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In before I start seeing people bitching about rainbow capitalism MY favorite rainbow capitalism story is about Subaru. Yes the Japanese car company.

In the nineties, they were struggling. They were competing with a dozen other companies targeting the main demographic at the time: white men ages 18-35, especially after a failed luxury car launch with a new ad agency. “What we need is to focus on niche demographics,” they decided, and then focused on people who enjoyed the outdoors. The Subaru was excellent at driving on dirt roads that many other vehicles couldn’t at the time, so it was perfect for all those off-road campers; they started making all-wheel drive standard in all their cars to help with that. And the people who wanted cars to go do outdoor stuff? Lesbians.

Okay. Of course it wasn’t only lesbians buying Subarus. They’re on the list with educators, health-care professionals, and IT people. But the point is, this Japanese car company interviewed this strange demographic (single, female head of household) and realized one important factor: They were lesbians. They liked to be able to use the cars to go do outdoorsy stuff, and they liked that they could use the cars to haul stuff rather than a big truck or van. Subaru had a choice to make then. They had four other demographics they could market to, after all–the educators, the health-care professionals, IT professionals, and straight outdoorsy couples. Their company didn’t hinge on this one “problematic” demographic.

And they decided “fuck it,” and marketed to lesbians anyway. This included offering benefits to American gay and lesbian employees for their domestic partners, so it didn’t look like a cash grab. (This was not a problem. They already offered those in Canada.)

Yes, there was some backlash. They got letters from a grassroots group accusing them of promoting homosexuality, and every letter said they’d no longer be buying from Subaru. “You didn’t buy from us before, either,” Subaru realized, and ignored them. It helped that the team really cared about the plan, and that they had many straight allies to back them up. There was also some initial backlash when Subaru hired women to play a lesbian couple in the commercial, but they quickly found that lesbians preferred more subtlety; “XENA LVR” on a license plate, or bumper stickers with the names of popular LGBTQ+ destinations, or taglines of “Get out. Stay out.” that could be used for the outdoors–or the closet.

Subaru said “We see you. We support you.” They sponsored Pride parades and partnered with Rainbow Card and hired Martina Navratilova as spokeswoman. They put their money where their mouth is and went into it whole hog. In a time where companies did not want to take our money, Subaru said, “Why not? They’re people who drive.” And that was groundbreaking.

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walk in your rainbow paradise

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I just finished watching BBC’s Freddie Mercury: The Final Act and I wanted to share this particular clip, as well as some lines that made me pause and think of a lot of things in general.

“I’ve heard people say to me, ‘Oh, but Freddie denied he was homosexual.’ No, he didn’t. Look at the interviews. Look at it. The NME asked him in 1978. They said, ‘Are you gay?’ And he said, ��As a daffodil, dear!” That is not a man denying his sexuality. But the funny thing is, people didn’t really heart it.” — Brian May, Queen

"He didn't want to go into big discussions about his private life, really. But when Freddie did talk about it to me, he said, 'What I am is all in the songs.'" — David Wigg, Journalist

“This was one lie that I’d been kind of trying to tell people in my own way for years and years, and I don’t think I would have had the same career. My ego might not have been satisfied in some areas quite as much, but I think I would have been a happier man.” — George Michael

“The antidote to shame is light, isn’t it? Empathy. So if the secret stops being a secret, and everybody can see it, and you get some love and acceptance, that is powerful.” — Mark Pakianathan

Amazing documentary—definitely a must-watch.

And definitely reminded me of certain people.

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I completely agree with this post by @apparentlybychance and what I write below is from my perspective. My understanding comes from the perspective of someone who studied marketing since 2019, is a community manager and currently works in a marketing agency. 

You are not compelled to take everything I say as the real and only way to look at it, this is my opinion and I respect others as well.

It's clear that Louis needs a new marketing team, as the current one doesn't seem to be doing its job properly or, worse, doesn't even seem to understand what they're doing. Their attempts to divert attention to topics such as his "fatherhood" or sexuality are way too obvious, while his music is poorly promoted. Many fans try to fill that gap by promoting his music organically, but it doesn't have much impact as we are not an enormous fandom and it's not our responsibility either. Moreover, the fan base shrinks with every failed "strategy", which generates disinterest, anger and abandonment of the fandom. This is also reflected in the organisation and promotion of their shows and music releases. 

The worrying thing is that this mismanagement is not new; it has been going on since the beginning of his solo career. Some justify this by saying that Louis prefers to be an underground/indie artist and be left alone with the usual fans, but that makes no sense, that's just a justification for the bad actions of his team. No artist seeks to stagnate or limit his growth. To advocate without questioning every decision of an artist's background doesn't mean being a "bad fan", and it is important to understand that questioning the strategy is not attacking the artist. 

It is frustrating to see that many fans believe that Louis doesn't really want to grow as an artist, which, again, makes no sense. The problem is the lack of planning and analysis on the part of his team, who act without foreseeing the long-term consequences. I don't understand this image they want to give him, because as a fan for years, this is not the Louis I grew up with. Maybe he's trying to distance himself from One Direction and avoid the mainstream stuff, which is admirable, but this kinda rude and distant image doesn't seem to align with his original (and real) essence. 

Those of us who work in marketing and communication have a different, more analytical and technical vision, which allows us to detect patterns and strategies (or the lack of them). This is not a justification to invalidate other opinions in any way, but to offer an informed perspective. With Louis, it is clear that there is no clear strategy. His team seems to improvise, as if every decision is made without a long-term plan, simply reacting in the moment.

The resurgence of the babygate stuff a few days ago is another example of this lack of planning. From the outset it seems to have been an idea launched without considering the consequences and, now that it has grown out of control, they don't know how to handle it or shut it down for good. This only creates more chaos as the years go by. The exposure of the child has been contradictory from the beginning: How can you justify wanting to protect his privacy when he was initially exposed so much by his whole family, from pregnancy onwards, and then included in the documentary "All of These Voices"? Nothing has any coherence if you analyse it at all.

As for the blocking on Twitter, it is hard to believe that Louis has blocked so many accounts without it being known beforehand. It's an absurd and ineffective tactic to manage the narrative of his public image. I agree with the post that "Louis and his team are no different. They like to use subtle tactics like blocking, following, unfollowing or general interactions on their social accounts (mainly X) to manage the narrative of their public image" as this is part of a strategy that has been carried over from One Direction, like when he tweeted "I am in fact straight" or "Larry is the biggest load of bullshit I've ever heard".

Or Another example we can name is this 2012 interaction with Rebecca Ferguson, where she expresses the overexploitation she was receiving and "Louis" replies "Success is impossible without proper hard work". That contradictory image does not fit with the Louis that many of us fans have known and followed for years. Why would an artist seek to lose fans and, therefore, limit his growth?

Over time, all this has made their actions feel fake and automated. As a fan, one ends up questioning and analysing every action from another perspective, as nothing seems genuine or truthful. His "Hope everyone is doing alright" tweets seem scripted and even programmed, lacking that closeness that used to exist. While we know that artists' social media accounts are controlled, the fan/artist connection remains crucial to maintaining public support and loyalty. When repetitive patterns and bad strategies accumulate, the authenticity of the artist is lost, turning him into a kind of "robot" with no control over his actions, which can end up damaging his image and damaging the relationship with his fans, often without him being fully aware of it. 

From a music marketing perspective, there are several key aspects that Louis' team seems to ignore. An effective marketing team should focus on  research and investigation of the audience, clearly identifying the artist's target audience, considering factors such as age, interests and content consumption platforms. The lack of consistent branding is evident, as Louis' public image doesn't appear to align with his musical and personal essence, leading to confusion.

A well-planned release strategy should include a pre-launch campaign with teasers, interviews and strategic collaborations, something that seems to be absent in most of his projects. In addition, multi-channel promotion is essential, using social media, interviews, streaming playlists and specialised press, without relying exclusively on fandom. A competent team should also focus on authentic storytelling, creating an emotional and genuine narrative to connect with the audience, rather than resorting to polemical tactics that distort his image.

Fan growth and retention is another key aspect. Good marketing seeks to expand the fan base while maintaining the interest of the current, as opposed to what appears to be happening. Finally, long-term planning is essential, with measurable goals and clear direction, rather than reactive and inconsistent decisions.

In conclusion, Louis' team is not managing his career professionally or effectively. Successful marketing requires planning, analysis and authenticity. His fans deserve a clear and respectful narrative, and he deserves a team that will really promote his music and his career. I hope that for LT3 we have a good promotion, that his team starts to get things right because I don't want his career to continue to suffer consequences from this, besides from his image to be ruined by the mismanagement of those working with him.

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Someone who is willingly closeted wouldn't do this. Wake up.

Thanks to @agintonicandyournumberplease for bringing this to my attention!

This is where Louis says: “If I had it my way” and in the background the article is about George Michael & his partner and you can clearly see “come out” and “his boyfriend” in the background…y’all…

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collection of chromogenic prints belonging to an unnamed gay couple in the 1970s (via)

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Gina, I want to tell you I have been reading your blog for a couple years now. I’ve never sent an ask to anyone. I first came into the fandom when I watched Harrychella and I thought hmm this man isn’t just flagging he is screaming at the top of his lungs. Then I watched the Cosmic Leeds videos and I fell down a rabbit hole. I am not someone who believes “conspiracy theories”. I am however old enough to know closeting has been proven to exist in the entertainment industry. I’m also from a rural area of the U.S. where homophobia is the norm, so unfortunately I had no trouble believing closeting still exists. I went into full information gathering mode about Larry Stylinson, but it was more than that too. I fell in love with 1D and all the boys’ solo work, especially Louis. I loved his voice, his songwriting, and his ‘real’ personality (when he allowed it to shine through all the media training). I read through every tumblr I could, you and Daisie provided a wealth of information that can not be ignored. I feel certain that Larry was real and I hope they are still together. I’m not one of those people who never doubted. It would be hard not to second guess things in this fandom with all the gaslighting that goes on. I write all of this to say that I’ve never felt so sad and like there is no hope for change as I do right now. It feels like Louis’ fandom is falling apart. There is so much division, hate, and intolerance of any idea that doesn’t conform to someone’s own. Louis pr strategy honestly baffles me. A divided fandom is so tiring. It seems less like pr and more like intentional sabatoge, which I guess it could be. I just don’t see any way out for him or Harry. I think Harry’s extended break is partly because of this too. I think he was overworked and emotionally drained for many reasons, but closeting most of all is exhausting. If I’m feeling this way as a fan I can’t imagine how they must be feeling. It breaks my heart. Sometimes I hope I am crazy and Larry was never real because the story is just too sad. Don’t even get me started on bbg because it is the shittiest situation ever. I think I need to take a step back from the fandom for a bit. But this brings me to my point. I’m pretty resilient, I can not be the only person feeling this way. It makes me so worried for Louis’ career and for both Louis and Harry’s mental health. I guess I don’t really have an ask. I just wanted to say thank you for all the information you have provided over the years. And, I needed to get this off my chest. If I posted this on twitter I would be roasted and I’m not strong enough for that right now. I meant it when I said I fell in love with their music, so I will continue to support all the boys. I’m hoping there is a master plan that will eventually set them free. But, I just keep coming back to the line

‘Said I had a plan for us Time had came and changed it all We had to disappear 'Cause nothing gets through here’

I will add one more thing. I believe there are more Larries than people think, but we are tired of the gaslighting and the hate, so many of us step back or hide. This is why the industry wins most of the time. 😥

Hi, sweetheart. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm sorry it feels so overwhelming right now. I do think taking a step back is probably really healthy for most of us. I've actually never seen the fandom in such shambles.

I don't know what Louis' plan is in terms of his fandom or his future plans. But I have dozens and dozens of sad, confused, and angry messages in my inbox, and that fucking sucks. I really don't see a way forward at the moment. I will say, though, that some of the upset stems from some people's tendency to lean into worst-case scenarios and amplify their own worries by jumping to conclusions. Then there are the shit-stirrers who try to make things worse by sending in fake receipts or theories. It's hard to stay grounded when there's insanity whirling around you.

As for Harry and Louis, I do tend to believe they're still together. I don't think their relationship has been as easy as many of us would like to believe – I don't think it could be, given their ages when they met and the conditions they've had to live with. I do think they're soulmates... soulmates don't always end up together, but I tend to think these two will make it. I certainly hope they do.

Our fandom never does well when the boys aren't active. I think if you want to get your sanity back, now is as good a time as any.

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Louis and team might want to consider people are huge fans of Louis not just because they like the music, but because they've liked HIM AS A PERSON. And that can change.

Warm, kind, accepting to all, humble, down to earth, funny, strategic, overlooked by the industry. The kind of person you go the extra mile to help.

He's gone out of his way to cultivate that image. "Who the fuck is gonna stop us?" "I need you and you need me and I fooking love that." Constantly saying "we" did that. Making himself accessible not just to rich kids. People in the industry saying he is genuine.

So going on a childish Twitter blocking spree of people who support you - gaslighting fans into feeling guilty for saying things you yourself have said over the years - encouraging targeted harassment of your primary supporters - and overall mean-spirited pettiness - severely tarnishes that image.

Once you lose a fan because they think you're a prick now, they're not coming back.

Also, no matter WHAT you do now, it will never erase what you already did and said that everyone knows to be true. But I will cmon and call you liar if you choose to be one.

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You say to me your jeans don't fit

You don't feel pretty and it's hard to miss

I wish that you could see my point of view

As someone staring back at you

On Friday night when we're all out

I turn to you and you're looking down

And you don't wanna dance

I know you love to dance

You never stop given half the chance

Just keep your head up, love, keep your head up

Don't hide away, don't ever change

Keep your head up, love, keep your head up

Don't look away, don't look away

'Cause everybody's looking at you now

My, oh my

I guess some queens don't need a crown

And I know why

Even when your tears are falling down

Still somehow

You're Perfect Now

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That face you make when you know that your tweet in the 2nd most retweeted tweet in the world, but no one is allowed to mention it…..

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that is LESBIAN BEHAVIOR

@princesslouist

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i loooove when ppl act like speculating about celebrities sexuality/relationships publicly on tumblr.com is bad. he’s not reading your blog, baby.

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hello marte, I think you are one of the few larries who thinks Louis is innocent" in this. I see many blogs that are really angry with him and I think they don't even trust what he says anymore, in my opinion I think Louis is sabotaging himself and I don't know why, I know he's still trapped in this but I don't understand why he continues to treat larries that way, most of them look disappointed and fed up with everything. I don't think they leave Larry but they look disappointed and tired, I would also get tired but I support Louis too much to leave him alone. I want to see what happens and what all this leads us to, but I think that what happened was more of the same but I still saw that if it damaged the relationship between Larries and Louis :( and it's very sad.

sorry if my english is bad :(

Hi, anon!

I don't think Louis is completly innocent in this, because i do think he's got some agency and say in what happens. It's just that his options are bad. He's dealt a shit hand. But i also think he could do more to better his own situation and endear himself to fans. Or at least do things differently. For example there was no excuse for how badly Louis and his team handled the Asia tour cancellation, the moving venue in Indonesia, and the whole Red Rocks situation. That's all on him and his management.

You shouldn't trust what Louis says ever. Why would you, he's been caught in lies for over a decade. If people haven't noticed the difference between the persona behind the twitter account and the real Louis, both in temper, kindness, appreciation of his lgbtqai+ fans and stance on larry, then they should open their eyes. His social media accounts are mouthpieces that's used to deny larry and prove he's a straight man and a lad.

I think your first cut is the deepest. If this is the first time you've experienced Louis like this, then i get that people are disappointed, angry and upset. It's far from the first time it's happened and it won't be the last. Either it makes people leave or it makes people stay. Some people stay for a while and then get fed up. A little event could be their last straw. Others like me have seen him much worse and have learned to live with it. It's not shocking, but expected behaviour at this point. It wont stop until it's all over and the gig is up.

Louis is a good person who does the best he can out of a shit situation. But he's also human and make mistakes out of ignorance. Either you accept his situation and know he's far from who he portrays himself to be, or you take everything at face value and realise that he's not worth stanning. I don't see an in between here. Either you get it or you don’t.

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This is why they stopped posting Freddie’s face. There’s a law in place now in California, that’ll protect children from social media exploitation. Effective Jan 1 2025 the Clark‘s will have to pay the kid a percentage of any money generated from social media content. (https://www.dglaw.com/californias-new-laws-will-change-the-way-marketers-engage-child-influencers/#:~:text=This%20newly%20enacted%20legislation%20requires,access%20when%20they%20reach%20adulthood)

Oh wow! That’s very interesting. I wished similar laws were in place everywhere.

„Child performer“ is an appalling term, but it’s exactly what it is, isn’t it?

@twopoppies Have you heard about this law?

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Louis himself put that poor child in the documentary, shown worlwide, and this is everything I have to say.

I don't know what game they are playing, I have no clue what kind of narrative they are longing for (if there's actually any and that's not just a game to gain followers or to throw Larries under the bus once again) but I don't even care at this point, honestly.

That's ridiculous and embarassing as fuck, if I can say that. I feel like watching an horror kind of "Truman show".

And IF (capital letters because I know that's not gonna happen in any form, but let's pretend it for just a second) this is some kind of narrative meant to lean to the end of this abominious stunt, it's late. I mean, it's never too late, but it's still late for that poor child. The psicological damages that boy has to face with will accompany him for the rest of his life. I really do hope he will find a way to cope with them, as much as I hope he will sue everyone's ass off as soon as he will be the right age to do that (starting with his own parents).

And it's late for us Larries too. Our relationship with Louis is forever damaged. He could amend in the future, and we will may forgive him because, in the end, we love him (I still do) and we know he is a victim of the system too, but the consequences of his mistreatment towards us will stay. We will always be on guard, expecting the moment he will throw us under the bus once again, out of the blue. We won't fully trust him anymore, not completely, if you know what I mean.