Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker took a stand in opposition to anti-LBGTQ+ laws in Tennessee throughout their Nashville present on June 25. Dressed in full drag, the Boygenius members, who’re all overtly queer, gave the metaphorical center finger to Republican Governor Bill Lee.
Decked out in glitter, rhinestones, and hairspray for Pride Month, the band members launched their drag alter egos: Queef Urban (Bridgers), Shanita Tums (Baker), and Lucille Balls (Dacus). Even the cameraman did their half, carrying a costume whereas recording the efficiency from the entrance row. The present comes just some months after Tennessee grew to become the primary state to cross a ban on public drag exhibits on March 2.
“I have a lot of anger for the people who have made me feel small.”
As a Tennessee native, Baker stepped in entrance of the mic to communicate out in opposition to the state’s anti-trans legal guidelines and to share her private journey as a member of the queer neighborhood. “Today, I’m so grateful for my life, not because I get to stand on stage with my best friends — and my man, James,” Baker mentioned, referring to the stagehand who introduced her a brand new guitar mid-sentence, “but because I’m content with the person that I am.” She continued, “I have a lot of anger for the people who have made me feel small and make me feel erased. And I’ve found it’s a really powerful and humiliating tool for making those people f*ck off. I would like you to scream so loud that Governor Lee can hear you.”
As the official state consultant, Lee has been a key proponent in passing laws that straight targets trans youth, drag performers, and the LGBTQ+ neighborhood at massive. In March, Lee additionally notably signed a invoice that banned gender-affirming healthcare for youth in the state. The crowd got here by means of on Baker’s request, screaming on the high of their lungs earlier than breaking right into a refrain of “F*ck Bill Lee.”
A number of months prior, Boygenius launched their debut studio album, “The Record,” on March 31. Ahead, see clips from the band’s Nashville efficiency, and take a better have a look at their spectacular drag outfits.
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