September 14, 2021
LGBTQ Celebs Rule the Met Gala Red Carpet
READ TIME: 16 MIN.
Democrat Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez�may be making the headlines this morning with her Melania-inspired statement on the back of her elegant white gown at this year's Met Gala held Monday evening, but there were plenty of LGBTQ talent on the red carpet to give her a run for her money.
"This year the gala, also known as 'the party of the year,' was framed as part of New York's re-emergence, along with the�reopening of Broadway�shows, indoor dining and the�U.S. Open," reports the New York Times.
But with COVID regulations, fear of traveling from designers from other countries and the notion of partying during a health crisis, the event was less celebrity-driven. "The result was a more local, younger and sportier guest list than usual (also a smaller one, as it had been downsized by about a third out of safety concerns). But the outfits were as eye-catching as always," adds the Times.
But there were plenty of LGBTQ celebrities in attendance. Here are some:
Megan Rapone
U.S. soccer star Megan Rapinoe stayed with theme wearing a bright red suit with a blue, star covered shirt – and a bright blue marbled clutch with "America" on one side and "In gay we trust on the other" by designer Sergio Hudson.
Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X wowed the red carpet in not one, not two, but three looks.
"He made a grand entrance on the red carpet, draped in a regal gold velvety cloak with a long train, which was fit for a king. Next, Lil Nas X removed his cape on the carpet, revealing a full gold suit of armor underneath, which was complemented with a pair of gold earrings and some subtle gold winged eyeliner," writes People magazine. "For his final look of the evening, the performer wore a fitted, long-sleeve black jumpsuit with a plunging zipper, all covered in sparkling gold jewels. He paired the look with black combat boots and accessorized it with a gold choker." The look was by Versace.
Symone
The winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race" Season 13, Symone wowed the runway in all gold, beaded fringe gold floor-length column dress by Moschino.
Kehlani
The Grammy nominated singer Kehlani wore a stunning silver pant-suit with an open mid-riff designed by Aliétte which was accented with her bi-colored hair, one half black and one half blonde.
Dan Levi
The multi-Emmy winning "Schitt's Creek" star made a statement in his �blue Loewe's Jonathan Anderson and Cartier costume that paid tribute to the late queer activist artist David Wojnarowicz, one of the most influential LGBTQ activists, who painted the original piece.
Jeremy O. Harris
Cigarette in hand, playwright Jeremy O. Harris wore a custom Tommy Hilfinger bright yellow track suit that pays "homage to an iconic Aaliyah outfit, a two-piece Tommy Hilfiger yellow tracksuit worn by the singer for one of her performances in 1997. Harris has been obsessed with the look since childhood," writes Yahoo News.
Eugene G. Yang
YouTuber Eugene G. Yang is a social influencer known as being one of the The Try Guys, a group of four men who try various challenges and trends from the Internet. Decked out in a sleek black suit, white shirt and a silver necklace with a padlock attached to it. He accented his look with a pair of red high-heels.
Elliot Page
The actor looked handsome in a loose-fitting black suit and white shirt, accented by a green flower in a classic look by Balenciaga.
Troye Sivan
Troye Sivan also chose a classic look – the little black dress on the red carpet.
"He donned a long, minimal cut-out black dress with a simple leather armband on his left bicep. The all-black look was paired with a Cartier Essential Lines necklace in platinum and diamonds as well as a Cartier love ring in 18k yellow gold and diamonds," writes Meaww. He also wore a black leather armband in tribute to the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe.
NikkieTutorials
The Dutch makeup artist and YouTube influencer (aka Nikkie de Jager) appeared to be walking out of the film "Midsommar" with her sea green gown accented with flowers and a headdress right out of the film. She also paid tribute to trans Stonewall activist Martha P. Johnson by accenting her dress with a sash that red "Pay it no mind,"�which was Johnson's personal motto for which the "P" in her name famously stood for.
Kristen Stewart
With her upcoming role as Princess Diana in "Spencer" already getting Oscar buzz, Kristen Stewart offered an elegant, couture look in a Chanel pink floral blouse with white pants. "She had her blonde hair styled in a bouncy ponytail, evoking retro Barbie vibes. She posed solo as she entered the venue," reports Elle.
Frank Ocean
Frank Ocean's fashion choice included a little pal, carrying a green, robotic baby with him that complemented his green hair. "The reclusive R&B star wore a black Dreamcore cap that kept his neon-green hair under wraps as well as a black Prada jacket, similar to the nylon gabardine anorak jacket he wore at the 2019 Met Gala," writes Billboard. "Ocean's new independent American�luxury brand Homer�recently partnered with Prada on a collection." Perhaps he's a fan of the new musical film "Annette."
Mj Rodriguez
The Emmy-nominated "Pose" actress went retro on the red carpet with an edgy Victorian look. "The actress arrived to fashion's biggest night dressed in a Thom Browne suit and Ana Khouri jewelry looking like she just walked out of a painting from the past," writes Yahoo! News.
Ben Platt
The out, Tony-winning star of the upcoming film "Dear Evan Hansen" pulled a retro urban cowboy look by queer designer Christian Cowan that featured 70s-styled flair jeans and denim-styled jacket.
Jordan Roth
Broadway producer Jordan Roth takes the most extravagant prize at the Met Gala for his stunning, printed floor-length robe, tight slacks beneath accented with a necklace of violet stones and a choker. On his feet were a pair of green, heeled boots. Over it he wore a The look, by Dutch designer Iris van Herpen was hailed as a "veritable coup de théâtre," by Vogue. "Identity is a construction, as a garment is a construction," he wrote on Instagram. "That was my thought that began the most magical and meaningful collaboration with fiber artist�@michaelsylvanrobinsonart�which brought us to the layers of images, metaphors, narratives, symbols and embellishments I carry with me and on me tonight."