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Is Ariana Grande Exploiting the Gay Community?

Read Ariana Grande's response.

Ariana Grande

Broadimage/Shutterstock

It's recently been announced that Ariana Grande will be headlining Manchester pride, a development that's significantly increased ticket prices. Considering Grande, as far as anyone knows, identifies as straight, many people took issue with this news. In response, Grande tweeted the following:

— (@)

As we've mentioned before, Grande knows how to play the industry game and play it well. And while it's possible she recognized an opportunity to exploit an important section of her fan base for financial gain, it's also possible she genuinely wants to celebrate a community that's important to her in a city that holds great significance for her, given the 2017 Manchester arena terror attack that took place at her concert, . She is also correct in saying that she is not the first straight artist to perform at a pride festival, and in those cases, the artists faced very little backlash. So, given Grande's ongoing support of the LGBTQ+ community (she even once said, "I don't know what it is, but it seems like gay people are a lot more pleasant and more individual than most people"), why are people so upset that she's headlining pride?

It's likely that people are suspicious of the singer's intentions because she has already been accused of making a fortune off the exploitation of black culture. People have alleged that she uses a "blaccent," has darkened her skin, and appropriated hip hop sound and culture for the benefit of her career. Is it possible she's doing the same with LGBTQ+ culture? Is she hoping to become a gay icon without having to internalize any of the trauma and hardship that can come with being gay? Is this something fans should accept? The issue raises many questions about who should be allowed to represent a community and whether it's really anyone's choice in the first place. If Ariana Grande happens to have a lot of fans who identify as members of a certain community, who's to say she shouldn't be allowed to celebrate them when given the opportunity? Regardless of your stance on the issue, one thing is clear: the phenomenon of Ariana Grande isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

Brooke Ivey Johnson is a Brooklyn based writer, playwright, and human woman. To read more of her work visit her blog or follow her twitter @BrookeIJohnson.

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Ariana Grande

All you need to know

peopledotcom.files.wordpress.com

Full Name: Ariana Grande-Butera

Date of Birth: June 26, 1993

Born: Boca Raton, FL

Occupation: Singer, actress

Status: Single

Children: 0

From Sitcom Sweetie to Pop Powerhouse

Television paved the way to where pop princess Ariana Grande is today. Time spent slaying it on the small screen was a launching pad to her rise to the top, and the fans Grande has acquired since the start have stuck by her side. As a teen, the brunette beauty became a household name starring in popular shows including Victorious and Sam & Cat. Her contagious charm and on-screen relatability made her a hit among the tween set, but Grande had grander goals, leading her to leave television and pursue a career in music.

A Diva in the Making

Those pipes. That stage presence. The hits. With a voice so amazing it's hard to believe exists in nature, Grande's gift only gets greater with time. From Yours Truly to Sweetener and song after song, Grande's music makes fans go wild. Ballads that break us down to beats that bring us to our feet, Grande's music is modern and designed for us to give in to our guilty pleasures. And when she chooses to collab on songs like "Bang Bang," she brings the best in the biz together in perfect harmony.

Terror in Manchester

Grande was going about her business, entertaining an arena of fans who couldn't be more thrilled about seeing their favorite star take the stage. But May 22, 2017 was a day they'll never forget, and not for the reasons they would have ever imagined. England's Manchester Arena was attacked – a suicide bombing which killed 23 people and injured more than 100 more. The incident took place just at the end of Grande's concert and was deemed an act of terrorism. As a tribute to those who lost their lives in this senseless tragedy, her latest album, Sweetener sends a heartfelt message to the victims. As per The Verge, "Grande was left feeling 'broken' and reportedly struggled for months after the bombing. She explores some of these feelings through Sweetener's ninth track, 'breathin,' which is about coping with her anxiety after the attack."

A Whirlwind Romance…and a Swift Split

Pete Davidson Photo by DFree - Shutterstock

It wasn't long ago that Grande and SNL star Pete Davidson shocked the world with their out-of-the-blue engagement. The singer had dated the late Mac Miller for years before hooking up with the comedian. But just four months after the young couple became engaged, they again made headlines by calling it off. Whether they give it another go is uncertain, but they're both in their 20s with plenty of time to focus on "other fish in the sea."

Next for Grande?

She's a twenty-something, multi-talented trendsetter. Her music makes millions and her fans are devoted to the mini-diva. If this level of success can be reached at such a young age, the future is Grande's for the taking. She may not walk down the aisle anytime soon as planned, but who need to be a "Mrs." when you're a singular sensation?

Melissa A. Kay is a New York-based writer, editor, and content strategist. Follow her work on Popdust as well as sites including TopDust, Chase Bank, P&G, Understood.org, The Richest, GearBrain, The Journiest, Bella, TrueSelf, Better Homes & Gardens, AMC Daycare, and more.

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