Charli XCX Creates Safe Space for Queer Fans
“Brat summer” is blazing hot.
If you look on the internet, people are posting anything resembling the neon green color of Charli XCX’s most recent album, Brat. Part of the trend includes Charli’s ‘Brat Wall,” which she uses to announce Brat Deluxe, and “The Girl, So Confusing” remix with Lorde. Charli XCX has garnered swaths of new fans through this trend, specifically queer ones impressed with her music. But beyond crafting upbeat dance hits, the artist has fostered a safe space for queer fans.
In 2019, a fan posted a video of Charli XCX holding a bottle of Rush brand poppers and yelling, “Gay rights!” In a recent interview on Chicken Shop Date, she revealed that she does not take poppers but rather poses with them to appease fans. But it was never about the drug as opposed to the symbol. Poppers are often associated with the LGBTQ+ community, specifically gay men; thus, Charli’s association with the drug has served as a symbol of her allyship.
But beyond the public displays of support for the community, Charli’s work and personal life are full of queer influence. One of her best friends, Terrence O’Connor, identifies as gay and has consistently worked with Charli as a photographer, marketer, and creative for years.
In her music video for “360,” Charli and her friends cavort around L.A. looking for the next “it girl.” Some of her friends featured include trans actress Hari Nef and trans model Alex Cosani. Charli has also collaborated with trans singer Kim Petras on her song “Click” and pansexual artist Rina Sawayama on “Beg for You.”
The sixth track on Brat, “So, I,” is a tribute to trans music producer SOPHIE. In the song, Charli expresses regret for not spending more time with her longtime collaborator before SOPHIE’s tragic passing in 2021. The duo started working together in 2015 on Charli’s Vroom Vroom EP and have collaborated on some of Charli’s most popular songs like “Lipgloss” and “Girls Night Out.”
Charli credits SOPHIE as one of her biggest inspirations. Her 2018 album OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES is a critically acclaimed electronic album, with an 8.6 on Pitchfork, and is also credited with inventing the Hyper Pop genre.
Charli is set to join gay singer Troy Sivan for the SWEAT Tour in September. The duo have collaborated multiple times, starting with “1999” in 2018. The tour partnership has only increased the popper jokes as Sivan’s hit single “Rush” utilized poppers in its promotion and also shares a name with the brand Rush. Many queer fans are excited to sing and dance amongst each other on the SWEAT tour.
Charli’s Brat has taken over the summer—Her commitment to allyship has fostered a safe community for queer people to express themselves, party, and share their love for her music.
