June is LGBT+ Pride Month, and Taylor Swift knows exactly how to acknowledge her fans.
Her Reputation Tour came to Chicago over the weekend.
As you’ll see in the video below, Taylor walked out on stage and delivered a heartfelt speech.
She addressed her fans who have come out of the proverbial closet. She also addressed those who are not yet “out” and have to hide their authentic selves from at least some of the people in their lives.
Taylor reminded her cheering audience that, as worthy of celebration as the many strides towards equal rights the LGBT+ community has made, there is still a long way to go.
She’s absolutely right. When people come out, it’s often lauded as a “brave choice.” Being yourself should not require any bravery, but it does for millions of people.
As you’ll see, Taylor’s fans gave major heart eyes to this thoughtful speech. Take a look:
Here’s the speech itself
You can hear the audience cheering!
Taylor’s fans were overcome with emotion
This is a big deal, especially as the LGBT+ continues its fight for equal rights and for acceptance.
Tweets echoed Taylor’s words
Taylor’s speech didn’t include nearly as many rainbow emojis as the tweets about it did. One day, we’ll have that technology.
Some tweets were very thoughtful
Others were less coherent, and that’s okay.
This person expressed their joy very well
Sometimes, it takes multiple tweets
Fans were really touched by it
A lot of Taylor’s fans are young, but even older fans like to be acknowledged
Erika Girardi gifs for all occassions
Honestly, this is probably Erika Girardi’s biggest claim to fame. Not her career or her Real Housewife status. Once you’re a meme, that’s it.
Capslock is its own emotion
This is so sweet but … oh wow, it makes us feel old.
Taylor commands attention
Stopped doing what, exactly? It doesn’t matter.
Some people took issue with certain fan reactions
Sometimes, fans can get too excited about two celebrities and imagine that they’re in a relationship. That’s fine. Being super vocal about that fantasy on social media … is not.
People loved her outfit
Taylor’s rainbow dress got almost as much praise as her speech
They “hearted” her speech
Emoji hearts are some of the most useful and versatile emojis
Even fans who weren’t there were touched
Tens of thousands of fans were in attendance, but how many millions saw her speech?
Nothing but respect for Taylor here, folks
She really is
Lots of praise
We’ll show you that whole transcript that the fan tweeted
Here’s the transcript
Major points to Taylor not making the mistake of almost making it about gays only. There are a bunch of letters in the full LGBT+ acronym beyond the L and the G.
There’s even a rainbow heart emoji
These tweets are so heartwarming
Don’t forget Kermit memes!
Kermit might be the most memed television personality. It’s between him and Tiffany New York Pollard.
So many fans, so much love
Taylor can touch people’s hearts with a few words.
Taylor’s fans are so, well, proud of her
Happy Pride Month, folks!