Lizzo Brings Drag Queens on Stage, Protesting Tennessee Law – Billboard

At a live performance Friday evening (April 20) in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lizzo stuffed the stage with drag queens in a glittery protest in opposition to the state’s laws designed to limit drag performances in public.

While acting at Thompson-Boling Arena, the Grammy-winning “Juice” singer introduced out quite a few drag performers, together with Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanji. On Saturday, Lizzo posted movies on Instagram from the present, together with feedback to the group that referenced the pending legislation.

In February, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed the laws in opposition to “adult cabaret” in public or in entrance of minors. A federal choose briefly blocked the legislation in late March, saying it was too vaguely written. Civil rights teams have criticized the legislation as a violation of free speech.

The Tennessee legislation is a part of a wider Republican effort to limit drag exhibits and different LGBTQ+ public gatherings.

“In light of recent and tragic events and current events, I was told by people on the internet, ‘Cancel your shows in Tennessee,’ ‘Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo mentioned through the Friday live performance. “Their reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most?”

“Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?” added Lizzo.