The visibility that comes from chart toppers like Taylor Swift speaking up in support of Pride month has clear benefits, sure, but to be blunt, there’s no substitute for wealthy artists putting their money where their mouth is. When it comes to stars striving to be good allies to the communities that support their careers, the Manchester band have nailed it. “You might wonder why it is needed, and even ask yourself what exactly is everyone still scared of,” Matty added of the new project, “but sadly, I think stigma still exists even in London and we still have some way to go.”īy donating valuable resources to an organisation that needs financial assistance, The 1975 have helped to action tangible progress which directly benefits their LGBTQ+ fans. TheGayUK estimates that 116 LGBTQ+ venues in the capital have been forced to close since the turn of the millenium, and London’s Gay and Lesbian Centre – formerly located in Farringdon – was closed down in 1999. he offered to take crowdfunder to £50k there and then! Īs it happens, London needs a safe environment like the LGBTQ+ Community Centre more than ever.
he called to say how important he and the band thought the project is, and asked how to help.
?ANNOUNCEMENT?: on Wednesday, I got a call from – lead singer of The 1975. “I am a bit wary of talking about it because I don’t want to appear to be virtue-signalling, but me and the others in the band all felt it was obviously a good thing to put our money towards.” The frontman also pointed out the lack of queer spaces that exist in the UK, and expressed surprise that London does not have an existing centre of this kind already. Speaking to The Observer after the band’s donation was made public by project organisers, Matty Healy kept it short and sweet. Last week, as an online crowdfunder neared its final few days, the Manchester band quietly donated a considerable sum of money to help set up London’s only LGBTQ+ Community Centre, helping it to smash its 50k fundraising target in the process. A fair few high profile figures posting unicorn gifs and ‘YASS BITCH!’ stickers across social media this month could do with piping down and learning a few things from The 1975.
Whether it’s supermarket brands like Tesco cheerfully adopting their annual multi-coloured logos ( just a few years after a gay couple was forced out of one of their stores by a homophobic cashier, no less) or Kim Kardashian West flogging rainbow glitter make-up with no obvious plans to donate any of the profits to a relevant charity, the limelight loving ‘allies’ are here there and everywhere.
With Pride month – which takes place every June – currently in full swing, it’s easy to spot the usual culprits wafting tiny rainbow flags and giving themselves giant pats on the back for being enthusiastic supporters of the LGBTQ+ community.