On Monday, it was announced Ariana Grande would be headlining Manchester Pride in August. It would be her first time performing in Manchester since the 2017 terrorist attack that claimed 22 lives at her show.
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1100096962718650368
But the announcement soon received backlash, as some felt she, a straight person, was exploiting the LGBTQ community and the gig should go to a queer performer. “i just find it a bit weird/uncomfortable when it’s a festival celebrating being proud of your lgbt identity and then a straight artist is chosen to be the headliner and ‘face’ of the whole event,” user @raininjulyvinyl wrote.
https://twitter.com/raininjulyvinyl/status/1100072623327924224
https://twitter.com/tlouhaus/status/1100607862370430977
https://twitter.com/Niklas_Dee/status/1100301683161210885
If that’s the reasoning then they should’ve invited her for like the anniversary of the city or something like that. She shouldn’t be rewarded by being given the place of what should’ve been an lgbt+ artist as the face of the event.
— 🌙⭐️ (@rey_leia) February 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/qafflea/status/1100646513850621952
https://twitter.com/gayIuigi/status/1101097885687574528
People also were reminded of the previous allegations of cultural appropriation, like using AAVE, and brownface that Grande has faced.
https://twitter.com/Niklas_Dee/status/1100303614277505024
However, many others rallied in support of Grande, noting her work as an ally and her large LGBTQ fan base.
She’s very close to the community. I don’t know why we keep on separating ourselves and not allowing others celebrate with us or celebrate us without calling it exploitation. 🤷🏽♂️
— Miickeyz (@MickOrona) February 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/PipeOutsold/status/1100841756717957120
https://twitter.com/XTUSEE/status/1100962437623361536
This is just really stupid and kinda hateful just because she’s straight and not lgbt 🏳️🌈 doesn’t mean she shouldn’t have a right to perform and pride and show her support I would be thrilled if she did pride in Florida she’s a huge lgbt advocate idk what your guys problem is tbh
— gio | album 6 track 5 (@Bocasforeverboy) February 27, 2019
Grande responded to @raininjulyvinyl on Wednesday, explaining she respects her point but also why she is excited about headlining as an ally. “The LGBTQ community has been so special to me and supportive throughout my entire career,” she wrote. “The relationships I have with my LGBTQ fans, friends, and family make me so happy. I want to celebrate and support this community, regardless of my identity or how people label me.”
https://twitter.com/ArianaGrande/status/1100833408144498688
Grande said she respects what fans have to say and is “not claiming to be the hero of the community or the face of the lgbtq rights movement.” She also said she just wanted to make LGBTQ fans feel “special and celebrated and supported.”