it is the general lifestyle of self-expression which does. The kind of person who expresses themself through "be gay and do crime" stickers does not seriously threaten the system through crime. Totally individualistic self-expression acts as a release valve for frustrations against the system. It attracts narcissists, who counteract any meaningful goals.
In the old world, when you got a tattoo or something it showed you were a member of a community of people who knew each other. A society of people who were organized and could precipitate some change. In the new world, you get a tattoo or something to signal you are a member of a demographic.