In a recent Rolling Stones cover shoot, actress Kristen Stewart caused a stir with her masculine-coded appearance, leaving right-wingers enraged. The controversial image shows Stewart with her hand down her jockstrap, proclaiming, 'I want to do the gayest f***ing thing.'
Stewart, known for her role in the popular Twilight series, expressed her desire to break away from the traditional sex symbols portrayed by boys in the magazine. 'If I got through the entire Twilight series without ever doing a Rolling Stone cover, it’s because the boys were the sex symbols,' she explained. 'Now, I want to do the gayest f***ing thing you’ve ever seen in your life.'
The actress further pushed boundaries by jokingly expressing her wish to have a mustache and a 'happy trail,' emphasizing her intention to challenge societal norms. 'Guys— I’m sorry — but their f***ing pubes are shoved in my face constantly, and I’m like, 'Ummmm, bring it in,'' she added.
Stewart, who publicly came out as gay in 2017 during her SNL monologue where she criticized Donald Trump, has seemingly become a target for right-wing individuals. Back in 2012, then-President Trump even weighed in on Stewart's personal life, giving unsolicited dating advice to her former co-star Robert Pattinson.
The recent Rolling Stones cover has reignited criticism from right-wingers, with one account describing it as 'disgusting.' Oli London, a controversial figure known for identifying as 'trans-racial' and undergoing surgery to resemble BTS member Jimin, suggested that the cover promotes 'Queer' and non-binary ideologies.
However, numerous fans and supporters applauded Stewart and celebrated her boldness. One fan emphasized that not everything should cater to the male gaze, stating, 'I need straight men to understand that not everything is for them. Kristen Stewart on the cover of Rolling Stone? Not trying to be attractive to straight men. Not everything has to appeal to your gaze, not everything is for you!!!'
The shoot received further praise for pushing boundaries and making cis-het individuals uncomfortable. It was seen as a powerful statement by a queer individual challenging societal norms.
In the interview accompanying the photo shoot, Stewart discussed her place in the entertainment industry as a queer actor. She acknowledged the hardships faced by other queer actors, such as Jodie Foster, stating, 'Jodie [Foster], me, boygenius. I’m in the middle.' Stewart recognized the difficulties faced by Foster during her time and acknowledged the near-impossibility of being true to oneself in a challenging industry.
As controversy swirls around the Rolling Stones cover, it serves as a reminder of the progress being made in breaking down rigid societal norms and the ongoing struggle for acceptance and representation in various industries. Kristen Stewart's defiance and refusal to conform are important steps in the journey towards building a more inclusive and diverse world.
