2017 was a rollercoaster year for the LGBTQ+ community with bearers and overcomings all in one. Seeing as it was quite a year Hayley Kiyoko and her stans were ready for a change and at the beginning of the year they claimed 2018 as their own and dubbed it #20gayteen.
While there is much effort still needed, here are 18 highlights showing representation, pride, and wins already for #20gayteen in the media and why you should be here to support it!
1. Hayley Kiyoko Declared it… So it is. #20gayteen
On the first day of the year, she claimed 2018 for herself, her stans, and the LGBTQ+ community. Not only did she dub this year for the LGBTQ+ community, she informally took on the title of "Lesbian Jesus" and leader of the #20gayteen movement.
2. Hayley Kiyoko Album
Her first contribution, her very own album. Expectations were released on March 30, 2018
3. Hayley Kiyoko Tour
Not too far after the release of her album she released the dates for the North American part of her "Expectations" Tour.
Hayley's achievements aren't the only indicators that 20gayteen has arrived
4. Troye Sivan
Not only is Troye Sivan on the cover and featured in numerous magazine spreads, he is headlining two Pride Showcases alongside other artists, showing social media and all of his followers how amazing it is to be unapologetically yourself.
5. "What I Need" Hayley Kiyoko ft. Kehlani
Kehlani and Hayley Kiyoko came together on Hayley's Expectation's album to produce this banger. Not only that but it has also been dubbed another lesbian anthem as Kehlani is openly bisexual and Hayley is openly Lesbian.
6. Kehlani and Demi's Kiss
Demi and Kehlani both identify as openly bisexual, during Demi's last set on her TMYLM Tour Kehlani came out onstage as a surprise where the two then shared a kiss and a "sensual" dance. Their stans were overjoyed, to say the least #kehmi and #demlani was given life.
7. Gay Cinema
If you haven't seen these movies now is the time. "Moonlight" won three Academy Awards and "Call Me by Your Name" was nominated for four Oscars (winning one). Love, Simon won $49.6 million in box office dollars and is an extremely popular mainstream movie. "Love, Simon" isn't the only LGBTQ friendly movie making headlines, recently "Blockers" is also being recognized for its efforts of support!
8. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe did not come to play in 20gayteen. She dropped the music videos for "Django Jane" and "Make Me Feel" on the same day. "Make Me Feel" becoming instantly a bisexual anthem as she portrays a love triangle where her two interests are of opposite sexes and "Django Jane" becoming forever iconic as she spits straight bars and pulls of rhyming P*ssy riot with P*ssy diet. On top of that, she recently released "PYNK" which has been claimed as yes another lesbian anthem in which she sings her love for the female genitalia.
9. HONEY
Kehlani dropped Honey in 2017, but the effects are still here and so is this lesbian anthem.
10. Prom-posals
The year has not only sparked ideas this prom season but it has given motivation and courage to "love out loud" because yes it is 20gayteen!!!
11. Universal Love Album
In this album consisting of six songs, pronouns are flipped or singers reverse traditional roles in order to change and promote classic love songs as LGBTQ anthems. It is pioneered by Kesha and Bob Dylan. It is funded by the MGM Resorts International.
12. Lena Waithe and Jackie Woodson
Not only was Lena Waithe (actor, producer, screenwriter) on the cover of Vanity Fair but her interview was done by writer, Jacqueline Woodson! Both women identify as lesbian.
13. Sonya Deville and Finn Balor
The two big supporters demonstrated efforts in promoting the LGBTQ community at Wrestlemania recently. Sonya Deville is the first openly gay woman in the WWE family and Finn Balor sported a rainbow themed outfit whilst being accompanied by members of the LGBTQ community during his entrance.
14. Kesha
Not only does Kesha help pioneer the Universal Love album, but she recently married a same-sex couple as well!
15. Cara Delevingne and Paris Jackson
Paris Jackson and Cara Delevingne gave everyone the romance they never knew they needed.
16. "Riverdale"
"Riverdale" on CW is a known supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. They have shown multiple scenes and relationships featuring same-sex couples. More recently main Characters Toni and Cheryl rebelled against what was to be therapy for Cheryl in order to "fix her" by sharing a kiss in front of said conversion movie.
17. Joseph Galliamo
According to Buzzfeed Author and Editor Joseph Galliamo is planning to open the largest LGBTQ Museum in London. It will have a broad spectrum of features including all-inclusive history for all races, genders, and orientations.
18. Coachella
