'I cannot vote for someone who won't fight for dignity for ALL Americans': Taylor Swift reveals she'll vote for the Democrats in first ever politics post attacking appalling record of Tennessee Republican (10 Pics)
Taylor Swift broke with years of silence over her political views on Sunday as she attacked a Republican running for office in her home state of Tennessee.
The pop superstar came out swinging as she vowed to oppose senate candidate Marsha Blackburn over her voting record on women's rights and LGBTQ rights.
Swift said she refuses to vote for someone 'who will not be willing to fight for dignity for ALL Americans, no matter their skin color, gender or who they love.'
The 28-year-old took issue with Blackburn voting against gay marriage, supporting business owners who refuse service to gay couples, voting against equal pay laws, and against a bill which aimed to protect women from domestic violence.
'Her voting record in Congress appalls and terrifies me,' she wrote, adding: 'These are not MY Tennessee values.'
She went on: 'I always have and always will cast my vote based on which candidate will protect and fight for the human rights I believe we all deserve in this country.'
'I believe in the fight for LGBTQ rights, and that any form of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender is WRONG.
'I believe that the systemic racism we still see in this country towards people of color is terrifying, sickening and prevalent.'
Instead of Blackburn, Swift endorsed former Tennessee governor Phil Bredesen for Senate and incumbent Jim Cooper for House of Representatives, both Democrats.
Swift, who was born in Pennsylvania, has lived in Nashville, Tennessee, since she was 10 years old.
The Reputation hitmaker also used her platform to urge young people to register to vote and make their voices heard in November.
'So many intelligent, thoughtful, self-possessed people have turned 18 in the past two years and now have the right and privilege to make their vote count,' she wrote.
'But first you need to register, which is quick and easy to do. October 9th is the LAST DAY to register to vote in the state of TN. Go to vote.org and you can find all the info. Happy Voting!'
She added a smiley face emjoi and a rainbow symbol.
Swift wrapped up the North American leg of her Reputation Tour with a concert in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday night.
She's set to open the American Music Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday before heading off Down Under as she takes her Reputation Tour to Australia and New Zealand and then on to Japan.
Swift's political coming out immediately garnered lots of buzz on Twitter.
Former governor Bredeson tweeted his thanks to the singer for her endorsement, saying: 'I’m honored to have your support.'
According to a recent Fox News poll, Blackburn was ahead of Bredesen 48 per cent-43 per cent.
Actress and activist Ayssa Milano retweeted Swift's post and wrote: 'Taylor Swift Speaks Out Against Anti-Gay Senate Candidate - Thank you, @taylorswift13.'
However, conservative pundit and Trump supporter Charlie Kirk lashed out at Swift in a tweet, saying: 'You have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. Your career has never recovered since Kanye ended it.'
Swift didn't acknowledge Bredesen's recent endorsement of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, but said people may never find a candidate or party with whom they agree completely on every issue.
As Swift acknowledged, she usually stays quiet about her beliefs, but in March, the 28-year-old announced on Instagram that she had donated to the Parkland school shooting's March For Our Lives campaign, just ahead of their DC march against gun violence .
Swift shared the logo for the campaign in her post and captioned it: 'No one should have to go to school in fear of gun violence. Or to a nightclub. Or to a concert. Or to a movie theater. Or to their place of worship.'
She then added 'I’ve made a donation to show my support for the students, for the March For Our Lives campaign, for everyone affected by these tragedies, and to support gun reform.'
