The singer was gracious with fans | Photo: YouTube/Calvin Harris
The singer Kehlani has been out for years, but recently on Twitter, she experienced a moment of learning. It’s something that’s good for everyone to remember — even those who have been part of the community for years.
She recently wowed fans with her performance — and surprise kiss — with Demi Lovato, but it didn’t stop them from reminding her what LGBTQ terms really mean.
On 22 April, she tweeted: ‘cuz i keep geddin asked.. i’m queer. not bi, not straight. i’m attracted to women, men, REALLY attracted to queer men, non binary people, intersex people, trans people. lil poly pansexual papi hello good morning. does that answer your questions?’
She since deleted the tweet but the words comes courtesy of The Fader.
Conflating queer and bi
Fans particularly took issue with Kehlani saying she wasn’t bisexual, yet describing a definition of bisexuality that many people use.
There is nothing wrong with identifying as queer, and it’s a term many people are increasingly becoming more comfortable with, especially younger members of the community.
However, people who responded to her specifically spoke out about bi erasure.
bi fully encapsulates that description tho. you don’t have to go by any one label but it’s wrong to insinuate that the label of bi somehow isn’t inclusive or ~queer~ enough in its own right
— aspie wondergirl 🌷 (@rachusdwarfus) April 22, 2018
One user, @Linawilso, explained: ‘u can identify however u want ofc but when you say things like “not bi” then describe exactly the attraction a bi person feels it can make people who don’t really kno wht bi means think that nb and intersex people arent included in tht attraction.’
A common misconception about bisexuality is that is strictly means attraction to two genders and two alone. In reality, bi simply means two or more.
The same user also pointed out that singling out trans and intersex people has bad implications.
They said: ‘also the addition of attraction to trans people sugggests that they’re in a separate category than their gender (same problem w intersex ppl) and that…. leaves a bad taste even tho i know that was not your point i think the wording in this comes off poorly.’
Rather than taking offense, Kehlani welcomed the discussion.
ahhhh that makes HELLA SENSE!!!! i totally get it. wasn’t my intention at all but it’s so important! thank you for this!
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) April 23, 2018
She also explained why she deleted her original tweet. Then she added she always wants to be corrected and learn more.
i retracted my queer tweet because i am being corrected about the way in which i listed the gender spectrum and i’m super super sensitive to being offensive especially when i’m only trying to appreciate. point is, i love love, and that love lies in every gender there is. 🧡
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) April 23, 2018
i always want to be corrected & educated when i am wrong. if i tweet something any form of incorrect, please let me know because i have a massive responsibility by having a platform.
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) April 23, 2018
