lesbian chic: I didn’t know my sexuality was a fashion trend

‘Lesbians! They’re everywhere!’ – (style.com)

Style’s newest article, ‘Is lesbian chic here to stay?‘ manages to throw all logic out the window as they introduce the idea that it is not what you’re wearing that’s in style this season – it’s your sexuality.

The concept of lesbian chic has been thrown around on online fashion websites, setting a new standard for women around the globe. Being part of the LGBTIQ community is now a trend, and apparently a novelty at that. But what idea does this give readers?

Whilst informing readers that lesbians are the current style this season, the article states that women in the fashion industry could possibly start dating each other because men are too hard to find. It says, ‘seriously: trying to catch a straight man in fashion is like trying to catch a rainbow.’ I’m sure that a woman in the fashion industry that was looking for a man could probably look outside the fashion industry too, if she was that concerned. I’m also fairly certain the woman who actually are gay, were probably gay last season, and the season before that.

What effects does this have on the LBGTIQ community? From my own personal experience, I see a lot of response to my sexuality portrayed from this idea of lesbian novelty in fashion. On a weekly basis I get the response, ‘Oh – you don’t look gay!’ These remarks at first thought don’t seem overly offensive, but since when did I have to look like my sexuality? Should that even be a prerequisite to being who I am?

One of the most offensive comments I have heard more recently would have to be when, discussing a friend’s personal life, she turned to me and said, ‘I might just try it – do you think I’d make a good lesbian?’ My response was to ignore her ignorance and wonder when it became okay to expect being gay/lesbian was a phase. The idea of a lesbian-fashion-trend phase could also have huge long-term effects on women in the LBGTIQ community. This ‘trend’ could have two entirely different results: it could encourage women to be themselves and be proud, while it could also cause lesbian women to be told ‘oh honey, it’s probably just a phase.’

The Style article also makes sure to acknowledge key fashion elements of your sexuality. It remarks, ‘Rhi’s wearing combat boots in situations where before, nothing but four-inch-stilletto-heel booties would do.’ Concluding that wearing combat boots now indicates you are a lesbian. I’d love to tell that to Miley Cyrus, Vanessa Hudgens, Jessica Alba and so forth. The article is only a small part of a broader societal problem that needs to be further addressed. Women are gay because they are, not because it’s what a four-page spread in a popular magazine tells them is ‘in.’ Nor will women cease being gay because they have been told that next season is all about the heterosexual lifestyle. Their wardrobe will also comprise of a mixture of heels and boots, regardless of what gender they find sexually attractive.

Style asks, ‘what will this high-vis lady love mean for fashion?’ and the answer is simple. It will mean nothing, because you can’t put a price tag on my sexuality.