Recent examples include the blatant queer-baiting of former Disney star Nick Jonas, who would promote his new music at infamous gay clubs and even received an Out Magazine cover. Popular LGBTQ media and culture has always fixated on straight men who align themselves with queer causes and aesthetics. “Bad Bunny is not a queer icon but I am, you should buy my merch,” trans artist Chaseicon said in response to Martin’s claims. Not everyone is convinced by his newfound status. And Bunny’s sudden position as “queer icon” raises the question why, yet again, a straight man is receiving outsized praise and attention for his LGBTQ activism. Yo Perreo Sola was released only two months ago. At the same time, his development as a liberated, LGBTQ ally is still in its infancy. Bad Bunny sits at the helm of reggaeton’s crossover moment: performing at this year’s Super Bowl with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira and appearing on the top-charting Cardi B song I Like It.
