David Beckham and Liam Payne | Photo: Wiki/Strip That Down artwork
David Beckham and Liam Payne, along with the British newspaper the London Evening Standard, have been criticized for an article in which straight celebrities’ Pride messages are elevated over those of LGBTI participants.
The UK newspaper ran the piece yesterday, headlined: ‘Becks and Payne reveal what makes them glow with Pride in honour of annual parade’.
The article – which leads with a picture of Beckham – precedes the Pride in London parade on Saturday 7 July.
In its first paragraph, it lists several straight stars speaking out ‘in support of Pride in London’.
Among them are former One Direction member Liam, football icon David, Happy singer Pharrell Williams and supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.
The second paragraph quotes Payne, while the third quotes Beckham.
LGBTI stars such as former Radio 1 presenter Nick Grimshaw and music icon Elton John are quoted further into the article.
Elton’s husband David Furnish also shared a Pride-related message as part of DJ Fat Tony’s ‘Prouder’ campaign, in conjunction with sports brand adidas.
Each participant has re-imagined the adidas Samba trainer through the theme of ‘Prouder’, according to organizers.
The shoes will go on display in an exhibition at the HENI Gallery in Soho from 4-10 July. They will then be auctioned on eBay to support LGBTI youth homelessness charity Albert Kennedy Trust.
‘When’s straight Pride?’ Don’t worry, it’s now!’
Really pic.twitter.com/Ghf7BU47ZC
— Chris Mandle (@chris_mandle) June 25, 2018
Reader Chris Mandle tweeted a picture of the article along with the word ‘really’.
He furthermore added: ‘Worth pointing out this campaign is raising money for the Albert Kennedy Trust, which is a brilliant cause helping tackle LGBTQ+ homelessness. But come onnnnnnn. The quotes alone tell you Liam Payne has nothing significant to say about the LGBTQ community.’
Twitter user Jurassic JP said: ‘I’m all for allies vocalising their support but understand what you’re supporting. It’s not about making your children proud of you. It’s about rights you will never understand.’
They added: ‘It’s about equality you have. Check your privilege @LiamPayne and please do some research on #Pride.’
Caspar Salmon furthermore tweeted: ‘When’s straight Pride?’ Don’t worry, it’s now, it’s literally now! Enjoy!’
Lewis Swain added: ‘Can someone tell me why anyone even went near Liam Payne and David Beckham for a story supposedly about Pride’.
‘What makes me proud in 2018 is the world that we live in’
Payne is quoted in the story as saying: ‘I think since I’ve had a little boy, everything changes in life. I’m aiming more for him to be prouder of me, and already he’s making me a better man, which I think is incredible.’
Meanwhile Beckham said: ‘What makes me proud in 2018 is the world that we live in – the diversity, the quality, the creativity…’
He furthermore added: ‘I have a young family and I want them to grow up in a world where they are given a chance, where they are part of that diversity and equality. I think we’re in a really positive place and it can only get better.’
DJ Fat Tony, who curated the campaign, told Gay Star News: ‘The articles that have appeared around people’s involvement in the Prouder campaign are misleading – Prouder is a concept I have developed that adidas are supporting.’
He moreover added: ‘There are a whole host of contributors including prominent LGBT community members. The focus of this activity is to raise funds for the vital work of the Albert Kennedy Trust and as part of that to gain the biggest noise I wanted to include allies who could take this message of unity and equality to the biggest audience.’
‘It’s a celebration of being proud of who you are’
Fashion mogul Marc Jacobs also took part in the Prouder campaign. Speaking about his involvement in the campaign, he said: ‘As a long standing member of the LGBTQIA community I feel it is important to use my voice to raise awareness, to fight for acceptance and equality, and to be and show my true self so that others might have the courage and strength to be their true selves.
He furthermore added: ‘I wanted to be involved in the adidas ‘Prouder’ campaign because to me, it’s a celebration of being proud of who you are, uniqueness and individuality.’
Spokespeople for David Beckham and Liam Payne have been approached for comment.
