Lizzo brought out a number of drag performers, including Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara, and Vanessa Vanji.
Lizzo filled the stage with drag queens at a concert Friday night (April 20) in Knoxville, Tennessee, in a glittery protest against the state’s legislation restricting public drag performances.
The Grammy-winning “Juice” singer brought out a number of drag performers while performing at Thompson-Boling Arena, including Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara, and Vanessa Vanji. On Saturday, Lizzo shared videos from the show on Instagram, including comments to the audience about the pending legislation.
Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation prohibiting “adult cabaret” in public or in front of minors in February. In late March, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law, citing its ambiguity. The law has been criticized by civil rights organizations as a violation of free speech.
View this post on Instagram
The Tennessee law is part of a larger Republican campaign to limit drag shows and other 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 said during the Friday show. “Their reasoning was valid, but why would I not come to the people who needed to hear this message the most?”
“Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and our differences?” Lizzo continued.
View this post on Instagram
