g., 90s vs. today) or perhaps a list of in this space?
The presence of thongs in gay media often acts as a direct counter-narrative to traditional action-hero archetypes.
: Modern queer artists like Lil Nas X and Troye Sivan have utilized bold, skin-baring fashion in their visual storytelling. By incorporating thongs or "jockstrap" aesthetics into high-budget videos, they challenge traditional notions of masculinity and demand space in the mainstream pop landscape.
In mainstream media, the thong was historically associated almost exclusively with female pop stars or "shock value." However, gay entertainment and media have reclaimed the garment as a symbol of confidence and body autonomy.
: Shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race and The Boulet Brothers' Dragula have normalized "undressed" aesthetics. Whether it’s a "reveal" on the runway or behind-the-scenes "werkroom" moments, these programs showcase the thong as a functional piece of performance gear and a tool for gender-bending expression. Subverting the Gaze