Thread by @_ksl

THREAD: As a person who spends, um, a lot of time thinking about Taylor Swift, some thoughts on her Bredesen endorsement. instagram.com/p/BopoXpYnCes/…

1. She definitely wrote it herself. First because she takes real pride in being a writer, second because she micromanages her brand, and third because there are tells in the writing style, like the split infinitive and use of "whom."

2. She's been building up to this for a year. The only interview she's given since Reputation dropped was for Time's POTY issue around #MeToo. Compare that with the DOZENS of interviews/magazine covers she did for 1989. time.com/5049659/taylor…

2a. Side note bc lots of ppl are saying TS took her assaulter to court last summer. NOPE. HE sued HER for having the audacity to speak out and get him fired; she countersued for a symbolic $1 and won. Let's report this correctly!!

3. Since then, she's posted about gun violence, given a speech about Pride, publicly defended QPOC Hayley Kiyoko, honored Aretha Franklin's contributions to women's/civil rights, spoke about sexual assault survivors, and given generously to groups that work on these causes.

4. On timing: I don't believe this had ANYTHING to do with Kanye (or even Kavanaugh). This is very clearly something she's been waiting to do until her tour was over so as not to spoil the experience for fans who don't agree with her. She posted the DAY after her final US show.

4a. But on the topic of Kanye, remember when he filmed himself in bed with a naked replica of Taylor's body? That was the epitome of rape culture: I can make you do what I want. (Or, put another way, "look what you made me do.") She had every right to be furious. I still am.

5. TS does more for her fans than any artist I know of. She invites them to her home for secret listening sessions. She does meet and greets after every single show. She sends flowers and donations and playlists and break-up advice to folks in need. buzzfeed.com/audreyworboys/…

5a. I believe she withheld her political beliefs for so long bc she truly wanted to protect every fan's right to enjoy her music. But over the past year, she's found herself unable to hold back on the issues that matter to her. I don't think this has been easy for her.

5b. Obviously not comparing her struggle to marginalized folks' AT ALL. Just contextualizing why I believe she's waited so long. It's widely believed that Reputation will be her last tour for a while, so it makes sense that she's doing this now.

6. She's 100% getting death threats over this. If you don't think it's brave to speak out when every sentence you say generates an international news cycle, please reevaluate your definition of the word. (Again, NOT comparing to marginalized folks, contextualizing as a celeb!)

7. Her insta comments have been turned off since 2017. If you're desperate to leave (or read!) a garbage comment on this post, you can do that on Tumblr, which is TS's primary platform for interacting with fans. taylorswift.tumblr.com/post/178835787…

7a. However, a VAST majority of the Tumblr comments are beautiful and supportive. It means an unbelievable amount to TS's fans (especially queer/POC fans) that she did this.

7b. Guess who liked Tay's insta post tho? Yep. Katy Perry. HERE FOR IT!!!!! (Also Karlie, who *always* likes Tay's political stuff. If you don't know why that matters....DM me.)

7c. But my favorite reaction so far has been Todrick's. These two have such a lovely friendship, and his post warmed my cold dead heart: instagram.com/p/Bop0kcUlhhn/…

8. In conclusion, I think this post is a net positive for Taylor, her fans, and everyone who can't stop reporting every word she says. I'm proud of my fav, and I hope more people will come to see what a good person and brilliant artist she is.

9. P.S. Taylor is singing "I did something bad" at the American Music Awards tomorrow, which makes me think it'll be her next single. VERY EXCITED for all of America to sing "if a man talks shit, then I owe him nothing" on the regs. Bye!