Lizzo pushes back on Tennessee ban and performs with 20 drag queens
Barnini Chakraborty
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Four-time Grammy winner Lizzo thumbed her nose at a new Tennessee law prohibiting drag performances in public by sharing the stage at her Knoxville concert with a group of drag queens.
The “About Damn Time” singer brought out the performers and posted the videos on Instagram, which included comments to the crowd that referenced the controversial legislation.
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Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) signed a pair of bills in March that prohibited “adult-oriented” entertainment, “including “male and female impersonators,” from public property and limited performances to age-restricted venues. The second bill banned gender-related treatment for transgender children. Lee was met with a wave of backlash but has not budged on the issue.
Lizzo told the audience at Thompson-Boling Arena that she was strongly encouraged by fans to skip Tennessee as a concert stop because of the governor’s conservative stance on the issue but chose to come anyway.
In response to a chorus of boos, Lizzo said, “No. No. Their reason was valid.”
“But why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most?” she added. “Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?”
RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara, and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo were among the 20 drag queens who performed onstage with Lizzo.
Lizzo isn’t the only entertainer speaking out against the bill.
Country singers Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, Maren Morris, Hayley Williams, and Brittany Howard performed alongside drag performers at a concert in Nashville called “Love Rising.” Earlier this month, Kelsea Ballerini performed her song “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” at the Country Music Television Awards, accompanied by several drag queens.
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The Tennessee capital also has a street named after drag queen Bianca Paige.
Calls to the governor’s office for comment were not returned.