To quote Lady Gaga: Talented. Brilliant. Incredible. Amazing. Showstopping. Spectacular.
University student has left his religious university gagged after using an on-campus lip sync battle to come out as a member of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Arthur, who attends George Fox University in Portland, Oregon, rallied a group of friends to perform a lip sync to Taylor Swift's recent single 'You Need To Calm Down' - an 'ally anthem' which includes a reference to LGBTIQ+ organisation GLAAD.
However, the performance was more than just a fabulous spectacle.
While lip syncing to the lyric, “shade never made anybody less gay,” Arthur’s backup dancers swfitly (ha!) tore away his glittery hoodie, revealing a shirt lined with rainbow fringe.
The performance made a particularly strong statement given his university was founded by Quakers, a traditionally religious group whose formal name is Religious Society of Friends.
According to , one who was present for the showstopping performance said that the university “has created of brand of exclusion and is seen as a force of institutional oppression despite their good standing as a reputable college.”
However, they also said that they’ve never doubted “the community and faculty's readiness and willingness to accept LGBTIQ+ people on campus.”
In a series of tweets, the former student added: "If Reid's performance proved anything, the people are ready. I compel the leadership of George Fox University to move on this issue and affirm students of all sexual orientations into the life of the campus.”
Arthur ended up winning the school's lip sync battle - being awarded a $500 cash prize.
The best part? He announced that he would be donating the winnings to LGBTIQ+ youth and suicide prevention organisation The Trevor Project.
We have no choice but to stan.
