Knoxville, Tennessee –
At a concert in Knoxville, Tennessee on Friday night, Lizzo filled the stage with drag queens to protest state laws designed to restrict public drag performances.
During her performance at the Thompson Bowling Arena, the Grammy Award-winning “Juice” singer called on many drag performers, including Aquaria, Candy Muse, Asia O’Hara, and Vanessa Vangie Mateo. On Saturday, Lizzo posted a video of the show to her Instagram. This included comments to the crowd referring to pending legislation.
In February, Republican Governor Bill Lee signed a bill banning “adult cabaret” in public and in front of minors. A federal judge temporarily blocked him in late March, saying the law was too vague. Civil rights groups have criticized the law as a violation of free speech.
The Tennessee law is part of a broader Republican effort to limit drag shows and other LGBTQ+ gatherings.
“In light of recent tragic events and current events, people on the internet have told me to ‘cancel my show in Tennessee’ and ‘don’t go to Tennessee,'” Lizzo said at her concert Friday. “Their reasons were good, but why didn’t I get this message to the people who need it most?”
“Why not try to create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?” added Lizzo.
