There's little doubt that Larries (One Direction fans who believe that band members Harry Styles and Louis Tomlinson are in a secret relationship and are contractually obligated (forced) by their management to stay in the closet) have been accused of many things over the last 7 1/2 years. After all, a global fandom that consists of millions upon millions of passionate supporters is a powerful thing and inherently complex. Add the closet culture into the mix, and that devotion can easily morph into a cause of like-minded allies and adversaries.
A modern kind of love story, at times tarnished by excesses of all kinds, have run the gamut between stalking and outright harassment of others, including their favs, to devoted support and appreciation of Louis and Harry, no matter what. The latter often manifested through the creation of outstanding works of art, exquisite videos that beautifully pair images with music, and a general sticktoittiveness of mind and heart that has survived fake babies, airport stunts, beards galore, and the never ending heavy handedness of powerbrokers intent on winning with a "no homo here" mentality.
Sometimes it's simply lovely to see when hard work pays off in more ways than one. When that special bond between a fandom and the artists who are supported combine to achieve something powerful. To paraphrase One Direction's love letter to their fans, a collaboration that can be at times "the greatest thing the world has ever seen."
For instance, many may not be aware, but that same 1D fandom that the media loves to marginalize and portray as silly "girls" have actually raised nearly $300,000 since 2013 for a variety of charities near and dear to the boys' heart. Amazing causes such as The Eden Dora Trust, Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, Drop4Drop, Bloodwise, The Trevor Project, The Way Wolverhampton Youth Zone, Rays of Sunshine, and Autism Assistance Dogs (Ireland). Indeed, the list goes on and on and on.
Let's see, given that backdrop, how could someone send a subtle message that would be both unmistakable in its intent, as well as fondly grateful in spirit.
Well, how about donating to this year's 1D Fans Birthday Charity drive, dedicated in your honor, and leaving an evocative clue that may not provide irrefutable proof, but just might suggest that two certain someone's have been paying attention all along, deeply moved by the generosity on display. Two anon messages, with distinctive identities.
And what's so significant about the amounts donated? Well, £2,412.91 actually equates to Louis' Birthday.
24th Day - 12th Month - 1991 Birth Year
December 24, 1991
Followed six weeks later by Harry's celebratory Fandrive being "acknowledged" with another very similarly generous parallel donation.
£1294.24 also equated with Harry's Birthday.
1st Day - 2nd Month - 1994 Birth Year
With the added cents, totaling 24. Harry's age.
February 1, 1994
The total combined donation coming to an impressive $5,251
Of course, there are those who might choose to argue that these two coincidences just could be attributed to some Larrie fan with lots of money and a "gay agenda". Or, maybe a mischievous troll just trying to cause trouble and conjure up controversy. Perhaps the gesture was from a fairy godmother or a rich uncle with nothing better to do. Fretting over OTP Whatifs is a notorious practice in fandoms like One Direction. Lurkers at the ready, eager to stir up arguments and to agitate.
But, in this case, let's just sit back and fond a bit. At two saps still very much in love after all these years. Don't tell anyone though. Because [obviously] it's still a secret. Right, Louis? *wink*
pic sources: 1D Fans Give, OneDirectionNDA, David Letterman, MaximumPop, Uknown Tumblr gif
Our playlist: Look After You (Cover) - Louis Tomlinson
Waiting on the World to Change - John Mayer
How to Save A Life - The Fray
Still the One - Shania Twain
2 comments:
Nicely done, M&M. I think these two donations were anonymously from each guy for the other. The big clue was in the amounts. And what is thought to be Harry's donation for Louis' birthday really helped provide a spark to the campaign. It was unbelievable how they were able to raise more money than the previous year. Very, very romantic. Pretty darn adorable. This is also a great effort on the fans - every little bit counts and the fans give whatever they can. It all adds up and kudos to the fans who run the drive. You know that the foundations Drop4Drop (one of Harry's favorite organizations) and the Eden Dora's Trust for Children with Encaphalitis (Louis') are the real benefactors and are very appreciative.
Larries come in all shapes and sizes, but for the most part they have big hearts and consist of some of the sharpest, most talented folks in the One Direction fandom. Louies, in particular, go that extra mile for him every single time, partly because he's an amazing guy, and partly due to the way in which Sony/Syco are trying to destroy his career right before our very eyes. Just like they treated George Michael and Michael Jackson before him and no doubt countless others. Add in the closet and Harry Styles and Louis are in the middle of an abusive, absolutely disgusting situation.
Although publicly it looks like Louis has no support, I know he has many admirers and supporters behind the scenes. People who are simply afraid to speak out. And, I'm not just referring to the media who are completely complicit in this sabotage campaign, facilitating Sony's dirty deeds at every turn. But then there are the fellow musicians as well. Afraid they will be retaliated against if they dare to even tweet a positive word about Louis' music. As insiders, they see the obvious airplay embargoing of Louis' solo efforts by Sony/Syco, and the lack of promotion, along with the myriad of negative image/stunts they have foisted upon Louis for years. You know, like being portrayed as Eleanor Calder's boyfriend.
But, his army of bees are still there, a true force to be reckon with. Ready, willing and able to sting whenever they feel their guy is in need of protection. Their power and commitment most recently on full display with these charity drives. In fact, I think Louis' Birthday fundraiser was maybe at only $8,000 when that £2,412.91 donation came in around December 12, 2017. By, December 24, those fans had raised well over the targeted $26,000 goal. Impressive stuff and a reminder in these difficult times for Americans, of just how important it is to resist when an injustice and outright lies are being perpetrated by the powers that be. Never stay silent. There is power in numbers. Let people know that reality cannot be reduced to interpretation, perception and alternative facts. That's what happened in Germany in the 1930s and we all know how well that turned out. Normalizing the absurd, only gets us more absurdity.
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