Who Is Evelyn Hugo, And Why Do 'Gaylor' Believers Think Taylor Swift Is Referencing Her?

When Taylor Swift showed up to the Golden Globes in a green dress, most of her fanbase simply tried to decipher what she said to Selena Gomez in a candid moment caught on a camera. But a very particular segment of Swift's fanbases, known as Gaylors, thought there was something to decipher in the dress. Gaylors, who believe Swift is secretly lesbian or bisexual, argue the dress is a reference to a character in a book who faced the same predicament.

What Is 'The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo'?

Evelyn Hugo is a character created by Taylor Jenkins Reid, who also wrote Daisy Jones and the Six. Evelyn Hugo is based roughly on the life of Elizabeth Taylor, and the book narrates her seven marriages in the milieu of mid-20th century Hollywood stardom. However, the central relationship of the book is Evelyn's relationship with another actress, Celia. Framed as a deathbed confession, the novel describes how Evelyn was actually gay all along and was forced to hide it due to her being a celebrity and the prejudiced attitudes of people at the time.

Why Do People Think Taylor Swift Is Referencing Evelyn Hugo?

On the front cover, Evelyn Hugo is pictured wearing a green dress. Gaylors believe Taylor Swift is in a similar predicament: while it appears that she is involved with a series of famous men such as Travis Kelce and Matty Healy, she's actually gay and in love with some woman. The most frequently proposed partner for Taylor Swift is model Karlie Kloss.

Swift's Golden Globe appearance came directly after a fracas in the press involving the Gaylor conspiracy theory. After The New York Times published a 5,000 word opinion editorial arguing for why Taylor Swift is gay, a source close to Swift told CNN that editorial was "invasive, untrue, and inappropriate." After that, the online world of Gaylor theorists was abuzz, as prominent Gaylor content creators clashed with mainstream Swifties, interpreted and reinterpreted the remark by the "source close to Swift" and sought to reframe Gaylor theory to incorporate the latest developments.

In this specific instance, the discussion of Evelyn Hugo has taken on another dimension: the fictional character of Evelyn Hugo is written as Cuban-American, and so some object to imagining Taylor Swift (a white woman) as Evelyn Hugo. Others argue that Evelyn Hugo is written as a white Latina, and is not a real person anyways, so it is okay. The discourse is complicated.

Why Is The Gaylor Topic So Controversial?

For those who strongly support the Gaylor Theory, the idea of Taylor Swift subtly signaling an LGBTQ+ identity makes them feel seen and heard. Much of the evidence for Gaylor Theory comes from what they interpret as Swift's use of symbolism and gestures associated with LGBT culture, particularly around her Lover era. Pushing back against some who argue that Swift is merely a straight woman appropriating these symbols for her own use, Gaylors propose that Swift has instead been silenced by an oppressive industry and culture. Talking about Swift, for many, is a way of talking about their own identities.

Feelings run high about Taylor Swift, who has earned over a billion dollars by figuring out how to get people to pay attention to her. Fans, including Gaylors, are generally encouraged by Swift to engage in conspiratorial games and puzzles, deciphering the meaning of her lyrics and public appearances. But for many, Gaylor Theory has simply gone too far.

However, for Gaylors, the lack of a definitive statement from Swift herself about the topic still gives them some amount of hope. So, there could always be a chance, both for Swift and for other figures who may be "giving Evelyn Hugo."

To learn more about Gaylor Theory, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.