Over the last few weeks, a large portion of the internet has come together in defense of everybody’s favorite pop star, Harry Styles. The British pop star graced the cover of Vogue, rocking a dress. For some reason, conservative maven Candace Owens seemed to have an issue with the cover. In fact, Owens took to Twitter to express her disapproval. “There is no society that can survive without strong men. The East knows this. In the west, the steady feminization of our men at the same time that Marxism is weigh taught to our children is not a coincidence, it is an outright attack. Bring back many men.”

Not surprisingly, Ben Shapiro, another conservative pundit, was quick to agree with Owens tweeting, “Anyone who pretends that it is not a referendum on masculinity for men to don floofy dresses is treating you as a full-on idiot.”

Don’t worry. Many others came to Harry Style’s defense. These tweets came from several celebrities who believe anyone has the right to dress in any way they choose – and that clothing does not have a gender.

In fact, Bob the Drag Queen, a former winner on Ru Pauls Drag Race had a near-perfect response to the disgruntled conservatives. “It’s almost like no society is a monolith and that’s how societies thrive – through multiple contributions from various demographics.”

Throughout the following weeks, internet users expressed their feelings on the issue.

This past week, however, Harry Style took it upon himself to show Owens, Shapiro, and others who disapprove of his fashion choices he is unbothered. Styles took to Instagram to post a stunning picture of him in a pale blue suit with ruffles, biting a banana. Style’s captioned the picture “Bring back manly men.”

Now, while I myself am a die-hard Harry Styles fan, I acknowledge there are other layers of this issue. Harry Styles wearing a dress is not the issue, but some critics have expressed the importance of accepting such choices in all communities. Harry Styles is not the first man to wear a dress or dress feminine, and he certainly will not be the last.

In fact, feminine flair is not a new trend. Artists, primarily musical artists who are people of color, have been sporting femme clothing for years. Prince, Young Thug, and Jaden Smith are just a few artists who incorporate feminine aspects into their style and even their music.

The issue is, these choices must be praised across the trans/femme community, not just Harry Styles. So yes, we should celebrate Harry Styles, support him! But it is also important to acknowledge the artists and really just the human beings who have paved the way thus far.

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