People think Prince George looks fabulous in this new photo
Prince George has become a gay icon overnight – at least, that’s what some people – sorry, his subjects – are saying on Twitter.
The monarch-to-be has always been cute and well-dressed, but one day before his fourth birthday, a photo of him excitedly holding his face changed everything.
Prince George is already a bigger gay icon to me than Boy George. pic.twitter.com/i1FM0jh4Vv
— Nathan Beard (@nathansbeard) July 21, 2017
The picture in question shows the prince on board a helicopter, staring at another helicopter in sheer awe.
The genuine expression of joy and surprise lights up the child’s face, as he contentedly takes in the view.
The image of the prince expressing his happiness in this way led many to declare their support of George for a whole new position: gay icon.
Prince George is the most unlikely gay icon of the year— Kevin ✨ (@kevr1990) July 22, 2017
Me walking past the Barbies at Toys'R'Us as a child. pic.twitter.com/xcRO85CF8Z— Josh (@J_Manasa) July 23, 2017
When Mom said I could finally quit the soccer team pic.twitter.com/K3jLMEtDWE— ᴍɪᴄʜᴀᴇʟ sᴡᴀʀᴛᴢ (@MrMichaelSwartz) July 21, 2017
literally only praying for this world to be saved so lil Prince George can ascend the throne and become the first gay ass King of England
— JamesMichael Nichols (@JMN) July 22, 2017
Guys what if Prince George is gay and it causes a constitutional crisis? pic.twitter.com/vlb6q4QqKC— Jason Toups (@jasonptoups) July 22, 2017
Prince George is definitely going to be gay — Mark Jolley (@MrMarkJolley) July 22, 2017
Do we have our first openly gay royal?? ️ #princegeorge #princeturnsfour #RoyalVisitGermany pic.twitter.com/pvXkqmSH6L— Giselle (@G_legalPR) July 21, 2017
I hope Prince George turns out to be gay— Dan (@spacezoots) July 22, 2017
There are of course those who say that any discussion of the prince’s sexuality is premature, but this isn’t about his sexuality.
As Madonna, Lady Gaga, the Babadook and yes, even Ariana Grande have shown, you don’t have to be gay or even have a defined sexuality to be an LGBT icon.
How valid this is will continue to be an ongoing discussion, but this is how many see it.
And if some want to view Prince George in that light – even humorously – in a culture which isn’t exactly overwhelmed with LGBT representation, it’s hard to see what’s wrong with that.
It’s also important to spread awareness that heterosexuality or stereotypical masculinity isn’t a default.
You only think assigning camp to that Prince George photo is homophobic if you think that being gay or being effeminate is wrong.
— Michael Richardson (@HRFMichael) July 24, 2017
Kids are born with a sexuality, and should be encouraged to find it without it being assumed that they’re straight.
Earlier this year, the Daily Express revealed – horrified and breathless – that Prince George could be taught ballet at his new preschool.
Hopefully his parents will encourage him to follow his own path, whether or not that involves ballet or any other stereotypically female pursuit.
Because as we all know, there’s nothing wrong with being feminine, whatever your gender.
When you say things like “let kids be kids” the presumption here is that the default in prince george’s case masculine and straight.
— Daniel Klein (@DanielKlein425) July 25, 2017
Note: This article has been edited to provide greater clarity.