Taylor Swift Finally Feels ‘Informed Enough’ to Speak Out Against ‘Disgusting Rhetoric’ in Politics

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 21: Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift performs onstage during The 19
Christopher Polk/Getty Images for TAS
Justin Caruso

Pop star-turned activist Taylor Swift declared in a new article that she recently realized her “responsibility” to get involved in politics ahead of the 2020 election.

“I’m finding my voice in terms of politics,” Taylor Swift wrote in an Elle article published Wednesday.

“I took a lot of time educating myself on the political system and the branches of government that are signing off on bills that affect our day-to-day life. I saw so many issues that put our most vulnerable citizens at risk, and felt like I had to speak up to try and help make a change,” she wrote.

“Only as someone approaching 30 did I feel informed enough to speak about it to my 114 million followers,” Swift continued.

“Invoking racism and provoking fear through thinly veiled messaging is not what I want from our leaders, and I realized that it actually is my responsibility to use my influence against that disgusting rhetoric. I’m going to do more to help. We have a big race coming up next year.”

Indeed, Swift broke her longtime silence on politics last year to endorse Tennessee Democrats in the 2018 midterm elections.

She endorsed former Gov. Phil Bredesen (D-TN) in his Senate race against then-Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), but failed to sway the race.

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I’m writing this post about the upcoming midterm elections on November 6th, in which I’ll be voting in the state of Tennessee. In the past I’ve been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now. I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country. I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent. I cannot vote for someone who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love. Running for Senate in the state of Tennessee is a woman named Marsha Blackburn. As much as I have in the past and would like to continue voting for women in office, I cannot support Marsha Blackburn. Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me. She voted against equal pay for women. She voted against the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which attempts to protect women from domestic violence, stalking, and date rape. She believes businesses have a right to refuse service to gay couples. She also believes they should not have the right to marry. These are not MY Tennessee values. I will be voting for Phil Bredesen for Senate and Jim Cooper for House of Representatives. Please, please educate yourself on the candidates running in your state and vote based on who most closely represents your values. For a lot of us, we may never find a candidate or party with whom we agree 100% on every issue, but we have to vote anyway. So many intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right and privilege to make their vote count. But first you need to register, which is quick and easy to do. October 9th is the LAST DAY to register to vote in the state of TN. Go to vote.org and you can find all the info. Happy Voting! 🗳😃🌈

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In her endorsement, Swift said, “I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG. I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.”

The “Bad Blood” singer’s article in Elle, titled, “30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30,” also touches on how people should believe sexual assault claims.

It’s my opinion that in cases of sexual assault, I believe the victim. Coming forward is an agonizing thing to go through. I know because my sexual assault trial was a demoralizing, awful experience. I believe victims because I know firsthand about the shame and stigma that comes with raising your hand and saying “This happened to me.” It’s something no one would choose for themselves. We speak up because we have to, and out of fear that it could happen to someone else if we don’t.

The article featured other interesting insights, like how to accept gaining weight.

“I learned to stop hating every ounce of fat on my body,” the 29-year-old said.

“I worked hard to retrain my brain that a little extra weight means curves, shinier hair, and more energy. I think a lot of us push the boundaries of dieting, but taking it too far can be really dangerous. There is no quick fix. I work on accepting my body every day.”

The “Look What You Made Me Do” singer also wrote that the year 2016 influenced her to drink more alcohol.

“I learned how to make some easy cocktails like Pimm’s cups, Aperol spritzes, Old-Fashioneds, and Mojitos because…2016.”

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