Gaylor
| Fan Theory | |
|---|---|
| Fan Theory: | |
| Synonyms: | Taylor Swift Gay Theory |
| Origin: | |
| Fandom(s): | Taylor Swift |
| Dates: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
This article is a stub. Please help us out by adding more content. |
The Gaylor Theory is a conspiracy theory arguing that singer Taylor Swift is sapphic. Primarily, the theory involves Taylor having dated the model Karlie Kloss (see Kaylor) and Glee actress Dianna Agron.
According to the theory, Taylor's boyfriends, the apparent subject matter of many of her songs, are PR relationships to protect her image from the homophobia that exists among the country and pop music fanbase. Evidence for the theory involves close reading of hidden messages in music videos and lyrics, a practice Taylor has encouraged her fans to participate in through her use of "Easter Eggs". These readings can involve excessively contrived interpretations, such as insisting love songs written with male pronouns containing identifiable details about men she is known to have dated are actually referring to women. The theory is prominent enough in Swiftie communities that it has made Taylor's publicist, Tree Paine, a well-known individual within the fandom -- she is credited with being the architect of Taylor's apparently heterosexual image[1].
The theory shares a strong resemblance to that of certain Larries, who believe that Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson are, or were, also in a relationship with each other. Another similar theory applying to genuinely fictional characters is The Johnlock Conspiracy, which believed that Sherlock and John from the TV show Sherlock would become a couple despite the ongoing statements against this from the creators.
"Gaylor" is also used as a noun to refer to proponents of Gaylor Theory.
History
Taylor Swift was considered to be reacting to the Gaylor theory when she wrote in the album booklet for her album 1989 (Taylor's Version) that her fans were fetishising her female friendships:
I swore off dating and decided to only focus on myself, my music, my growth, and my female friendships. If I only hung out with my female friends, people couldn’t sensationalize or sexualize that — right? I would learn later on that people could and people would.
In January 2024, an op-ed article was published in the New York Times, continuing speculation: Look What We Made Taylor Swift Do.
Responses
Some people within wider fandom and internet spaces have compared the situation with Swift with Misha Collins and Shawn Mendes also having to come out as straight, though with different contexts.[2]
Gaylors, who are mostly queer, have also been accused of biphobia and misogyny due to a belief that Gaylors insist that it is impossible for Taylor to be attracted to her apparent male boyfriends, and assume any contact between Taylor and another woman is sexual. Gaylors are also sometimes accused of objectification and oversexualisation of Taylor due to some theories, such as a popular belief that lesbian sexual activities are the reason Taylor keeps her fingernails short (guitarists must keep their nails short to prevent damage to their guitar fretboard).
Links
- Rainbow Dress Taylor Swift TikTok by TikTok user montessori.boy - A parody of Gaylors.
- The Rise and Fall of a Gaylor Theorist (Jan 2023) by Ashley Norton
- Sympathy for the Gaylor (Jan 8, 2024) by Hannah Joceyln, in which Pitchfork writer Hannah describes her past as a Gaylor and why the theory mattered to her.