an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh

“Do You Know Who You Are?”: Queer (Dis)identification and Coming-of-Age as Fans of One Direction and Harry Styles

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

I’m proud to announce that the full text of my project is now available at the link in my bio (and my findings begin on page 24)!

I’d like to dedicate this publication to the 22 participants who made this project possible, and to the fandom community who inspired this research.

[Harry Styles Research Network @styles_network]

New Harry research 🌈

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

#onedirection #HarryStyles #harries

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

I’m proud to announce that the full text of my project is now available at the link in my bio (and my findings begin on page 24)!

I’d like to dedicate this publication to the 22 participants who made this project possible, and to the fandom community who inspired this research.

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

These fans described how their sexual identity development was in some way facilitated by their fan-affiliation—often by exposure to and celebration of queer themes. #OneDirection #harrystyles #harries #larries

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

1D/Styles scholars all acknowledge an identity-formative relationship between the artists & fans but it remains contested which direction influence flows.

Even fans struggle to identify which is the chicken & which is the egg in what they call the “One Direction-to-Gay pipeline”

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

On the other hand, fans report that Styles’ fluid gender expression and ambiguous sexuality inspired them to question their own gender and sexual identities, and that the fandom’s accepting atmosphere provided a safe space to explore queer desire. These fans described…

(cont.)

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

#onedirection #harrystyles #harries

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

This project was guided by the above research question. My goal was to reveal the gender and sexual diversity of boy band fandom & contribute to the destigmatization of non-normative, or “queer,” coming of age experiences. Additionally, this project works to challenge…

(cont.)

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

Additionally, this project works to challenge and reform harmful representations of boy band fandom rooted in misogyny and homophobia.

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

This project was guided by the above research question. My goal was to reveal the gender and sexual diversity of boy band fandom & contribute to the destigmatization of non-normative, or “queer,” coming of age experiences. Additionally, this project works to challenge…

(cont.)

[stevie leigh @stevaleigh]

Today I had the opportunity to lead a workshop based on my research at #MBLGTACC30 ! I presented as part of the “Designing a Queer Future through Media” Track which recognizes media as a tool for gender justice and sexual liberation 🏳️‍🌈 #onedirection #HarryStyles @mblgtacc

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

#HarryStyles #onedirection #harries #mypoliceman

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

Queerbaiting accusations against Styles are something my participants (and myself) take very seriously. Understandably, this can be a tricky topic for queer fans—and so their opinions vary.

With the release of Styles’ most recent film…

(cont.)

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

…recent film, My Policeman, it becomes even more important to consider this difficult question. Swipe to see a few of my participants’ thoughts (which were documented prior to the release of Styles’ romantic acting debut.)

*All interview quotes are cited using a pseudonym.

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

Queerbaiting accusations against Styles are something my participants (and myself) take very seriously. Understandably, this can be a tricky topic for queer fans—and so their opinions vary.

With the release of Styles’ most recent film…

(cont.)

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

#harrystyles #onedirection #harries

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

One of the most rewarding parts of this project was being able to compensate my interview participants in a way that also supports fan-owned small businesses. Each participants received a $30 voucher to one of the following fan mechanize shops.

(cont.)

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

I’d like to thank @TheSundayDream_ and @/aysiahsdesigns and @/erodagiftshop on Instagram for partnering with me on this project.🤍

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

One of the most rewarding parts of this project was being able to compensate my interview participants in a way that also supports fan-owned small businesses. Each participants received a $30 voucher to one of the following fan mechanize shops.

(cont.)

[an intersciplinary study by Stevie Leigh @1Didentityproj]

I’d like to give a huge thank you to fan-artist, Krystina Riley, who designed the recruitment artwork for this study.💖 Instagram: @ oh_krystina

This commission was funded by the Taft Research Center at the University of Cincinnati.

#onedirection #harrystyles #harries