Lizzo is taking a stand against Tennessee legislation designed to ban drag performances.
On Friday (April 21), the singer brought out a number of drag queens while performing at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, Tennessee, per the Associated Press.
Drag performers Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara, Vanessa Vanji, and more filled the stage as Lizzo shared a powerful message in support of the entertainers and the LGBTQ community.
“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 Friday's concert. “Their reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most?”
“Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?” she added.
Lizzo's stance comes after Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed the legislation in February against “adult cabaret” in public or in front of minors. Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked the law, saying it was too vaguely written.
The state's ban is among a number of GOP efforts to prohibit drag shows and other LGBTQ gatherings.
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