Todrick Hall Says That Learning to Be Anti-Racist Must Be Met With an Open Heart and Open Mind

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Todrick Hall isn’t just the face of Pride 2020, Todrick is actively speaking out on how being anti-racist, diverse, and inclusive directly intersects with celebrating the history of LGBTQ+ community. 

Never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe that I’d someday see my face on the cover of @billboard magazine. I am completely blown away! I don’t believe there could possibly be a more important time for a proud out black man to grace the cover of such a highly revered and respected magazine. I have gone through so much and fought so hard to try to prove myself in a world where there are hardly any outlets for a voice like mine to be heard, and seeing my face representing femininity and masculinity, the LGBTQIA+ community and people of color on the COVER of a music industry magazine when I am an unsigned artist is truly mind blowing. Just a reminder to chase your dreams, visibility is everything. My message & music is for everyone, but this pride month and in the midst of everything going on in our country I would like to dedicate this to the new generation of queer people of color. I see you, I hear you, I am you and I stand with you. Don’t measure the value of your gift by the short sighted homophobic and racially fueled views of a manager or producer, it’s not your job to help them see the fire and beauty in you. YOU ARE THE ONLY PERSON WHO HAS TO BELIEVE IN YOU, PERIODT. Go chase your dreams and stop waiting for hall passes and permission slips. The world is ready to hear YOUR story & finally ready to hear it from YOU. Thank you @taylorswift & @theebillyporter for your kind words, I honestly cannot believe this is real. #happypride #blacklivesmatter #nojusticenopeace Photo: @vijatm Make-up: @lipsticknick Hair: @cesar4styles Wardrobe: @marcosquared @ashtonmichael Airbrushing: @sketchairbrush

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As Pride season is taking place amidst the national Black Lives Matter movement, Todrick discusses how we have to acknowledge that racism is a learned habit. “We know that people are taught this, they’re carefully taught and groomed and manipulated into believing that one race is superior…All of these stereotypes can basically be clicked and applied to all people who look like this,” Hall shares. 

✊--✊--✊-- #blacklivesmatter

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