Bad Bunny: Fashion as Protest and Expression in Puerto Rico's Queer History
When Puerto Rican reggaeton sensation Bad Bunny was announced as the performer for the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show, a wave of right-wing backlash followed. Critics attempted to "cancel" the artist for his decision to sing primarily in Spanish and his history of performing in drag.
Born in a modest neighborhood near Vega Baja, Bad Bunny has consistently defied gender norms, expressing a queer-positive political stance through his bold fashion choices. His style often blends masculine and feminine elements, featuring vibrant colors, oversized silhouettes, and striking accessories. Here, we explore five key moments that highlight Bad Bunny's gender-bending fashion and its significance in the broader context of Puerto Rico's drag and queer history.
Fashion Activism and Public Statements
In February 2020, Bad Bunny made a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show, donning a large pink blazer and black skirt. Mid-performance, he revealed a t-shirt reading, "Mataron a Alexa, no a un hombre con falda," referencing the tragic murder of Alexa Negrón Luciano, a transgender woman in Puerto Rico. This act of sartorial protest called attention to the violence faced by transgender individuals and challenged societal perceptions.
Visual Storytelling in Music Videos
The music video for "Yo Perreo Sola" released in March 2020, featured Bad Bunny in a red leather minidress and flawless wig, embodying a woman asserting her autonomy on the dance floor. Throughout the video, he also appears in various female personas, highlighting the fluidity of gender presentation.
A New Perspective in Fashion Shoots
In February 2022, Bad Bunny participated in a fashion shoot for the indie luxury brand Jacquemus, set in Miami. Sporting a pink dress and pale blue high heels, he challenged traditional gender norms, celebrating the freedom of self-expression in a city with a significant Puerto Rican population.
Iconic Magazine Covers
August 2022 saw Bad Bunny on the cover of Harper's Bazaar's "The Icons Issue," wearing a white tuxedo top paired with a long skirt and workboots. In his interview, he discussed his affinity for women's clothing, emphasizing the importance of authenticity over public perception. His success has afforded him the liberty to experiment with personal style, embracing a more genuine existence.
Met Gala: A Floral Statement
At the 2023 Met Gala, Bad Bunny appeared in a white double-breasted suit with a long train of white flowers, blending traditional masculine and feminine styles. His presence at such a high-profile event underscored his status as a fashion icon committed to challenging conventions.
Bad Bunny's fashion choices reflect a long-standing tradition within Puerto Rico's queer culture, where drag and gender-bending performers have used fashion to navigate the island's complex socio-political landscape. This tradition dates back to the 1960s and includes icons such as Lady Cataria and Stonewall veteran Sylvia Rivera, who advocated for marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.
In modern times, Puerto Rican queens have gained international recognition through platforms like RuPaul's Drag Race, continuing to draw attention to local nightlife and the island's vibrant queer culture. As Puerto Rican critic Gilberto Blasini notes, the body serves as a "textual terrain" for exploring issues of politics, nationality, and identity.
Amidst ongoing challenges from anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and violence on the island, performers like Bad Bunny have used fashion as a form of resistance and self-expression, embodying the complexities of race, gender, and sexuality within Puerto Rico.
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