Every Time Imagine Dragons Supported the LGBTQ+ Community

I'm never changing who I am.

On paper, some people might not think a band like Imagine Dragons would be such devout advocates and allies for the LGBTQ+ community, but they are.

The group's lead singer, Dan Reynolds, grew up in Las Vegas in a conservative Mormon household and even attended Brigham Young University, where the band originally came together.

However, Reynolds was expelled from BYU after he was caught having sex with his girlfriend of four years. Although it was a very shameful experience for the singer, he decided to use his past as a motive to make a difference by helping people who have felt shame in their own identity.

Growing up in Vegas, the star also had family members and friends who were gay and Mormon, but never felt comfortable coming out to their parents or peers due to their religious beliefs.

As he turned his attention to advocacy, Reynolds learned of the devastating reality that the suicide rates for LGBTQ+ youth are extremely high. In 2021, 45% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered attempting suicide, according to The Trevor Project.

In their new documentary Imagine Dragons: Live in Vegas, lead singer Dan Reynolds pulls out a Progress Pride flag (which he's done at countless Imagine Drags concerts) and showed his love for the LGBTQ+ community. Plus, bassist Ben McKee performed on stage with a guitar rocking trans colors and a rainbow heart.

However, this isn't the first time the band has stood up for the community. The group's support goes all the way back to 2017, when the band created the annual LOVELOUD Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. The festival helps raise awareness for LGBTQ+ youth and benefits national LGBTQ+ organizations like The Trevor Project and GLAAD.

In fact, Dan Reynolds documented the experience launching the festival in the 2018 HBO film Believer. In the trailer, Reynolds shows emails written from fans that questioned the singer's stance on same-sex marriage. As these emails poured in, he knew he had to stand up and use his voice for good.

Believer (2018) Official Trailer ft. Dan Reynolds | HBOyoutu.be

Although the band has shown plenty of support for the LGBTQ+ through the documentary and annual LOVELOUD Festival, they haven't stopped there.

In 2019, Reynolds spoke out against conversion therapy as the band accepted the Top Rock Artist award at the Billboard Music Awards.

Just one year later, the singer converted his childhood Las Vegas home into a youth center to help vulnerable LGBTQ+ youth.

Amidst all of these incredible acts, Reynolds and LOVELOUD have also donated money to organizations like GLAAD and The Trevor Project throughout the years. The singer even received personal recognition when he was awarded the Trevor Hero Award in 2017 for the work he's done to help queer youth.

With all of the ant-LGBTQ+ legislation being passed this year, allies like Imagine Dragons are one's the community doesn't take for granted.

Imagine Dragons: Live in Vegas is streaming now on Hulu. Check out the trailer below!

Imagine Dragons Live in Vegas | Official Trailer | Huluyoutu.be