Lizzo brings drag queens on stage, protesting Tennessee regulation

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a live performance Friday night time in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lizzo stuffed 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 numerous drag performers, together with Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. On Saturday, Lizzo posted movies on Instagram from the present, together with feedback to the group 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 quickly 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 gentle of latest and tragic occasions and present occasions, I used to be advised by individuals on the web, ‘Cancel your reveals in Tennessee,’ ‘Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo stated in the course of the Friday live performance. “Their purpose 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 house in Tennessee the place we will have fun drag entertainers and have fun our variations?” added Lizzo.

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This story corrects the identify of drag performer Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.