A twink on TikTok has sparked debate with a recent video. He used it to criticize some men in open relationships.
Clarkson Lawson, 26, is based in Florida. He said the men who particularly irked him were those who suggested their relationship was superior or more “evolved” than those that conform to heteronormative traditions.
“Don’t sit here and act like you reinvented the wheel because you let someone else sleep with your boyfriend,” he says.
How about we take this to the next level?
Subscribe to our newsletter for a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
@clarksonlawson Sorry but THIS HAD TO BE SAID… You’re “open” relationship is not indicative of maturity or an evolved state of being. There’s actually a strong argument that it indicates the opposite of that. #clarksonlawson #republican #conservative #lgbt #lgbtq ♬ original sound – Clarkson
Lawson goes on to argue that sex is a “primal urge” and that “what separates us from the rest of the animal kingdom and Neanderthals is being able to not act on primary urges when it is in our best interests.
“So no, having an open relationship is not the next step in evolution. It’s actually regressing.”
He then criticizes couples who argue that sex is not the defining factor of their relationship.
“This is very easily debunked,” says Lawson. “Your relationship is defined by sex because you cannot give it up with other people in order to be in a relationship.”
Lawson does go on to concede, after adding his dime to the conversation, that “it’s none of my business. If it works for you, it works for you. Just don’t sit here and put yourself on some moral pedestal. Like you’re the second coming of Einstein because you and your boyfriend are able to let someone else into your relationship.”
Touchy subject
Some viewers agreed with Lawson’s stance.
“Open relationship = You are an option,” was one well-liked comment on TikTok. One woman, who possibly doesn’t know many long-term gay couples, said, “I’m sorry, but never have I EVER met a happy open relationship couple 😅”
Lawson’s video was also posted to X. It had some supporters.
Open relationships are not healthy. They only work if you want to cruise grinder and be the creepy old gay guy down the street with cats. No real love, no true intimacy and they lack real meaningful personal connections. Stop trying 2 justify getting your 🍑 pounded.
— rodney 💯 (@rodney806) January 22, 2024
However, Lawson’s video quickly received a lot of clapback.
Writer Dan Savage was among those to offer an opinion.
“I get annoyed when people in open relationships argue that they’re more highly evolved,” agreed Savage. “That’s very annoying and it’s total bullshit. But monogamous people who argue — as this guy does — that non-monogamous people are animals? Very annoying and also bullshit.”
“Do what works for you and let other people do what works for them. And have the humility to recognize that what works for you may change over time.”
Others also slated the video.
Really strong "the couple I lust after don't want to have sex with me" vibes. https://t.co/mT8uHiV5jI
— George Forth (cis) 💔🏳️🌈🇪🇺🇫🇮🇬🇧🇪🇸 (@GeorgeForth) January 23, 2024
“It’s none of my business”
— Derek Bolt (@derekboltxxx) January 22, 2024
*posts a video essay trying to make it his business*
I’m in an open relationship. I don’t know anyone in an open relationship who preaches they’re superior or that it’s an evolution? Your take usually comes from bitter gays who can’t stand the fact someone can have a boyfriend and have fun when they themselves can’t get past a…
— matt (@mattspx) January 23, 2024
I can’t think of a sadder way to live than being triggered by what other people are doing with their lives that have nothing to do with you.
— Austin Wilde (@AustinWilde) January 22, 2024
Lawson has built a sizeable following with his TikTok and X videos. He tends to follow the Libs Of TikTok approach of slamming trans people and echoing conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues.
Here he is on Newsmax recently slamming the notion of Pride Month. Yes, really.
“My mind has not been ‘changed’”
Queerty reached out to Lawson. We asked if the feedback he’d received to the polyamory video had changed his mind at all.
“I expected the reaction I received because this is such a touchy subject, especially among the gay community,” he replied. “The goal of my video was to provide a counter-argument to those who put themselves on a moral pedestal for opening up their relationship.
“While it’s unfortunate that many people took this the wrong way, my beliefs are not determined by my audience’s reaction, so my mind has not been ‘changed’ based on the response.”
“If my opinions were determined by whether or not the internet agreed with me, I would not be able to provide any value to any discussion.”
“Everyone should be free to do what they please in their relationship, but people are allowed to not want that for themselves and have reasons for it. Additionally, your choice to open your relationship does not make you better or ‘more evolved’ than those who choose monogamy.”
Related:
Christian Walker sobs as he questions his move to Florida
Christian Walker shared a moment of doubt.
Gay guys explain why they choose open relationships
Some of us are monogamous, some of us are monogam-ish, but honesty is always the best policy in a relationship.
Baron Wiseman
A gay guy on Newsmax!?! Gadzooks! Golly, but I thought they hated us and wanted us dead?
I wish I was that bright at his age, but I was still a Democrat.
decrans
I was a socialist. California was the wake up call I needed. Secondly, I’ve followed this person since his appearance on the Gay Conservatives vs the Gay Liberals on Jubilee. Queerty platforming him doesn’t bode well for Zzbomb’s theory of mass bans against groupthink on Queerty anytime soon.
ZzBomb
Well at least you admit you are part of a group think.
That’s the first step in curing your problems.
decrans
I was referring to you, dear.
ZzBomb
Funny b/c of all the commenters here, you 2 are the only ones agreeing w/ each other in an echo chamber.
decrans
Shaves, Diplo, Hi and several others. There’s an LGB without the TQ movement I’m sure you’re aware of.
ZzBomb
LOL
Sure, Jan b/c let’s be real, you’re a straight white guy playing the false flag game.
decrans
If that makes you feel better, Zz. Whatever washes it down your gullet.
ZzBomb
I don’t “feel” anything over it. It’s pretty obvious and that’s all I’m pointing out.
Baron Wiseman
@decrans
Now that you mention it, I also remember him on that Jubilee segment. I found him to be thoughtful and well-spoken.
SoPluckyWhat
So, do as I say! Why isn’t anyone listening to MEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Chrisk
Yawn. Just when I thought Hershal Walkers kid and his 15 minutes of fame were up another annoying anything for fame twink pops up to take his place.
Funny how it’s only the right wing places that’ll have them on. All they see is a useful Fa**ot to reinforce their bigotry. They love their Uncle Toms.
LumpyPillows
Much better than Hershal’s spawn.
Baron Wiseman
@Chrisk
“Funny how it’s only the right wing places that’ll have them on.”
Yes, why is that? As the diversity-lover that your ilk claims to be, why is he and others that do not espouse the approved Democratic narrative not invited onto the shows that claim to be inclusive, compassionate and diversity-loving?
“All they see is a useful Fa**ot to reinforce their bigotry. They love their Uncle Toms.”
Please explain to me what “bigotry” did he “reinforce”?
decrans
Blaire White has supposedly been blacklisted from Fox News. I always appreciate that person’s perspective.
still_onthemark
@decrans: The fact that you like Blaire White gives me hope for you! I like her too. But is there a reason you call her “that person” rather than “her”? There are a few REAL trans people out there, you know, as she keeps pointing out. That’s probably why Fox News doesn’t want her anymore.
(For anyone not familiar with her: Blaire White rejects the ridiculous notion that “trans” is merely a subset of “nonbinary.” No, no, no, no, no!)
decrans
I don’t play the pronoun game with trans people. If you give a mouse a cookie, he ends up eating an entire box of Oreos.
still_onthemark
@decrans: That’s very shortsighted of you. Gender dysphoria is a real thing – very rare, but a DSM diagnosis that can be treated. Just because you were misdiagnosed and badly treated, doesn’t mean trans is totally made up by the alphabet people.
Diplomat
If trans rational phenomenon Blair White were leading the trans movement, they would gain sooo much. Instead, there’s just a bunch of offensive high testosterone raging male losers in female clothes makeup and hair ruining it for the entire group. Totally trashing all credibility hence laws being made against them. Sad. But true.
LumpyPillows
I used to follow him when I was still on TikTok. The crazies got too shrill, and I had to leave for my peace of mind. Reminds me of how toxic FB got before I quit that.
still_onthemark
The only place I’ve seen him is on a few Brad Polumbo videos on YouTube. I haven’t seen Clarkson Lawson’s TikToks, but I seriously doubt that “He tends to follow the Libs Of TikTok approach of slamming trans people,” as Queerty puts it. He and Polumbo mostly call out the TikToks of delusional, weepy, creepy nonbinary types. Polumbo often has trans guests on his show.
ZzBomb
I’m in an open relationship and I never once thought myself or our relationship “superior,” “more evolved,” or whatever. Like some said above, if it works for you it works for you.
This dude is just crying out for attention b/c literally no one cares. Open or mono, you do you and let others be.
Such a weird thing to comment on or worry about.
still_onthemark
Yes, but he’s 26 and maybe he’s met Gen Z gay couples who DO have that weird attitude. It wouldn’t totally surprise me if that’s a “thing” with Gen Z, they have so many hangups that seem bizarre to us ancients.
dwick
I’ll wait for the OF version
KissBananaPeels
I don’t listen to prissy little boy girls…
AuntieXhrist
Yes, my first thought at his macha lisping.
Kangol2
It sounds like this twink could use a little LGBTQ history lesson, beginning with an intensive study of the Stonewall uprising and the key concept of “gay liberation” which arose out it. Part of “gay liberation” included social and sexual liberation, including creating same-sex relationships that neither mimicked nor were beholden to heteronormative ideas of marriage, coupling, and so forth. If he’s got half a brain and isn’t brainwashed, he would do well to read up on US gay male history over the last 75 years in particular, and then perhaps he will be a bit better informed before he sounds off on topics like this. One thing the article didn’t address: is this twink in a relationship or not? Is he worried his boyfriend’s eye might be wandering?
decrans
Let me guess. Marsha P. Johnson threw the first brick while residing in another area of New York City entirely. Sylvia Rivera was also there, and not passed out from heroin on a park bench.
Baron Wiseman
@Kangol2
I’m not sure what “a little LGBT history lesson” and “an intensive study of Stonewall” have to do on today’s relationships from gay relationships 75 years ago. Gay men have always defined their own relationships without the heterosexual constraints of marriage, in-laws, the church, divorce, etc.
Also, all of his points of gay male relationships stand on their own merit regardless of his own relationship status.
ZzBomb
Oh look, Kangol, the 2 heterosexual, cisgendered white dudes playing false flag games on a LBGTQ+ website want to tell you otherwise about the importance of understanding out community’s history!
How quaint!? LOL
1898
i know queerty loves to bury the lede, but this time you’ve buried it to earth’s core:
“He tends to follow the Libs Of TikTok approach of slamming trans people and echoing conservative views on LGBTQ+ issues.Here he is on Newsmax recently slamming the notion of Pride Month…”
this guy is a homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic attention wh*re who doesn’t deserve the attention you’re giving him
still_onthemark
Queerty probably ‘buried that lede’ because they know deep down it’s not true and there are limits on how much they can gaslight their gay male readership into taking all those green-haired heterosexual ‘Q+’ ‘folx’ seriously. Some of these TikTokers say astonishingly homophobic stuff, perhaps (hopefully?) without realizing it.
For instance, an obvious ‘assigned female at birth’ declaring that anyone who has a “genital preference” is transphobic! Um, it’s not a “preference,” it’s a sexual orientation that we’re BORN WITH and the gay community just spent over fifty years explaining this to straights.
novadude
He whines about (his perception that) some in open relationships feel they are more evolved. And then he turns around and claims open relationships are “regressing.”
So in the same breath where he objects to being looked down on he then does EXACTLY that to them.
What a flaming hypocrite!
Darling, your insecurities are showing.
SoPluckyWhat
Some people take other peoples opinions WAY too seriously. I don’t have any idea who these people are. I’m not on TIKTOK, Instagram, Twitter or Grindr. I do have a Facebook, but the last post I made was over 3 years ago. Apparently, I don’t watch every little thing on TV. I HAVE A LIFE!!!!
JTinToronto
Young. Naive. Ignorant. Self-absorbed. Will do and say anything to get noticed. Fraud.
lord.krath
I read the article hoping to gleam some insightful perspective. Sadly, it was just some guy sharing an incoherent (suspiciously reactive) opinion followed by a disclaimer ex post facto.
For the very little it is worth, I’ve never witnessed my known poly friends as having claimed any sort of superiority. I have seen monogamous folk do that, though.
Also, I agree that what sets aside from the animals is our ability to control primal impulses. What does that have to do with open, polygamous, or polyamorous couples? There are some things that society (usually through religion) define as norms and socially acceptable [for a reason].
Of all impulses to control or shame consensual love and sex shouldn’t be high on the list. There are others we need to get a handle on first. I don’t know…how about murder and and war – those are nasty impulse isn’t it? How about unbound greed? Also not very utopian or evolved.
scotty
apparently that’s just one little boys opinion.
Jon in Canada
He’s a Homocon and they are, by definition, the least of us. They are slavishly devoted to being seen as “one of the good ones” to their Republican/Conservative “betters”. He most certainly has a right to his views and to speak on them, but we also have the right to call him what he is, a right leaning limelight seeking narcissistic Tik-Tok wh0re with little to no knowledge of reality.
Baron Wiseman
@Jon in Canada
Wow. What an argument. So persuasive.
(Do you have ANYTHING other than name-calling? Apparently, not. 🙁 )
Wentz
Whatever relationship this queen is in will never be healthy.
Yooper
I’m an old gay. I’ve never really heard anyone spouting notions of their relationships being superior whether open or monogamous. Most couples I’ve known through the years do their thing and live their lives without casting shade on others choices. First blush reading was “he’s young, let him get some life experience and he’ll likely chill out and not be so judgmental”, then he’s on Newmax, enough said, he’s a little deuce looking for attention at any avenue.
Consider This
For the most part, I find his observations rather accurate.