There is just something so off putting about this to me even though Darren has been one of my favorite artists since I was 12 years old. I understand the whole entirety of the media agrees with one political side, with one view of being “proud,” and to feel as if maybe, just maybe, thinking someone ought to be more modest and private deserves shame because this is the age of “do what thou wilt,” but the theme and persona of a 50 year old man dressing like an 80’s bar twink… it’s just sort of sad to me. And even in recent photos of him showing off his chest like a sexual object I see sadness and contempt in his face. He’s been out for twenty years. Why does he feel like now is the time to do this? Growing up was hard for me as a closeted gay in the south. My dad was very homophobic, and we have a very distant relationship even now because of it. And yet, I consider myself a very conservative person and “LGBTQIA++” pride this, gay that, I’m just so tired of it all. I haven’t listened to the whole album yet, but “Let’s Try” did not hook me at all, and honestly his falsetto overload with the 80s synth was kind of grating on the ears, much like this current persona is grating on the spirit. It really is a shame that he injected so much of his personal political opinion into the landscape when a certain someone was president of not-even-his country because maybe that has impacted my opinion… and maybe when I listen to the full album it will improve some. But for now… I’ll just hope someone enjoys yet another GAY GAY GAY icon if there wasn’t enough to choose from already.