Justin Bieber's new acoustic album, "My Worlds Acoustic" is #7 on the Billboard 200 charts right now.

To me, as a big queerbo, this is another striking example of the crossover between teen idol J. Biebs' style and the aesthetic of Lezzie icons, and is further proof that it's not that Lesbians look like Justin Bieber, it's that Justin Bieber looks like Lesbians.

The signature parts of Justin's style--bright plaid shirts, baseball caps, colorful hoodies, and a haircut with swoop bangs--were androgynous dyke standbys before Mr. Bieber donned them.

Photo from Afterellen.com

Now he's jumping on the acoustic thing, another long-established Lezzie favorite. We love us some Indigo Girls, k.d. Lang, Melissa Etheridge, Ani Difranco, Erin McKeown, old-school Tegan and Sara, Mirah, and Ellis.

Below is a recording of lezzie folk singer/songwriter Ellis, who by the way looks like this:

She's performing "How Would it Be" at the Sisters Folk Festival:

Now, here's Justin Bieber's acoustic rendition of "One Time" recorded at Q102 in Philadelphia.

 

Similarities, much?

When I was 16 and rocking the things that Justin Bieber was into: bright hoodies,  baseball caps, androgyny, and playing acoustic guitar, that made me the gayest kid that anyone I knew had ever seen. While my out-and-proud youth was positive overall, it was not without harassment.

Which, apparently is ANOTHER thing Justin Bieber shares with Lesbos. Allegedly, he was called a homophobic slur earlier this year.

It blows my mind a little that I share signature elements of my queer culture with a mainstream pop icon who happens to be a straight 16 year old boy. 

On one level, I want my community to get credit for what I think is ours. (You're welcome, Mr. Bieber.)

On another level, I want J. Biebs to dress how he wants and make the music he wants and not read too much into things. Perhaps Justin Bieber's star power will bring some visibility and acceptance to queer life. Maybe it won't.

All I know is: when I bust out my ukulele cover of "One Time" for my girlfriend, there will be gay swooning.   (Thank you, Mr. Bieber.)

xoxo,

sarah.e.lu