The concept of ‘culture’ carries varied significance for different individuals. Personally, my first encounter with this term was in middle school during social studies classes. At that time, it was primarily a definition emphasised for examination purposes, with chapters and terminologies that often appeared in our question papers. I still recall the straightforward definition from my textbook: “Culture refers to the shared beliefs, values, customs, traditions, behaviours, symbols and practices that characterise a particular group of people or society. It encompasses a wide range of elements, including language, religion, art, music, cuisine, social norms, rituals, and modes of communication.”

However, it wasn’t until later that I grasped the true significance of culture in everyday life and how it collectively defines people at a certain point in time. As I matured and expanded my horizons beyond the classroom, I began to appreciate its importance. Culture, as we understand it, is passed down from one generation to the next through socialisation and continually evolves in response to historical, social, economic, and environmental factors. So, in today’s world dominated by technology and digitalisation, how has the mainstream concept of culture shifted? Specifically, how has popular culture evolved over the years?

When we refer to popular culture, or pop culture for short, we are talking about the prevailing trends, ideas, attitudes and practices that hold sway in society at any given moment. It encompasses a broad spectrum of easily accessible phenomena, including entertainment, fashion, music, cinema, television, sports and technology, among others. Pop culture is often characterised by its widespread appeal, rapid dissemination via media channels, and reflection of the attitudes, values and interests of a society or subculture.

Especially in today’s digital age, where people have easy access to the internet, pop culture is closely intertwined with internet culture. As culture comprises various elements, experiences and expressions, modern pop culture is a vibrant and multifaceted force that not only influences but also shapes the digital world we inhabit. A significant aspect of this force is queer culture—a range of identities, experiences and expressions that challenges norms, celebrates diversity and ignites revolutions in the mainstream. From fashion runways to music charts, social media feeds to language, queer culture undeniably exerts a big influence, leaving a lasting impression on our collective imagination.

At its core, queer culture is a celebration of authenticity—a rejection of conformity and an appreciation for originality in all its forms. This celebration manifests in various ways within pop culture: rewriting narratives, challenging stereotypes, and amplifying voices that have long been marginalised and silenced. Central to the impact of queer culture is its ability to challenge norms, question conventions and celebrate diversity. It emerges from struggles, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of authenticity in a world often inclined towards confinement and categorisation. Through its portrayal in different media forms, queer culture not only provides visibility to LGBTQIA+ individuals but also offers a platform for their stories to be told with depth, empathy, and authenticity.

The transformative influence of queer culture on pop culture is evident with just a quick browse through the internet. Today, the internet is a notably queer space. From internet slang that has shaped the linguistic landscape of the upcoming generation to viral video trends and memes inspired by the queer community, the impact of queer culture on the internet cannot be overlooked. The internet has played a crucial role in normalizing many aspects of queer culture, to the extent that slang once specific to the queer community has become commonplace in everyday social discourse. It’s important to acknowledge that many of these slangs originated from the queer BIPOC (black, indigenous and people of color) community, who developed the language as a means of connecting with others within their community and as a form of escapism from societal realities.

Beyond traditional media, queer culture has also made a significant mark on internet culture. LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities utilise social media platforms to connect, share their stories, and amplify their voices. From trending hashtags to online activism, the internet serves as a potent tool for queer individuals to reclaim their narratives and challenge societal norms.

In the realm of film and television, queer culture has instigated a revolution over the past decade, bringing about an unprecedented level of visibility and representation for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities. Gone are the days of being sidelined or reduced to stereotypes; now, queer characters and narratives occupy the spotlight, offering audiences a diverse range of stories that authentically depict the richness and complexity of queer experiences.

From groundbreaking films such as ‘Call Me By Your Name’, ‘Moonlight’, and ‘Carol’, to pioneering TV series like ‘Pose’ and ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’, that has not only been critically acclaimed but also challenges societal perceptions of love, identity, and desire. These cinematic achievements have paved the way for greater understanding and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ experiences worldwide. In the field of arts, queer people have existed throughout history defying the established social norms and escaping censorship using various colors, symbols and imagery as a form of queer existence and expression, the use of which is still popular to this day!

The influence of queer culture on fashion cannot be overstated; it has left an indelible mark on the lexicon of fashion, shaped by queer creatives. Household names like Versace, Calvin Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Tom Ford and Valentino, among others, have built empires that define modern fashion. Designers such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood and Jean Paul Gaultier have pushed boundaries and challenged norms with groundbreaking designs, empowering individuals to express themselves freely through their clothing and personal style. Queer fashion has consistently pushed boundaries and redefined beauty standards, with queer designers continuing to break new grounds, infusing runways with a vibrant array of colours, textures and identities that challenge categorisation and shape public perceptions of fashion and beauty.

The influence of queer culture extends beyond fashion into the realm of music, where queer artists have established themselves at the forefront of the industry. From the defiant anthems of artists like Lady Gaga and Madonna to the introspective ballads of performers like Elton John and Freddie Mercury, queer musicians have transcended boundaries and redefined the essence of pop music. Artists such as Miley Cyrus, Troye Sivan, Conan Gray, Kim Petras and Janelle Monáe have been open about their identities, creating songs imbued with themes of queer love, resilience, experiences and empowerment that resonate across generations, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their true selves and live authentically.

Culture serves as a framework for understanding the world, interpreting experiences, and guiding behaviour. It provides meaning, belonging, and shared identity for those who engage with it. Thus, it’s crucial to recognise the significant role queer culture plays in shaping pop culture. Embracing queer culture allows for the reflection of diverse ideas, expressions and existence within a particular point in time. By acknowledging and valuing queer culture, we not only amplify queer voices but also affirm the contributions of queer individuals to society. For many, especially those who don't conform to societal norms, growing up with an appreciation for queer culture would be both motivating and liberating.

As we navigate through a constantly evolving cultural landscape, it’s evident that the impact of queer culture on pop culture continues to be profound. With each new generation comes fresh voices, stories, and perspectives, ensuring that the influence of queer culture persists for generations to come. In a world where silence and marginalisation are prevalent, queer culture remains a beacon of hope, resilience, and celebration—a testament to the transformative power of authenticity, acceptance, and love.