Lizzo brings drag queens on stage at her Knoxville show to protest law

Grammy-winning singer Lizzo protested a latest legislation proscribing drag exhibits in Tennessee by bringing 20 drag queens out on stage throughout her Knoxville present on Friday. Among the many queens current had been RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.

“Thanks to those stunning drag queens for exhibiting their delight in Tennesee,” the singer wrote in a video caption of the live performance that she posted to Instagram. 

“Thanks a lot for the platform for me and the drag race women and particularly for uplifting the queens on Tennessee,” commented Aquaria. 

“These women are all so robust and courageous and I do know tonight was positively the very best of a tough state of affairs for everybody. Thanks for shedding gentle for our pals who positively want our hand today,” Aquaria added.

A Tennessee legislation banning “grownup cabaret” in public or in entrance of minors was signed in February by Republican Gov. Invoice Lee, however was blocked by a federal choose in April, simply hours earlier than it was set to enter impact. The choose sided with a Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater firm, who filed a federal lawsuit claiming that the proposed statute violated the First Modification.

Lizzo additionally posted video of her seemingly addressing the Tennessee drag ban to the Knoxville crowd on the Thompson-Boling Area and responding to those that had referred to as for a boycott.  

“In gentle of latest and tragic occasions, I used to be informed by folks on the web, ‘Cancel your exhibits in Tennessee. Do not go to Tennessee,'” Lizzo stated. “Their purpose was legitimate, however why would I not come to the individuals who want to listen to this message probably the most? The individuals who must really feel this launch probably the most?” 

“Why would I not create a protected area in Tennessee the place we are able to rejoice drag entertainers and rejoice our variations?” Lizzo added, to overwhelming applause from her followers.

Whereas Tennessee was the primary state to cross a legislation proscribing drag exhibits, there are different states trying to observe swimsuit. Earlier this month, the Florida Senate authorized a similar bill, S.B. 1438. It has been despatched to Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is predicted to signal it into legislation.