Niall Horan Has Been Named ‘LGBTQ King’ For a Pretty Ridiculous Reason

Megan Cassidy

A tweet claiming Niall Horan is an “LGBTQ King” is going viral for all the wrong reasons today.

Massively popular Britney Spears fan forum, Breathe Heavy, shared a picture on Twitter of Niall holding hands with a fan, Garrett, and wrote:

‘Our newly-crowned LGBTQ king is @NiallOfficial for holding a gay fan’s hand during a M&G. We salute you —>’

Our newly-crowned LGBTQ king is @NiallOfficial for holding a gay fan’s hand during a M&G. We salute you —> https://t.co/yLzRNY79jr pic.twitter.com/cbFqXOIgJ6

— BreatheHeavy.com (@breatheheavycom) August 30, 2018

However, fans (rightly) found the suggestion that it is *out of the ordinary* to be respectful and kind to a member of the LGTBQ community… well… pretty insulting.

Wow he treated a gay person like a normal human being! What an lgbt icon ???????????????????????? pic.twitter.com/UU2vclivH3

— Violet ???? (@PastelViolet_) September 1, 2018

He isn’t saying that there is anything wrong with the LGBT community, he’s just saying that the reaction is over the top because the guy literally just held someone’s hand. Like he just did what any half-decent person would do. Its amazing that he’s supportive but this is OTT. ????

— becky (@loopdedaude) September 1, 2018

a straight celebrity: *is respectful toward the lgbt+ community like a decent person*

y’all: omg we stan one (1) lgbt icon!1!!1 can you believe we’re going to go buy ALL their merch now ????????

— dalya (@mutantmagik) August 31, 2018

Aside from all the LGBTQ King nonsense, the story behind the original picture is actually very sweet.

Garrett, who is a Niall Horan superfan, explained on Twitter that Niall’s lyrics helped him come out to his parents, so it was a massive moment for him to meet the singer in person.

I TOLD HIM THAT I LOVE YOU BEST WHEN YOURE JUST YOURSELF HELPED ME COME OUT TO MY PARENTS AND HE SMILED AND ON MY WAY OUT HE GOES CONGRATS MAN

— Garrett◟̽◞̽︎︎ (@carryingthelwt) August 28, 2018

When you’re right here beside me, there’s nothing else I need. I love you more than words @NiallOfficial thank you ???? pic.twitter.com/NrOtyg52M3

— Garrett◟̽◞̽︎︎ (@carryingthelwt) August 29, 2018

Frankly, I wish I loved anything as much as Garrett loves Niall.