Popular influencer Noah Beck is coming under fire on social media for allegedly queer-baiting his fans.
The 19-year-old TikTok star and content creator recently appeared on the digital cover of the latest issue of VMAN magazine wearing heels, fishnet stockings, and heavy black eyeliner.
When Beck (who identifies as straight and has been romantically linked to fellow TikToker Dixie D'Amelio) shared the VMAN cover photo on his Instagram account last week, he captioned the pic "f**k you toxic masculinity" (though that caption has since been changed), and many people rightfully weren't okay with the implication that a conventionally-attractive, straight, cis man co-opting feminine visuals and aesthetics (that queer people get mocked and shamed for) could single-handedly take down toxic masculinity — and they were quick to call it out.
This isn't the first time he has come under fire, though.
In July 2020, Beck was first accused of queer-baiting after appearing in a video by YouTuber Bryce Hall alongside gay makeup artist James Charles. The headline of the video reads "Noah Beck Is Dating James Charles," with a thumbnail that showcases the two of them being very close, and fans immediately pointed out how they were literally using the possibility of a relationship between Beck and Charles for clicks.
Later that year in August of 2020, Beck was accused of being homophobic after liking social media posts that were disparaging the queer community.
While some took issue with Beck's VMAN cover shoot, others were also there to defend him, arguing that what he's doing could actually be beneficial for the way masculinity is portrayed in media.
So what are your thoughts on Noah Beck's latest photoshoot? Sound off in the comments and on Twitter!
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