When Taylor Swift takes the stage in Vancouver this weekend, it will be more than just three nights of downtown concerts and sparkly good vibes. For local Swifties, especially many girls and young women, these are monumental events — a chance to experience the power of music, community and personal growth.
Photo credit to Stephen Mease
Swift has become a symbol of empowerment through the way she owns her narrative, turns life’s struggles into art, and connects with those around her. Some critics and cynics — yes, often men — may see the hype as superficial and overly commercial or, worse, dismiss it as girl stuff. To those voices, let her fans have this moment. You don’t have to be a diehard Swiftie to smile as her Vancouver fans make the whole place shimmer.
Swift has evolved from a young country singer-songwriter into a global powerhouse whose influence stretches far beyond music. Her ability to write songs that resonate deeply with young audiences has made her a voice for a generation. Swift’s music captures the joys, heartbreaks and ambitions of women at all stages of life. She is not afraid to explore vulnerability, self-discovery and love, while also making it clear that women deserve to take up space in the world to be themselves, and helping fans across B.C. — including so many Girl Guides in local groups like mine here in Vancouver — claim their power.
In her concerts, the energy is palpable, but it’s not just about the spectacle of her performances. It’s about the sense of empowerment shared with her audience. The crowd is filled with young women who see themselves reflected in her lyrics or inspired by her confidence. When Swift sings about overcoming hardships, asserting independence or pursuing dreams, she’s not just telling a story — she’s giving young women the courage to do the same.
Concerts like this don’t come around often, especially for a city like Vancouver, which is at peak Swiftie momentum in the lead-up to the Eras Tour. For many young fans, it will be their first time seeing Swift live, making this experience all the more significant. It’s a celebration not just of her music, but of the shared experience of being a young woman in the world today — of navigating the challenges, the joys, and the complexities in a world too often full of bad news and hardship. And there are fun bracelets and other hallmarks of sisterhood to be had!
While there are some valid critiques to consider about the intense commercialization, merch mayhem or inflated ticket prices charged by resellers, and benefits of the tour being touted for local businesses and Vancouver, this isn’t all about idolizing a pop star for the sake of fame, money or popularity. It’s about women and girls seeing themselves in someone who has succeeded by staying true to her creative vision, by navigating the music industry on her own terms, and by speaking out on issues that matter to her — whether about gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights or political activism. Swift’s influence is profound because she doesn’t just encourage fans to dream; she encourages them to act, to think critically, and to embrace their individuality.
For the non-Swifties, this moment might not be for you, and that’s OK. It’s for the girls, women, and other inspired fans who have found strength and inspiration in Swift’s music and message. It’s for those who, through her lyrics, have learned to reclaim their narratives, demand respect and follow their passions without fear. Let these fans experience the joy, the unity, and the empowerment that come from celebrating women’s power.
The young women who will fill the Vancouver arena this December are not just fans; they are the next generation of leaders, thinkers and creators, and they deserve this moment to have fun and celebrate girl power at its peak. So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it — this next era is all for you, girls.
Diamond Isinger is a volunteer spokesperson and former provincial commissioner for B.C. Girl Guides, girls’ empowerment volunteer.
I didn't make it to a concert but have followed her remarkable career with great appreciation for her role model for girls.