Pop star Katy Perry has taken a firm stand against what many have deemed a “misogynistic” and “homophobic” commencement speech delivered by NFL kicker Harrison Butker. The singer revised the speech and shared it on Instagram on June 1, aligning her response with the beginning of Pride Month.
"Fixed this for my girls, my graduates, and my gays - you can do anything, congratulations and happy pride," Perry wrote, highlighting her commitment to promoting inclusivity and equality. Her version of Butker's speech emphasized support for women and the LGBTQ+ community, contrasting sharply with Butker’s original remarks.
Butker, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs, sparked outrage with his speech, which included assertions that women’s primary role should be homemaking and comments dismissing Pride Month. His remarks, delivered during a commencement address, were published in full by the National Catholic Register and touched on themes of motherhood and masculinity. These statements did not sit well with many in the public, drawing sharp criticism and igniting a broader conversation about gender roles and LGBTQ+ rights.
In her edited version, Perry wrote, "I say all of this to you because I have seen it firsthand, how much happier someone can be supporting women and not saying that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world." Her words underscored a message of empowerment and choice, countering Butker’s traditionalist view of women’s roles.
Continuing her revision, Perry added, "Society is shifting, and people young and old are embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. With that said, I want to say Happy Pride Month to all of you and congratulations Class of 2024!" This sentiment starkly contrasts with Butker's original speech, which many found exclusionary.
Butker’s speech also contained disparaging references to Pride Month. He stated, "Not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it, but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify him." This remark, which was interpreted as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community, further fueled the backlash against him.
Perry’s response was not the only one. Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn also condemned Butker’s speech, asserting that the athlete did not represent the inclusive values of the city. “Kansas City welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members,” Horn emphasized, reinforcing the city’s stance on diversity and inclusion.
In the midst of the controversy, Butker defended his speech during an appearance at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville. He suggested that the negative reactions might be “God’s will,” indicating a belief that his stance was divinely guided, even if it was unpopular.
The NFL player’s comments and the subsequent backlash have sparked a significant conversation about the roles and responsibilities of public figures when addressing diverse audiences. Perry’s intervention is a notable example of how influential voices can shape the discourse around inclusion and equality.
The pop star’s move to rewrite Butker’s speech reflects a broader trend of celebrities using their platforms to advocate for social justice issues. By aligning her message with Pride Month, Perry has highlighted the importance of celebrating diversity and standing against discrimination.
As the debate continues, the contrasting reactions to Butker’s speech and Perry’s revision underscore the deep divides in public opinion on issues of gender and LGBTQ+ rights. The incident also raises questions about the impact of such speeches on the audiences they address and the broader societal implications of promoting inclusive versus exclusionary messages.
Perry’s proactive approach has been praised by many who see it as a necessary correction to a harmful narrative. As society continues to evolve, the voices of those advocating for equality and inclusion will play a crucial role in shaping a more accepting and supportive world.