15 major LGBTQIA+ moments in pop culture in 2018

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 01: Troye Sivan performs during the NGV Gala 2018 at National Gallery of Victoria on December 1, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images for NGV)

Troye Sivan’s big year

Speaking of Boy Erased, one of the film’s stars had a pretty big year of his own. Openly gay singer Troye Sivan appeared in the film as Gary, one of the boys in the gay conversion program. He learned quickly how to fool the system by pretending he’s making strides with their program, while not actually “converting” to heterosexuality.

Sivan’s role in the film wasn’t that big, but he did provide a song for the soundtrack titled “Revelation.” After reading the script, Sivan said he was determined to get his music into the movie, whether it was an old song or a new one, he would do anything he could. He got his wish, and both “The Good Side” from his album Bloom and the original track “Revelation” made the cut.

“Revelation” landed Sivan a Golden Globe nomination, and was revealed to be on the shortlist for the Academy Award nominations. Not only is that a big step for Sivan, who’s only 23 and started out on YouTube, but also for other proud, out queer artists.

This year also saw Sivan release his second studio album, Bloom, and the album’s title track was about — Sivan admitted — gay sex, even though he cheekily claimed it was just about flowers. The album also featured pop superstar Ariana Grande on “Dance To This” and was praised by critics. Troye has been openly gay ever since venturing into the music world, and his shamelessness has helped him get where he is today. In his video for “Bloom” for example, he wears typically feminine clothes (like a gown) and wears makeup and nail polish.