That putting Swift's struggles with online haters and the LGBTQ+ community’s struggles with systemic bigotry under the same lyrical umbrella is reductive. Critics point out that homophobia isn't shade. The candy-colored bits of progress are not without tonal issues, though. Some of its lines-like 'shade never made anybody less gay'-are already being printed on T-shirts, and will be belted all Pride month long, as they are clearly meant to be. (Donations to GLAAD have spiked since the song's release.) Swift and erstwhile nemesis Katy Perry buck tradition and do not literally kiss to make up. It's packed with queer celebrities of many racial, sexual, and gender identities it highlights real activism and the Equality Act, and, because of Swift's platform, makes news stories of them both. Many are celebrating the video because it approaches something like allyship, especially for a pop song. Now, genuine reasons to celebrate or scorn 'You Need to Calm Down' do exist.
