Taylor Swift has been praised for casting Laith Ashley, a trans model and activist, as her love interest in an upcoming music video.
To mark the release of her 10th studio album Midnights, the singer-songwriter shared a teaser video for all the accompanying music videos that will be released in following weeks.
In one shot, Ashley and Swift can be seen in bed together with the end credits confirming his starring role, as well as stars such as Jack Antonoff, Mike Birbiglia, Laura Dern, John Early, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Alana Haim, Danielle Haim, Este Haim, Pat McGrath and Dita Von Teese.
Following the release of the teaser, which has amassed millions of views, social media applauded Swift for using her platform to uplift trans voices, with one fan highlighting how “beautiful and important” it is for the trans community.
“Most of the trans men I know are Swifties,” wrote another.
“It’s incredible to see @laith_ashley as a part of the Midnights music videos, and appearing to be a character of Taylor’s desire no less.”
In his Instagram Story, Ashley called Swift “magic” and thanked her for “letting me play a small part” in her story.
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Upon release, Midnights – Swift’s first album of new material since Evermore (2020) – received near universal critical acclaim and has been celebrated as one of her best albums to date. It currently boasts a score of 94/100 on Metacritic.
Fronted by the synthpop single Anti-Hero, the album sees Swift reunite with her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, as well as Folklore and Evermore producer Aaron Dessner. Midnights also features songwriting credits from Zoë Kravitz and a feature from Lana Del Rey on track four, Snow on the Beach.
Hours after its release, Swift shared a deluxe edition of the album – titled 3am Edition – with seven new tracks.
“Surprise! I think of Midnights as a complete concept album, with those 13 songs forming a full picture of the intensities of that mystifying, mad hour,” she subsequently told fans.
“However! There were other songs we wrote on our journey to find that magic 13. I’m calling them 3am tracks. Lately I’ve been loving the feeling of sharing more of our creative process with you, like we do with From The Vault tracks.
“So it’s 3am and I’m giving them to you now.”
Midnights is now available on iTunes and streaming services.
Watch the music video for Anti-Hero here or below.
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