That’s why I am me,” he said.Ĭonsidering that those who self-identify as LGBTQ only make up 4.5% of the population in the U.S as of 2017, it confirms how identifying or showcasing LGBTQ+ ‘tendencies’ is still not in the bounds of ‘normalcy’ in America as evident in the questioning of Mendes’ and Spongebob’s sexual orientation.īecause being heterosexual is not only accepted, it is - to an extent - still expected as it translates when fans and media consumers do not point out ‘straightness’ or ‘straight tendencies.’
“I thought, ‘You fucking guys are so lucky I’m not actually gay and terrified of coming out.Maybe I am a little more feminine - but that’s the way it is. This was definitely the case for Canadian singer, Shawn Mendes, who reiterated his sexual orientation and defended his “feminine” side in 2018 after he was accused of being gay in a Rolling Stone interview according to Pride:
There is a hyper-focusing of late on the sexual orientations of celebrities and fictional characters from fans and media consumers.Īny inkling of queerness suspected in public figures and fictional characters is quick to be pointed out by viewers and fans.
