OUT ON THE HILL is the official blog of the Victory Congressional Interns. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Learn more about the internship at victoryinstitute.org/vci.
———————————–
Who is a “BRAT”? She’s “That girl who is a little messy, likes to party, and maybe says some dumb things.” On July 21st, 2024, Charli XCX, a British pop singer, tweeted, “Kamala IS brat.” In the aftermath of this tweet, the political world erupted. KamalaHQ and other Democratic political outlets embraced this endorsement from Gen Z’s anointed gay icon, Charli XCX. Since then, Vice President Kamala Harris’s campaign has embraced this endorsement wholeheartedly by posting “BRAT” related memes and changing their Twitter banner to the “BRAT” branded chartreuse.
On the other hand, FOX News commentators attempted to harness this designation as an indictment. The conservative establishment did not understand the significance that this message carried for the gay community. To the gays, girls, and young progressively minded, “BRAT” represented a gay renaissance. The designation of Kamala Harris as “BRAT” was an endorsement of the first African American, Asian American woman to be at the head of a major party ticket.
During my Congressional internship, a moment of intergenerational exchange highlighted the significance of LGBTQ+ representation in political messaging. Senior staffers in my office, intrigued by the memes circulating around Presidential nominee Kamala Harris, asked me to explain what the album “BRAT” by Charli XCX symbolized and why it held importance for the gay community. This conversation bridged a generational gap and underscored the influential role of LGBTQ+ individuals and our allies in the political landscape.
This exchange also highlighted the increasing visibility and influence of the LGBTQ+ community in recent elections. In the 2020 elections, LGBTQ+ voters were crucial in determining outcomes, particularly in key swing states. As nearly 1/3 of Generation Z identifies as LGBTQ+, it becomes clear how our community’s engagement and mobilization efforts were pivotal in advocating for candidates and policies that support equality and justice. This trend is a testament to our resilience and growing political power.
The collective efforts of LGBTQ+ individuals and our allies create a formidable force for change. In explaining the cultural significance of “BRAT” to senior staffers in my office, I conveyed the broader message that the LGBTQ+ community is an essential and culturally significant part of the electorate. As we look ahead to future elections, it is crucial to continue building on this momentum. Ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices are heard and represented in all levels of government is vital for advancing our rights and addressing the unique challenges we face. Music, culture, and personal stories can all be powerful tools in fostering understanding and driving political engagement.
My experience of explaining “BRAT” by Charli XCX to my office reminded me of the importance of representation and the power of the LGBTQ+ community in shaping the engagement of a growing queer electorate. As we continue to advocate for our rights and engage in the democratic process, our influence will only grow stronger, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable society.
As I enter the final days of my Congressional internship, I remind myself of the importance of injecting queer joy into all spaces. Interpreted as silly and misunderstood by anti-LGBTQ forces, these cultural symbols represent a uniting force for the queer community in this generation—a force of solidarity.
