Despite not personally identifying as queer, Kelly Clarkson has demonstrated her unyielding support for the LGBTQ+ community, time and again.

The singer’s status as an LGBTQ+ icon has been deeply cemented since she was catapulted to fame after winning American Idol in 2002.

Recently, Clarkson’s Las Vegas residency, Chemistry, saw her address a proposition from a queer fan with humor and grace that reaffirms her allyship.

The 41-year-old performer was met with a unique, and arguably flattering, proposition during the opening weekend of her Las Vegas residency. A video of the interaction was shared on social media, soon going viral.

In the clip, Clarkson can be seen reading fan placards from the stage, coming across one that reads: “My girlfriend gave me a hall pass for you.” The term “hall pass” refers to permission given by a monogamous partner allowing the other to cheat with a specific person, often a celebrity.

It is often the manner in which such situations are handled that really reveal one’s character and respect for the LGBTQ+ community. Clarkson’s response, while maintaining the air of a lighthearted concert, was candid and respectful:

“If I was into chicks, I’d take up the offer,” she replied, going on to reveal her heterosexual orientation, “I just unfortunately like d***s.”

WATCH IT BELOW:

Kelly Clarkson responds to a female fan’s sign that says “My girlfriend gave me a hall pass for you” during her Las Vegas show:

“I just unfortunately like d*cks.” pic.twitter.com/kk8OilOWwP

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 30, 2023

This interaction serves as a representation of Clarkson’s warmth and sense of humor, but her allyship goes beyond witty exchanges. She has shown time and again her deep admiration and support for her LGBTQ+ fanbase.

In 2015, she recalled being introduced to the term “Kezbo” – a term coined by lesbian Kelly Clarkson fans. This discovery of a dedicated queer following led Clarkson to comment, “I was like, ‘wait – there’s enough of you to have a group? That’s amazing! Awesome! Go me’.”

Clarkson’s allyship isn’t just confined to her interactions with fans. It also extends to her music and activism. The music video for her 2013 single “Tie It Up” featured a queer couple getting married, an undeniable statement of support for same-sex marriage in the U.S., which was yet to be legalized nationwide at the time.

As a mother, Clarkson is committed to imparting the importance of acceptance and open-mindedness to her children. She has been open about her support for her children if they were to identify as queer, stating that their orientation would not change her love for them.

This commitment to normalizing and accepting all identities in her personal life reflects the depth of her allyship.

Clarkson’s professional and personal life has recently been characterized by change and growth. She finalized her divorce from her ex-husband, Brandon Blackstock, in 2022, after a seven-year marriage. Currently, she is performing her Las Vegas residency, Chemistry, at the Bakkt Theater, further cementing her status as a resilient performer and inspiring role model.

While it’s not uncommon for celebrities to voice support for the LGBTQ+ community, Clarkson’s genuine and unwavering allyship sets her apart. From her interactions with fans to her activism and support in her personal life, she embodies what it means to stand as an ally.

Her love for her queer fan base and her dedication to promoting acceptance and equality continues to mark her as an LGBTQ+ icon, making her a much-loved figure in the community. Clarkson’s ability to champion equality and love, all the while delivering powerhouse performances, is a testament to her strength, charisma, and unwavering dedication to her fans.