Coming out is one of the most incredibly difficult stages for a closeted individual to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity to a friend or family member.
So what better time to make a grand entrance into the LGBTQ community than at a Harry Styles concert?
The "Watermelon Sugar" singer, who is a huge LGTBQ+ ally, helped a fan attending his Love On Tour concert in Milwaukee come out to her mother, who was seated in a different section.
The moment was captured on video and the internet fell even more in love with Styles for showing up for McKinley McConnell, the closeted 23-year-old, who needed assistance.
She shared the clip on Twitter, where she expressed immense gratitude for the adored singer:
"A moment that will actually be with me forever. thank you for creating a safe place for me."
"Thank you for letting me grow along side you as a fan. Thank you for helping me know who i am. thank you."
a moment that will actually be with me forever. thank you for creating a safe place for me. thank you for letting me grow along side you as a fan. thank you for helping me know who i am. thank you. 🖤 @Harry_Styles #LoveOnTourMilwaukee #LoveOnTour #SHESGAY pic.twitter.com/cVnenwlbN9
— mckinley🍒 3 (@intothexxlight) November 4, 2021
Styles, who loves stopping his performances to interact with the crowd, noticed McConnell near the stage holding up a sign that read:
"My mom is in Section 201. Help me come out."
The British singer ran over towards her asked, "What would you like to tell your mother?" before extending the mic out to her.
Responding to her apparent apprehension, he said:
"Do you want me to tell her? I can tell her. Yeah, no problem, one second."
Styles then ran across to center stage and yelled out into the 17,000-seat arena, "Lisa, she's gay!"
Um I saw someone else post this and was like wait I know her she's from my town!!!!! So insane!! Congrats girly
— Heather.Michelle (@LovesFearless) November 4, 2021
The mother was seen on the jumbotron shocked at the interaction and then raising both arms up after composing herself in an apparent sign of acceptance.
"Now, I don't want to ruin a moment, but wouldn't it be nice if you were a little bit closer together?" Styles joked as the crowd continued to cheer.
The celebration (and tears) continued over on Twitter.
the way he looks at you, so so happy for you 🥺
— danie🧣♥️ (@daniexdelicate) November 4, 2021
I'm so happy for you babes! The fact that you did that In front of hundreds of people is just so brave of you. Congratulations❤️
— Adinachaz🤪💗 (@AdinaChaz) November 4, 2021
im so proud of you! this is so heartwarming and im in a puddle of tears. you did it. you are free now! i wish i could hug you so tight but anyways sending virtual hugs your way *hugs* also thank you harry for creating a safe space to all of your fans! loads of love mwah! 🥺💖
— shanela ♡'s zayn || check 📌 (@urlikeasunshine) November 4, 2021
As someone who doesn't know if she'll ever be out to her parents this whole interaction was heartwarming and made me cry. I am so proud of you and happy for you. Hugs xx
— Emily 🐇 (@to_be_so_lonely) November 4, 2021
We are SO happy for you and we are so so happy you got to share such a special and beautiful moment with both Harry and your Mum collectively 🥰 Massive congrats! Sending you soooo much love ♥️🌈✨ xxx
✌🏻💚 pic.twitter.com/1jwjv11puH
— Treat Harry With Kindness 🐇 (@THWKUpdates) November 4, 2021
Was there last night and literally cried over this whole interaction. So happy for you!! ❤️❤️
— Annette Copado (@annettioooo) November 4, 2021
McKinley! Your moment moved me to tears!! Thank you for sharing with us such an iconic moment that our fandom will reference endlessy...because you just made it that much easier for the next person to feel good in their skin, too. Much love!! x
— BostonKatie617 (@BKatie617) November 4, 2021
According to NBC News, McConnell had flown in from Los Angeles with her family, who were seated in another section, to catch the former One Direction singer's show.
This was not the first time Styles scored major points with the LGBTQ+ community.
Last month, he helped another fan come out as bisexual during his concert at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun Arena.
The unnamed concertgoer held a sign that read, "help me come out," and handed Styles her bisexual flag, which he grabbed and told the audience:
"When I raise this flag, you're officially out. I've heard that's how it works."
i don't see how you can hate from outside of the club when you can't even get in pic.twitter.com/im2O41IQb1
— lexi is harry's bestie 🌟 (@Ieathersuit) October 24, 2021
In a 2019 cover story interview with Rolling Stone, Styles said of his multiple LGBTQ+ banner-waving traditions:
"I want to make people feel comfortable being whatever they want to be. Maybe at a show you can have a moment of knowing that you're not alone."