Ramos, Director of Talent Engagement at GLAAD, praised Swift’s allyship in a statement to E! News.
"Taylor Swift is one of the world's biggest pop stars," Ramos said. "The fact that she continues to use her platform and music to support the LGBTQ community and the Equality Act is a true sign of being an ally. 'You Need to Calm Down' is the perfect Pride anthem, and we're thrilled to see Taylor standing with the LGBTQ community to promote inclusivity, equality, and acceptance this Pride month."
This is an entire #PrideMonth mood.
cc: @taylorswift13 💗 pic.twitter.com/xUyoaCLMr2
— GLAAD (@glaad) June 14, 2019
According to NBC News, Swift herself made a Pride Month donation to GLAAD this year.
Swift’s support for the LGBTQ community extends beyond her lyrics and beyond GLAAD. Currently, the “Me!” singer’s Instagram bio links to a petition supporting the Equality Act, which would make discrimination against LGBTQ people illegal. She urges fans to sign the petition at the end of her “You Need to Calm Down” music video, which features several LGBTQ celebrities. And on June 1st, she wrote her senator about the bill, sharing her letter on Instagram. The Equality Act has passed the House of Representatives and will now have to pass the Senate in order to become law.
We’re 100% here for Swift’s pro-LGBTQ advocacy. We have a feeling that “You Need to Calm Down” is just the beginning.
