Singer Hayley Kiyoko is the newest star to protest Tennessee’s “drag ban” legislation. The “Girls Like Girls” singer introduced out drag performers on stage throughout her Nashville present on Monday, supposedly defying a warning from an undercover cop.
Kiyoko, whose mentioned her struggles rising up queer, emotionally detailed the chain of occasions on social media.
“I am getting ready for my show tonight and was really excited to bring out some incredible drag performers,” Kiyoko instructed followers in a video. The 32-year-old singer teared up and defined she was warned by “an undercover cop at the venue” to not convey out any drag performers because the present is all ages.
“We’re trying to figure out if there’s a workaround or what the situation is, but this is f***ed up. This is so f***ed and I’m so sorry to my community,” Kiyoko cried. “I’m just devastated.”
The present finally went on as deliberate and Kiyoko shared extra particulars in her caption concerning the “emotional rollercoaster.”
“At soundcheck the day of, I was advised by local law enforcement that having a drag performance at my all ages show could result in legal action. They warned us to not bring any drag performers on stage. I was shattered as you can see in the videos I recorded reacting to the situation in real time before the show started,” she wrote.
Earlier this 12 months, Tennessee grew to become the primary state to limit “adult cabaret performances” in public or within the presence of youngsters.
“I never want to put anyone in a position to be at risk or in danger in any way. But also where is the line of being silenced? How do we navigate these absurd threats and laws against our community? I find pride in making sure my concerts are safe places for ALL,” Kiyoko wrote. “How can I do that if we aren’t allowed to be ourselves, especially at a predominantly queer concert? We deserve to have a safe space to be ourselves while we navigate the evil that is threatening our own existence.”
Kiyoko talked to the 2 drag performers about her considerations. They “showed no fear” and needed to do the present as deliberate.
“We will not be silenced. We will find ways to continue to be our authentic selves, no matter what. We will not give up,” the singer concluded. “No matter how hard they make it.”
Kiyoko is hardly the primary musician to take a stand towards the legislation. Last month, Lizzo danced with drag queens at her present.
“THANK YOU TO THESE BEAUTIFUL DRAG QUEENS FOR SHOWING THEIR PRIDE IN TENNESSEE,” she captioned a clip of the second on Instagram.
Country star Maren Morris was one of many first celebrities to take a stand on stage.
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