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anonymous hopes and concerns of modern day teenagers
We both have a crush on Regina George: Chappell Roan, Mean Girls, and the Rise of Sapphic pop culture by Mira Lemstrom Note - this article features celebrities who have confirmed their sexuality on their own terms. I do not condone the overanalysis of behavior that sometimes comes with speculation about an artist’s sexuality, which is a fluid and personal topic. Coming out is a nerve wracking thing to do, especially in the limelight, so best practice would be to keep your theories off of the internet. !Like many queer people, I interpret many lyrics to be gay when they may not be; the harm comes when rumors are spread and a celeb may be forced to come out early. Indie pop singer Chappell Roan’s 2022 single Naked In Manhattan is a powerful tune about a friends-to-lovers relationship, as told by the lyric “an inch away from more than just friends.” Not-so-subtly sapphic, this song uses classic girlhood references to show Roan’s first experience having feelings towards another girl. One such reference comes in the second verse with the lyric “Mean Girls, we watch it every night/and we both have a crush on Regina George” This couplet represents not only the quintessential experience of teenage slumber parties spent viewing 2000s movies, but also the lesbian nature of the song. While neither Mean Girls nor the other experiences Naked In Manhattan alludes to are explicitly queer, they are sometimes regarded as such in the community, and for awhile, were all we could get. However, with the release of the Mean Girls movie musical and the fame of many up-andcoming lesbian and bisexual artists, it seems that Sapphic pop culture has become more mainstream as of late.
In Mean Girls (2024), Regina George is played by Renee Rapp, the Jimmy award winning Broadway actress turned pop star. Despite internet speculation, Regina George is not scripted as gay, but to much of the community, the undertones of the movie suggested that was a part of it. During the song Meet The Plastics, Cady Heron is entranced by Regina George, maybe in a way that has to do with a little more than Regina’s social stature. In an interview with Gay Times, Rapp said “This is also a cast of so many gays, hello? If you’re putting really sick gay and queer people into a cast, it’s inherently going to be gay and very cool, which I think is really exciting.” Though Cady’s maybe-more-than-friends obsession with Regina is not scripted, the proudly queer cast members made the movie feel like it was a plot point. Renee has always been open about her queerness, and recently came out as lesbian on Saturday Night Live. Janis, who is played by the openly queer Auli'i Cravalho, is canonically a lesbian (at last!) and is shown with a girl by her side at the Spring Fling. Renee wrote a song for the movie with Megan Thee Stallion, who has previously hinted about being bisexual. Not My Fault, referencing the iconic Cady Heron quote “You know it's not my fault you're like in love with me or something,” plays during the credits of the 2024 film. In the song, this quote is brought into a new light with lyrics like “kiss a blonde, kiss a friend,” and “can a gay girl get an amen.” Though this song only came on during the after the movie, hearing these lyrics in a cinema was so important to me for visibility purposes. Renee Rapp has other similarly queer songs, and is currently on tour for her album Snow Angel. Her coming out on SNL and proudly singing her mainstream songs about being gay is iconic and extremely important to the Sapphic community, but she isn't the only one to do so.
Undoubtedly one of the most influential people in the world right now is Taylor Swift. Taylor has not come out as gay (despite numerous fan theories) and is dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Though she is not queer, with her record-breaking and ongoing Eras tour, you’d be hard pressed to talk about pop culture without mentioning honorary PhD recipient Swift. On said tour, Dr. Swift had a host of up and coming pop stars as openers, like Gracie Abrams, Sabrina Carpenter, and more. Many of her openers identify as queer, and their careers have skyrocketed with her endorsement. These singers include Phoebe Bridgers (who was already an indie superstar), boygenius, MUNA, Beabadoobee, and Girl in Red. Beabadoobee identifies as bisexual and Girl in Red as queer. All three members of the supergroup boygenius are queer, including Phoebe Bridgers. Similarly, all bandmates in MUNA are queer, with two using she/they pronouns and one using they/them. All of these artists are extremely deserving of their fame, and a good amount of the exposure is due to opening for Taylor Swift. They were all openly queer before being recruited by Swift, one sign of the industry’s movement in a positive direction. Another it girl of pop music is Olivia Rodrigo. In a similar case to Swift, Rodrigo is not openly queer, but has recruited proudly Sapphic artists to open for her GUTS tour beginning this spring. Remi Wolf and Chappell Roan are both out and proud, with Wolf identifying as bisexual and Roan as queer. The 90s alternative rock band The Breeders will also be joining the GUTS world tour, a band that has always inspired LGBTQ+ artists. Wolf has two songs that stick out to me as being inherently queer, Cake and Sally. Almost all of Roan’s songs stick out to me in this manner; even if they aren't directly sapphic like Red Wine Supernova and Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, they are drag-queen inspired like Pink Pony Club and Femininomenon. With the GUTS tour, I am excited to see up-and-coming these pop girlies’ fame skyrocket, propelling even more unabashedly Sapphic tunes into the mainstream.
RED STRING CLUB CONNECTION
i think we are Interlinked maybe that’s why i’m so interested in the red string Protruding out of my sweater the wool unwinding tied around my finger and theirs Destined maybe not now but Sometime xoxo, Red String
RED STRING CLUB MUSIC ANALYSIS & AURA
NOVEMBER 2023-JANUARY 2024 playlists on spotify: red string magazine
11/2023 the weather is changing. maybe that’s why the mood is becoming more lax (at least in your november song rotation). like a night drive, be reminded of the peace as we analyze what about your songs give off the peaceful music aura of green. Originally a folky acoustic of Paul McCartney rendered into an R&B style of music. Like a late-night drive, this song doesn’t remind you of the chaos that your life may be. It’s calm, peaceful, and refreshing. There is no rush hour, no traffic, no stress. You can just be the way you want to be. “The Kiss of Venus (Dominic Fike)” by Paul McCartney Recommended by Jiselle Natividad
This song speaks of where our mind goes at desperate & and messy times, when our minds slip away to disconnect, falling in and out of reality. This strange yet soothing feeling is like those moments of disconnection as the seasons change. Remember to let yourself free sometimes and find your inner peace as times change. “Crescent-Shaped Depression by Title Fight Recommended by Lindsey Gu
The color green symbolizes peace, harmony along with optimism. Tyler, The Creator is the embodiment of this harmony and peace. “Potato Salad” emphasized his unique yet relaxing style of music that we believe has a green aura perfect for the soothing moments we all need during busy times. “Potato Salad” by Tyler,The Creator Recommended by Anthony Andreozzi
12/2023
bye 2023. ending a year results in inevitable nostalgia. the red string club tended to listen to slower, sentimental songs in december 2023. that’s why this month’s aura is sepia, the color of film and nostalgia
This song, 'Steeam,' is sung by Shelly, a musical group with member Clairo. She is one of the many artists known for 'bedroom pop,' using subdued vocals focusing on the intimacy of the song rather than studio production. We at Red String believe this is the perfect way to end the year. Along with 'Sepia,' our aura of the month, the end of the year is a time to recall memories and nostalgic moments throughout the years. Before the chaos of a new year and new goals, take time to sit and recollect with this song. “Steeeam” by Shelly Recommended by Red String staff
There is always more after the end. Always a new year. A new morning. Always new growth, goals, and gains. Always a changing world. With such consistency in passing phases don't become inconsistent and as you reflect on past experiences always pursue your goals. Never give up. “Always” by Daniel Caesar Recommended by Jeremy Broad-Wright
Sepia is a color of film and nostalgia. Similarly, “Mamma Mia” is a comfort film for many especially because of the hit songs sung by the Swedish band ABBA. As moments pass don't let the moment slip through your fingers. Don't give any opportunities to let those who truly love you slip away. Remember the joy in connections and don't forget to love those around you. “Slipping Through My Fingers” by ABBA Recommended by Red String staff
01/2024 this month is about fresh starts with a music aura of coral. check out our spotify playlist “we are fated for fresh starts” with our team’s song recommendations and was on your repeat
The warmth of a “pool side convo” is a great way to start the year. Self Control by Frank Ocean gives off the coral aura of pink and orange hues because you simultaneously feel the emotional depth and melancholy of Frank Ocean’s voice. In 2024, we hope you have more deep “pool side convos” but won’t forget the bittersweet nature of growth when “you used to live a blonded life”
“Self Control” by Frank Ocean Recommended by Jeremy Broad-Wright
Coral is vibrant and uplifting just like the melody of this early 2000s hit. The positive nature of Unwritten definitely can fix a bad day with its catchy chorus. We hope for more upbeat days in this year and you have the right mindset starting January with fun in your playlist.
“Unwritten” by Natasha Bedingfield Recommended by Elle Smith
Whether you grew up to this song or discovered it on its recent trending on Tiktok, we are glad you like it because this song is the epitome of dancing in the kitchen like no one is watching. We think this has a coral aura because it has such an optimistic tune. Walking On A Dream has us looking forward to now and the future and let that be the same for you while you listen to this.
“Walking On A Dream” by Empire Of The Sun Recommended by Red String staff
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