From the “Queer Eye” gang to Instagram’s finest, “Project Runway” alums and other beloved allies, America’s celebrities and social media stars busted out the red, white and blue all over for July 4th.
Here are some of the hottest, sweetest and oddest salutes to America. (No, not that particular, moral and legal mess of a “Salute to America,” thank you very much.)
English fashion aficionado and “Queer Eye” darling Tan France paid tribute to July 4th via Instagram. (The red rouge and lips were an especially festive, color-coordinating touch in this #tbt to his Paper Magazine profile from last year.)
Another beloved member of the QE family, Bobby Berk, along with his husband, Dewey Do, shared an adorable boardwalk flashback to mark the day. (These very sweet gents are celebrating in Philadelphia, where the Declaration of Independence was ratified 243 years ago today.)
Last but never least among them, QE‘s Jonathan Van Ness struck a pose on the Capitol Mall in Washington, DC. In the glamorous photo’s caption, Jonathan used the platform and iconic scenery to point out all the (100% patriotic) ways Americans can demand lasting changes on myriad political, social and economic issues. “To achieve change we have to talk to each other,” Jonathan writes. “Let’s celebrate today but keep on speaking your truth to power.” Amen.
Elle Editor-in-Chief and “Project Runway” alumna Nina García wishing a wholesome “safe and blessed” day of celebrations. Naturally, her fashionable homage includes an elaborately ruffled, tiered number bathed in golden light for the occasion. Never miss an opportunity to go the extra mile.
Like JVN, Lady Liberty Laverne Cox laid down the gauntlet in her homage to Independence Day in an absolutely stunning Instagram shot which remixed a 2015 shoot with a background of American flags courtesy of the OINTB folks.
Stunning Insta-traveler Barrett Pall shared a sultry 4th-themed photo, along with another message for the masses today: “Be kind, and don’t get caught up in the rushing around and pressure of the 4th. Be #present and don’t spend too much time on your phone trying to show everyone else how much fun you’re having – just have the fun!” We’ll do our best, but more photos like that might just distract us from any other fireworks.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzf3AvgBslb/
Another Insta-travel favorite, this time the coupled due of Justin and Nick (a/k/a, @Justinickpgh), set off to Thailand for their holiday getaway, one suggestive pool float and loads of skin included.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzf7961Hcik/
Fabulous queer author Kristen Arnett (Felt in the Jaw, Mostly Dead Things) is doing all she can to keep sweet little Lola cool for the holigay.
happy holigay bitch pic.twitter.com/mNDwYEkGzd
— Kristen Arnett (@Kristen_Arnett) July 4, 2019
Presidential hopeful and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg spent part of the holiday taking in the scene at Storm Lake, Iowa, in the early caucus state.
Thrilled to be with Storm Lake this morning celebrating Independence Day. Thanks for the warm welcome. Happy Fourth of July! pic.twitter.com/3htJxqdEim
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 4, 2019
After the fabulous Capitol shot earlier in the day, JVN joined QE costar Antoni Porowski for a sweet backseat peck that certainly got the IG mentions twittering. “I guess Amurica’s birthday’s our anniversary, babe,” eh?
In news of other kisses from Canadians who have graced American soil with their presence, Shawn Mendes reposted a short clip in which he gave a peck on the cheek to a very excited (though, if we’re being honest, remarkably composed) young fan at a Denver show earlier in the week.
Olympian Adam Rippon was a little overdressed for early July, but brought a fashionable and more winter-olympian-appropriate take to wish everyone well for the holiday.
Like a few others we saw heading abroad for Independence Day, Janet Mock brought glamour to a behind-the-scenes look at the Valentino Fall/Winter 2019 Haute Couture show. (Paris and Milan’s fashion weeks will kick off in a couple months, but Mock’s stylishness never takes a break it seems.)
We’ll keep you updated throughout as more share their festive shots (and inevitable flag-featuring thirst traps).
Did we miss anyone whose celebrations (or protestations) caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below.
This post was updated 7/5/19.