Taylor Swift’s latest music video, “Lavender Haze,” has been getting a lot of buzz and for good reason. The video, which was directed by the 11-time Grammy-winning singer herself, stars the talented trans model, activist, and singer, Laith Ashley, as Swift’s love interest.
For those who have seen the video, you’ll understand why Ashley is thrilled to have been a part of such a groundbreaking moment for LGBTQ+ representation. In an interview with BuzzFeed News, Ashley said, “Having a trans person just being in love on screen, it’s humanizing trans people. We deserve to exist. We deserve to take up space in society. We will always exist regardless of anti-trans propaganda.”
Ashley also shared that being a part of Taylor Swift’s music video was a dream role for him and he couldn’t stop smiling even though he was nervous. He added that the video is “so important” for trans visibility and has received messages from thousands of trans people around the world who are grateful for the representation.
Taylor Swift herself gushed about the video and Ashley in a social media post, calling Ashley “incredible” and writing, “There is my incredible co-star [Laith Ashley] who I absolutely adored working with.” Ashley thanked Swift for the opportunity and said it was an experience he’ll never forget.
The “Lavender Haze” music video is not only a beautiful work of art but a celebration of diversity, acceptance, liberty, and freedom. And we need to see more of that. What do you guys think of the video? Let me know in the comments!