Recently, the TikTok podcast “Call Her Daddy” featured queer pop star Chappell Roan. Roan used the platform to voice opinions that left many wondering if her political performances are just phony.
Roan is known for her drag makeup looks, with outfits to match, and concert fits that do not fall short of this image. Some of her notable costumes include Lady Liberty and her Joan of Arc-inspired look.
During the 2024 election, Roan faced controversy for criticizing the Biden-Harris administration but quieting at mentions of the Trump-Vance administration. The backlash prompted her to post a TikTok, where she stated that she was voting for Kamala while repeatedly mispronouncing the presidential candidate’s name. For a woman who understandably makes a big deal about people saying her name incorrectly, one might think she would extend the same courtesy to others. Not to mention, mispronouncing a Black woman’s name is a microaggression in itself.
In mid-2024, Roan refused to perform at the White House because of her pro-Palestinian views. She also made an entire speech at the Grammys arguing for free healthcare for artists. Fans felt offended by Roan’s decision to appear on the podcast and condescendingly address the audience…
“How can girls tour, write, perform, interview, sleep, eat and f—— work out,” Roan said. “And lead a team and be a boss and pay people? And be f—— so politically educated. It’s impossible.”
Thousands of Americans struggle under Trump’s administration and work as hard as she does to survive. Many are parents who must constantly stay informed for their children’s sake as well. They are not afforded the privilege to be politically uneducated. She claims to advocate for the people in her community, but they also feel the impact of the same politics she can ignore. While Roan identifies as a lesbian, she is white, so she does not experience the same challenges faced by people of color in this political climate. That reason alone gives her voice the potential to be extremely powerful.
Chappell Roan is right to say that we should not be looking to her for political answers. However, it is idiotic for her to build her entire platform on political activism and then become upset when her fans still hold her to that level. The ability of Roan to pick what she wants from trans and queer culture yet ignore the political side behind these actions exemplifies white activism at its finest. She used her platform to take advantage of a system that oppresses others. When that was no longer beneficial to her, she left it behind.
