Lizzo is fighting back against drag bans.
During a tour stop in Knoxville at the Thompson-Boling Arena, Lizzo denounced the state's drag ban by bringing drag queens onstage. She slammed the laws while performing with Aquaria, Asia O’Hara, Kandy Muse, and Vanessa Vanjie among others, with all the queens wearing a color of the rainbow.
"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,'" the singer told the crowd. After some responded with boos, Lizzo explained why she believed it was so important to keep the show.
"Why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most? The people who need to feel this release the most?" she asked. "Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers? And celebrate our differences. And celebrate fat, black women!"
\u201cYou have my heart Knoxville\n\nThank you for sharing a safe space with me \ud83d\udc96\u201d— FOLLOW @YITTY (@FOLLOW @YITTY) 1682185234
Last month, Tennessee legislators introduced and passed Senate Bill 3, which classified drag performances as "adult cabaret performance," placing severe restrictions on them and making it punishable by law for children to attend. The ban was set to take place on April 1, but was halted March 31 by a federal judge after being challenged in a lawsuit brought by LGBTQ+ theatre group Friends of George’s Inc.
"This law threatens to force a theatre troupe into a nightclub, because Tennessee legislators believe they have the right to make their own opinions about drag into law,” the group wrote.
Lizzo is one of many celebrities that have spoken out against the ban, and the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Kelsea Ballerini also invited drag queens to perform with her, and several high profile celebrities have signed up to be part of the Drag Isn't Dangerous telethon.
"What people are doing in Tennessee is giving hope," Lizzo continued. "So, thank you so much for standing up for your rights, protecting each other and holding the people accountable who should be protecting us."
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