Lizzoisn’t afraid to bring pride to Tennessee, in a big way.
On Friday, the Grammy-winning artist, 34, made a bold statement regarding the state’s new law banning drag performances. During her performance at Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling Arena, she invited a group of drag performers to join her on stage for a triumphant dance.
She waved that aside, saying, “No, no. Their reason was valid. But why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most?”
As the crowd then erupted into cheers, she added, “Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?”
“What people in Tennessee are doing is giving hope, so thank you so much for standing up for your rights, protecting each other and holding the people accountable who should be protecting us.”
Lizzo then brought onstage her line of drag performers, including several who have competed onRuPaul’s Drag Race,perDeadline.
In addition to posting her speech on Twitter, she also shared a video of the energetic dance they performed for the audience.
“THANK YOU TO THESE BEAUTIFUL DRAG QUEENS FOR SHOWING THEIR PRIDE IN TENNESSEE,” she tweeted, adding a rainbow of colorful heart emojis.
Jim Dyson/Getty
The bill, which the Tennessee House passed last week, defines an adult cabaret performance as a performance “that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest, or similar entertainers.”
Tennessee is the first state to enact such legislation, perCNN, although nearly a dozen such bills presently working their way through GOP-led state legislatures.
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source: people.com
