Hayley Kiyoko, a singer, protested a recent Tennessee law restricting drag shows by bringing two drag queens on stage during her Nashville show on Monday. Kiyoko wrote on Tuesday on Instagram that an “undercover cop” approached her before the start of her all-ages concert and threatened her with legal action if she included a drag performance.
“I’m so sorry to my community, and I’m just devastated,” Kiyoko, a lesbian, said through tears in a video she claimed was recorded shortly after her encounter with police. “This is not correct. It’s not acceptable.”
Kiyoko stated that she informed local drag queens LiberTea and Ivy St. James of the warning, who decided to go ahead with the performance as planned. “They showed no fear and said they wanted to continue with the show and come out on stage,” Kiyoko wrote.
A Tennessee law prohibiting “adult cabaret” in public or in front of minors was signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee in February, but it was blocked by a federal judge in April, just hours before it was set to take effect. The judge ruled in favor of a Memphis-based LGBTQ+ theater company that filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the proposed statute violated the First Amendment.
A Nashville police spokesperson disputed Kiyoko’s account in an email, saying “We wouldn’t do this, to begin with,” and citing the judge’s stay, which is set to expire on May 26.
In April, Grammy-winning singer Lizzo protested the law by bringing 20 drag queens on stage at her Knoxville show. “Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and our differences?” said the artist in a concert video.
“We will not be silenced,” added Kiyoko. “No matter what, we will find ways to remain true to ourselves.” We are not giving up. Regardless of how difficult they try.”
