Vogue faces angry backlash from critics who claim style bible made 'harmful' comments about Cara Delevingne's sexuality which suggested it might be a 'phase'

  • Vogue published an interview in which model discussed her sexuality 
  • Author Rob Haskell repeated her parents' belief that it was a 'phase'
  • Over 12,500 people have signed a petition calling for Vogue to apologise

By Martha Cliff for MailOnline

Published: 09:58 EST, 25 June 2015 | Updated: 22:09 EST, 25 June 2015

Style bible US Vogue has become embroiled in a homophobia row after publishing an interview with Cara Delevingne that said her parents believe her attraction to women is 'a phase'.

Since then over 12,500 people worldwide have signed a Care2 petition demanding the magazine apologise for publishing harmful stereotypes about bisexual women. 

The petition has almost reached its target of 13,000 signatures after receiving support in the UK, Netherlands, Ukraine and Azerbaijan from people calling for the editor-in-chief Anna Wintour to issue an apology.

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Over 10,000 people have signed a petition calling for Vogue to apologise for their comments published in a  interview with Cara Delevingne suggesting bisexuality is a 'phase'. Pictured: Cara with girlfriend St. Vincent

Over 10,000 people have signed a petition calling for Vogue to apologise for their comments published in a  interview with Cara Delevingne suggesting bisexuality is a 'phase'. Pictured: Cara with girlfriend St. Vincent

Members of the LGBT community and their loved-ones expressed outrage at the way the magazine approached the somewhat sensitive subject of Cara's sexuality.

In the candid interview the 22-year-old confirmed for the first time that she is dating American singer/songwriter St Vincent, whose real name is Annie Clarke.

Miss Delevingne also discussed the struggles she had faced while coming to terms with her bisexuality, something that many young men and women will be able to relate to.

In the interview she said: 'I think that being in love with my girlfriend is a big part of why I'm feeling so happy with who I am these days. 

'It took me a long time to accept the idea [of being gay], until I first fell in love with a girl at 20 and recognized that I had to accept it.

'But I have erotic dreams only about men...The thing is 'if I ever found a guy I could fall in love with, I'd want to marry him and have his children.' 

In the July 2015 issue, author of the piece, Rob Haskell, paraphrased the model claiming that her family believe the bisexuality is nothing more than a phase.

Haskell wrote for Vogue: 'Her parents seem to think girls are just a phase for Cara, and they may be correct.'

The interview appeared in the July issue of US Vogue, which featured Cara, 22, as its cover star

The interview appeared in the July issue of US Vogue, which featured Cara, 22, as its cover star

In the interview written by Rob Haskell, it was also suggested that Cara Delevingne only formed relationships with women as a result of childhood trauma
In the interview written by Rob Haskell, it was also suggested that Cara Delevingne only formed relationships with women as a result of childhood trauma

In the interview written by Rob Haskell, it was also suggested that Cara only formed relationships with women as a result of childhood trauma

He continued: 'When I suggest to Cara that to trust a man, she might have to revise an old and stubborn idea of hers - that women are perennially troubled and therefore only women will accept her - her smile says she concedes the point.'  

Care2 petition author Julie Rodriguez says it's wrong of Haskell to equate same-sex relationships with childhood trauma or to characterise it as a phase.

Those signing the petition are hoping to catch the attention of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour 

Those signing the petition are hoping to catch the attention of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour 

She said: 'The idea that queer women only form relationships with other women as a result of childhood trauma is a harmful (and false) stereotype that lesbian and bisexual women have been combating for decades. 

'How could Vogue's editorial staff greenlight this article and publish it without anyone raising concerns about this dismissive and demeaning language?'

Many of those who have signed the Care2 petition added comments next to their signatures:

James Ferguson wrote: 'Dear Vogue, I have been in a queer 'phase' for the entire 50 years of my life. I think it is much more than a phase for millions of us. 

'And I would have thought that you would know better than to perpetuate such dismissive, demeaning, and harmful stereotypes. I am deeply disappointed and believe a full, prominent apology is the very least that you can do for your readership.' 

Robert Wallace added: 'My daughter is gay and it is NOT a phase; it is an integral part of who she is and I love and accept her, for who she is!' 

Michelle Sorensen said: 'As a longtime subscriber to Vogue, I am very disappointed in the lack of empathy and care that Rob Haskell shows in his interview with Cara DeLevingne. 

'Surely Mr. Haskell is a better listener, interviewer, and writer than this piece of his demonstrates. Vogue has made efforts to support the LGBT community; however, allowing this article to go to print makes me question how sincere this support is on their behalf. 

'Vogue, please apologize for publishing such a careless and offensive piece in your pages. Thank you.' 

A Vogue spokesperson declined to comment.

MailOnline has also contacted Miss Delevingne's representatives for comment.

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