Lizzo brings drag queens on stage, protesting Tennessee law

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — In a live performance Friday evening in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lizzo crammed the stage with drag queens in a glittery protest in opposition to the state’s laws designed to limit drag performances in public.

Whereas acting at Thompson-Boling Enviornment, the Grammy-winning “Juice” singer introduced out a lot of 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 gang that referenced the pending regulation.

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

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

“In mild of current and tragic occasions and present occasions, I used to be instructed by individuals on the web, ‘Cancel your reveals in Tennessee,’ ‘Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo stated through the Friday live performance. “Their cause was legitimate, however why would I not come to the individuals who want to listen to this message probably the most?”

“Why would I not create a secure area in Tennessee the place we will rejoice drag entertainers and rejoice our variations?” added Lizzo.