This week, Billboard detailing why Ariana Grande is the “gay icon of her generation” and Twitter users have had some pretty mixed reactions.
The article gives eight reasons why the pop singer is deserving of the title, including her support of her openly gay brother, Frankie Grande.
“It’s outrageous to me when I see people hate on someone because of their sexuality. I hate the intolerance. I hate the judgment. I hate it so much. Most of my favourite people in my life are gay,” Grande said during an interview with Ryan Murphy.
“It’s something I’m super passionate about, because whenever I would see my friends get bullied, or my brother get hurt for his sexuality, I would become a raging lunatic. I would literally become a raging lunatic because I just can’t take it.”
Billboard also lists her “campy gay fantasy” video for "Break Free", her sampling of Diana Ross in "Break Your Heart Right Back" and her on-point Celine Dion impression.
The list pays tribute to her appearance at New York Pride in 2015 where she performed Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman" and "Vogue" by Madonna— as well as her recent One Love Manchester benefit concert where she performed the classic gay anthem, "Over the Rainbow".
Ariana Grande performs at the One Love Manchester tribute concert in Manchester, north western England, Sunday, June 4, 2017. (AP) Source: Dave Hogan via AP
Some fans have praised Billboard’s assessment, but many believe that because the star is straight, she doesn’t deserve the title.
While other fans have argued that Grande’s status as an LGBT+ ally and her advocacy work justify her being recognised as an icon to the community.
