Chappell Roan Sparks Debate on White Feminism and Performative Allyship
Pop sensation Chappell Roan has set the internet ablaze—not just with her bold persona and unapologetic lyrics, but also with the broader implications of her public image within queer culture and feminist discourse. Roan, who has cultivated a devoted LGBTQ+ fanbase with her theatrical performances and camp aesthetic, is often hailed as a rising queer icon. However, her approach to activism—or lack thereof—has sparked discussions about the limitations of white feminism in contemporary pop culture.
Roan’s embrace of queer culture, from her drag-inspired performances which she credits to Black trans women and ballroom culture, to her overtly campy visuals, has drawn comparisons to pop legends like Lady Gaga and Madonna. Yet, some critics argue that her engagement with queer culture remains primarily aesthetic, lacking deeper political commitment. While she frequently celebrates LGBTQ+ communities through her art, she has yet to take strong stances on pressing political issues that directly impact these communities, such as anti-trans legislation, voter suppression, or healthcare access. She said on the Call Her Daddy podcast that it’s too much work to be on tour, write music, and be politically informed—although many celebrities and even ordinary people who make a fraction of her income can do so. With this statement, she seems to be backsliding on what she stands for. Moreover, many fans are upset that she credits Black women for her success, yet has done nothing to support them and was proudly pronouncing Kamala Harris’ name wrong.
This has led to accusations of performative allyship—a critique often leveled at white pop stars who profit from queer culture without actively advocating for queer rights. Some fans have pointed out that while Roan expresses gratitude toward her LGBTQ+ fanbase, she rarely uses her platform to push for tangible change, leading to questions about whether her brand of feminism and queerness is more about optics than activism.
The conversation surrounding Roan also taps into broader frustrations with mainstream white feminism. While she presents a bold and rebellious image, her brand of feminism largely centers on personal empowerment rather than collective struggle. Critics argue that her lack of engagement with racial justice, class struggles, and systemic inequality reflects the same blind spots that have long plagued white feminist icons in pop culture, like Miley Cyrus during her Bangerz era and Taylor Swift's silence on political issues.
Moreover, some fans have noted that when white women like Roan embrace queerness in highly stylized ways, they are often praised and celebrated, whereas queer artists of color—who have been pushing the boundaries of gender and sexuality for decades—continue to face industry barriers and lack the same level of recognition. This raises questions about who gets to be seen as a queer icon and how race and privilege shape the reception of artists in LGBTQ+ spaces.
Ultimately, Roan’s image as a queer pop sensation has sparked an important discussion—not just about her music and persona, but about the broader landscape of white feminism in pop culture. If she wants to solidify her status as more than just an aesthetic icon, she may need to reckon with the expectations of an audience that craves not just visibility, but meaningful advocacy.
