Taylor Swift's "Lavender Haze" music video is a work of art. The film also casts trans model, actor, singer and activist Laith Ashley to play Swift at a time when trans rights and protections are being threatened and rolled back in several U.S. states. Lovers, this is also a much-needed show of allyship.
For Ashley, this simple yet meaningful performance can go a long way. "It's two people who love each other, and one of them happens to be trans, but it doesn't matter," he tells Bustle. "Why are people so focused on this? Our existence becomes so threatening to you when in fact it doesn't exist."
Swift praised her on-screen love on Twitter, calling him "an incredible partner who I absolutely loved working with." Ashley responded on Instagram, calling him ’s filming experience was “truly magical” and called her an ally. “Your ability to tell stories through music and visuals continues to awe, inspire and hope me,” he wrote. "Thank you for being an ally. Representation matters. Love will always win!"
View on Instagram
Below, Ashley talks about working with Swift as director, how he was cast, and how he hopes it changes how others view trans people.
collaborating with taylor swift
When Ashley first heard about Swift's proposal, he was in disbelief. "My manager contacted me and told me Taylor wanted me to be in her music video, which I thought was a joke," he recalled. "I had no idea someone that old knew who I was. Eventually, we finished fitting and set a date for the shoot, and the next thing I knew, I was filming a music video in bed with Taylor Swift."
In typical Swift fashion, all the details are a secret — including the song in the video. Ashley didn't hear a single note of "Midnight" before anyone else because Swift wore a device on set that was synchronized with the music. That meant, like all Swifts, he had to do some detective work. "When she started listing song titles every day, I was trying to piece it all together," he recalls. "I saw 'Lavender Haze' and 'Midnight Rain,' and I thought, from what we shot, it's either one of those songs. Because there was a weatherman, it was raining, there were clouds It enveloped her head, but there was also a lavender mist everywhere.”
Despite not getting the sneak peek fans were hoping for, Ashley calls being directed by Swift an incredible experience. "I have to trust her 100 percent," he said. "She was so kind and open and welcoming. She made me feel really comfortable. I was just a little nervous and trying to act cool, but I definitely wasn't." When Ashley was nervous about something like lifting her up at the end of the video, Swift gave him comfort. "To be honest, I was scared to touch her. I didn't want her to feel disrespected... Even in the party scene where I was holding her, I was like, 'Hey, is it okay if I hold you?' "She jumped up and said, 'Let's do it.'"
Become a model and go viral thanks to Laverne Cox
Ashley's modeling career first hit its peak in 2015 after Laverne Cox shared her modeling photos on Instagram. He has since shot advertising campaigns for brands such as Guess, Diesel, Calvin Klein and Barneys, and appeared in magazines such as British GQ and French Vogue . He's also branched out into acting, appearing in "Pose ," becoming the first transgender person on "RuPaul's Drag Race , " and even starring in his first feature film, the upcoming indie comedy "My Divorce Party" 》 .
Modeling isn’t always the game plan, however. Ashley studied business, psychology and sociology at university and worked at an LGBTQ+ health center after graduation. It wasn't until a photographer discovered him on Instagram that he started getting involved in the world of modeling and entertainment. "I've been trying to improve my body, and I don't have a lot of money, but I can take these pictures for free," he said. "I was like, 'You know what? Let me take advantage of this. I bought myself a pair of white Calvin Klein underwear and I asked him, 'Do you mind taking a few more pictures? ... The pictures went viral."
About transgender rights and representation
After his big music video moment, Ashley aims to become more outspoken, especially on transgender issues. In January 2023 alone, more than 150 anti-trans bills were introduced in 25 states. In addition, at least 37 transgender people were killed by violent means in 2022.
“I think we need to be more vocal now against this language,” Ashley said. "They don't see the real-life consequences of it for us. People are dying, people are arming themselves into queer safe spaces... Anyone who hates LGBT people can show up and decide they want to cause harm, and that's not right Yeah, that’s not what America is about.”
If you or someone you know is seeking help with an LGBTQ+ mental health or safety issue, please call The Trevor Project’s 24/7 Lifeline: 1-866-4-U-TREVOR (1-866-488-7386). You can also seek instant messaging or SMS support through TrevorChat and TrevorText respectively. For additional resources for transgender people, call the Trans Lifeline at 1-877-565-8860. In an emergency, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911.
