Liam Payne Is Being DRAGGED For Misinterpreting The Meaning Of Pride
28 June 2018, 12:07 | Updated: 28 June 2018, 12:22
This was not cool...
Pride month may just be coming to an end but there are still plenty more Prides around the world that are yet to take place. London Pride is next weekend and for it a variety of stars have teamed up with Adidas to redesign their Samba trainers as part of their Prouder campaign. David Beckham, Nick Grimshaw, Naomi Campbell, Rita Ora and Liam Payne are just a few of the celebrities taking part.
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Adidas' Prouder campaign is raising money for the Albert Kennedy Trust (a charity dedicated to helping LGBTQ+ youth that are affected by homelessness). It's also supposed to act as a starting point for wider conversations on LGBTQ+ acceptance today. Alongside it, The Evening Standard has asked those involved in the campaign to tell them about what Pride means to them.
So far so normal but Liam Payne is causing controversy with his answer. As opposed to reflecting on the ways in which we can help queer people today, the 'Strip That Down' singer said this: "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."
The comments come off as tone deaf because, instead of using his power as an ally to raise awareness of why Pride is so important, Liam has made the question about him. Unsurprisingly the comments didn't go down well on Twitter.
Some thought that Liam was not equipped to speak on LGBTQ+ issues.
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.
— Chris Mandle (@chris_mandle) June 25, 2018
They have a point.
Others were just angered by the whole ordeal.
I've stared at this for about 15 minutes now. What? What is this? Is this a joke? What the fuck is going on? Are we just a little branding exercise now for the potato one from 1D and other straights of note? Someone, please, lead us out of this abyss! pic.twitter.com/ncgaWXNMnp
— Caspar Salmon (@CasparSalmon) June 25, 2018
Everyone involved should have put more care and effort into this.
A little bit of research would have helped.
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. It’s about equality you have. Check your privilege @LiamPayne and please do some research on #Pride. https://t.co/8XDLJaiUmV
— Jaqueline (@Jurassic_JP) June 26, 2018
If you have a platform, it's so important to be educated in the issues you're speaking on.
A few people were unimpressed with the shoes that Liam designed.
oh my god has everyone seen Liam Payne's shoe design for Adidas' pride range. a fucking microphone and speakers in the sole. I can't breathe pic.twitter.com/yN0uiphFCA
— chris slade (@christopheslade) June 27, 2018
It's for charity Chris!
A couple of fans were more forgiving of the One Direction star though.
Are people actually that stupid to think @LiamPayne was the one to think #pride was about being proud in general? You don't think he knows what the campaign he takes part in is about??? It was @standardnews who released a horrible out of context article. Not Liam being ignorant.
— jules 🏳🌈 (@chaoscitti) June 28, 2018
In fairness to him, he does say in the wider quote that "if we all aimed for a better future, it would be easier." It's pretty vague but it shows that his heart is in the right place.
People also pointed put how major it is that a straight male popstar of Liam's stature is actually part of this campaign.
Goodnight everyone ❤️
— Linn Loves 5 Boys (@linnjo88) June 26, 2018
LIAM IS GOING TO BE ON A FLOAT AT LONDON PRIDE!!!
He is bringing awareness towards homless lgbtq +++ youth.
THIS IS HUGE, AND @LiamPayne DESERVES YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND YOUR PRAISE. pic.twitter.com/TK4gHzDNvT
Just a few years ago, this would have been unthinkable.
Ultimately, it's really great to see Liam involved in this sort of project. It sends out a great message to his fans. Just hopefully in future, he will be a little more educated when it comes to answering LGBTQ+ questions.