Here's Why People Were Let Down When Taylor Swift Didn't Come Out

Leading up to what was being touted as a big reveal that appeared to add up to something more than just new music, Taylor Swift launched a countdown clock to the release of her new single and unveiled a butterfly mural riddled with clues about her new album.

During the NFL draft, the native Tennessean told Good Morning America's Robin Roberts that she was dropping a news single and video, which premiered at midnight is called "Me!" and is a collaboration with pansexual Panic at the Disco singer Brendon Urie "about embracing your individuality and really owning it," Swift told Roberts.

Rumors that Swift, who is currently dating Joe Alwyn (The Favourite, Boy Erased, Mary Queen of Scots), would come out as queer swirled for months on social media with Twitter users delving into hints like sleuths. The final reveal of the butterfly mural, which Swift commissioned, offered plenty of clues for Swift conspiracy theorists to chew over. As it containted the muted colors of the bisexual flag and was laden with rainbows, some on social media took the mural as proof positive of Swift's queerness.

Other signs that Swift's big announcement would be a coming-out were that she was dropping some big news April 26, which is Lesbian Visibility Day. Some took the fact that Swift was doing an interview with Roberts, who is a lesbian, as a sign of something queer to come. Meanwhile, others dissected Swift's close relationship with Karlie Kloss.

While Swift has made charitable donations to causes including education in the past, she's tended to walk a neutral line in terms of politics. But last fall, ahead of the midterm elections, Swift made a plea to voters in Tennessee to vote Marsha Blackburn out of the Senate based in part on her record against LGBTQ equality.

"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," Swift wrote.

"I cannot 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," she added.

Earlier this month, Swift donated $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project to fight a raft of anti-LGBTQ legislation that activists have dubbed the "slate of hate."

"I'm writing you to say that I'm so inspired by the work you do, specifically in organizing the recent petition of Tennessee faith leaders standing up against the 'slate of hate' in our state legislature," the music star wrote the group's executive director, Chris Sanders, in a note posted April 8 on the Tennessee Equality Project's Facebook page. "Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and these leaders are doing. I'm so grateful that they're giving all people a place to worship."