Turning on the news to see men in white, pointed garbs waving the confederate flag, you could be forgiven for thinking it's the 1960s, or the 1920s, or even in 1870s.
Though, whilst some parts of society are regressing at an alarming rate, others are making considered strides.
Male bisexuality is something that is still very taboo, with a lot of people considering it either a phase or even an attention-seeking tactic.
Recently, pop star Aaron Carter revealed that he is 'attracted to men and women equally' and has maintained long-term relationships with women as well as less public relationships with men.
The 'shame' surrounding men engaging in male sexual relationship can also be heightened in black communities.
The film Moonlight explored the little-seen reality of black, male romantic relationships.
The world of rap, likewise, is largely intolerant of bi- or homosexuality.
Frank Ocean 'came out' in a Tumblr post in 2012. He explained how he fell in love with another man over summer when he was 19-years-old.
4 summers ago, I met somebody. I was 19 years old. He was too. We spent that summer, and the summer after, together. Everyday almost. And on the days we were together, time would glide. Most of the day I'd see him, and his smile. I'd hear his conversation and his silence…until it was time to sleep. Sleep I would often share with him. By the time I realised I was in love, it was malignant. It was hopeless. There was no escaping, no negotiating with the feeling. No choice. It was my first love, it changed my life.
Now, his fellow Odd Future member, Tyler the Creator appears to have explicitly described falling in love with another man.
Though the rapper has been accused of deeply homophobic lyrics in the past, he has also dropped hints about his attraction to men.
Now, in an interview with Noisey, he has said, 'I had a boyfriend when I was fifteen in f*cking Hawthorne [California]...If that's not open-minded, I don't know what the f*ck that is.'
For many this has not come as a surprise - he has indicated as such before - but this direct announcement is definitely refreshing.
Daisy Murray is the Digital Fashion Editor at ELLE UK, spotlighting emerging designers, sustainable shopping, and celebrity style. Since joining in 2016 as an editorial intern, Daisy has run the gamut of fashion journalism - interviewing Molly Goddard backstage at London Fashion Week, investigating the power of androgynous dressing and celebrating the joys of vintage shopping.
