At just 26, Chappell Roan is rapidly making a name for herself in pop music. She released her popular album “Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” a year ago and recently claimed the title of Best New Artist at the MTV Video Music Awards. With fans like Elton John and RuPaul, she stands as one of the prominent voices of Gen Z music.

If you’ve listened to her songs, it’s clear why she has captured so much attention. Her vibrant music is uplifting and serves as anthems for LGBTQ+ youth within Gen Z. Hence, it’s surprising to see some of her fans turning against her.

This past weekend, Roan announced she would not perform at the All Things Go music festival, citing health concerns. This decision came after significant criticism over her reluctance to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, which has sparked extended online discussions about her stance.

“Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it,” she expressed to her followers on Instagram.

I admire Roan for putting her well-being first, even if it disappoints some fans. While it can be disheartening to miss a favorite artist’s show, we need to address how we treat public figures. Roan is beginning to highlight this important issue.

What led to the backlash against Chappell Roan?

The controversy began following two interviews. In one with Rolling Stone, she stated she doesn’t align with either political side because she dislikes them both.

She reiterated this viewpoint in another interview with The Guardian.

“I don’t feel pressured to endorse anyone,” Roan remarked. “There are problems on both sides. I encourage people to engage their critical thinking, vote locally, and focus on what matters in their community.”

This sparked a wave of reactions on social media.

“Chappell Roan is a disgrace to our community,” Maya Luna, head of Progress Libs, tweeted. “You can’t take inspiration from drag culture and embrace your identity while ignoring the party that fights for our rights.”

“How can you identify as queer and defend drag culture yet think both political sides are flawed?” questioned another user.

Some even suspected that she secretly supported former President Donald Trump. In an effort to clarify, she later posted on TikTok, affirming that she planned to vote for Harris but wouldn’t officially endorse her.

“I can’t support some of the left’s overtly transphobic and genocidal policies,” Roan stated in her video.

Even after this explanation, she still owed no one justification for her choices. The valid concerns she expressed about politicians may have even raised doubt about her readiness for the pressures of fame.

Roan’s music is significant to me

I’ll admit my bias – Roan’s music is incredibly meaningful to me.

A friend introduced me to Roan’s music back in 2022, and since then, she has become intertwined with unforgettable moments of my recent life.

I have a cherished video of friends dancing to “Pink Pony Club” during a birthday celebration in 2023. Later that year, I joined friends in singing “Red Wine Supernova” at a concert featuring the band boygenius. “Naked in Manhattan” takes me back to moving to New York and exploring gay bars. I even know the “HOT TO GO!” TikTok dance. Don’t get me started on “Casual!”

It’s clear that I am a true fan. Roan’s lively, unapologetically sapphic pop tracks make me feel represented. Her music has accompanied my coming-out journey, and I’m sure many others feel the same.

A realization about mental health care

It wasn’t until recently that I discovered that Roan and I share similar struggles with mental health. She has openly discussed her experience with bipolar disorder and her recent diagnosis of severe depression.

I understand firsthand the challenges that come with bipolar disorder and depression. I can’t imagine navigating self-care while under public scrutiny. It’s baffling to see so many individuals upset with her take on her well-being. I thought we had made advancements in our understanding of mental health, especially concerning young female stars.

Roan

In the past, she has talked about how some fans behave towards her, highlighting the “abuse and harassment” she endures from them. This sparked controversy, as she was merely requesting that people refrain from stalking her and her family.

“I don’t care if it’s common,” Roan stated in a TikTok video. “I don’t care that this extreme behavior is part of my profession. That doesn’t make it acceptable.”

The video was humorously referenced in a “Weekend Update” segment of Saturday Night Live, featuring Bowen Yang dressed as the viral pygmy hippo, Moo Deng.

The skit received some negative reactions, which led Yang to express, “If my viewpoint and the message aren’t clear in terms of supporting her, well, I guess there it is.”

I feel let down by the jokes made at Roan’s expense and the overall discourse surrounding her choice to cancel shows. We have made significant progress in discussing mental health, especially among Gen Z, who have been particularly vocal on this topic. Yet, oddly, we often fail to extend the same compassion to a celebrity that we advocate for ourselves and those close to us.

Criticism of Harris is acceptable, even as we support her

While I enjoy Roan’s music, I don’t think it’s necessary to know her voting preferences. Her indication that she would vote for Harris reluctantly resonates with many individuals in Gen Z.

My peers are troubled by the ongoing situation in Gaza and the spreading conflict in the Middle East. We are also frustrated with the wave of anti-trans legislation that has been enacted across the United States recently.

Nonetheless, many of us still plan to vote for Harris. According to Harvard, she holds a 31-point lead among voters aged 18 to 29. However, this backing comes with an awareness that the Democratic Party has not adequately addressed certain issues. We can critique a system we engage with and the candidates we choose to support.

Moreover, celebrity endorsements might not significantly influence the election outcome. For instance, while Taylor Swift was able to direct 400,000 people to Vote.gov after her endorsement of the Democratic presidential nominee on Sept. 10, it’s uncertain whether these individuals will actually vote or if their decision is merely influenced by Swift’s support.

In the larger context, Roan’s endorsement of any candidate probably wouldn’t have a major impact on the election results.

I believe Roan doesn’t need to give a full endorsement for people to perceive her political stance—especially if it affects her mental well-being. I hope others can respect her need for privacy and allow her the space to breathe.