Lizzo made a bold statement during her recent show in Tennessee, inviting a star-studded line-up of drag queens to share the stage with her amid a wave of anti-drag sentiment.
Earlier this year, legislation was signed in Tennessee that would make it “an offence for a person who engages in an adult cabaret performance” in public, or any place with a minor present.
While the law has been temporarily blocked by a federal judge, it comes at a crucial time for LGBTQ+ rights, with a rise in debates around drag and various issues relating to queer people.
Taking to the stage in Tennessee on Friday, Lizzo told her fans: “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’.
“Their reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most? The people who need to feel this release the most?”
She added: “Why would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences and celebrate fat Black women?”
The Grammy-winning star was then joined on stage by a number of queens from the RuPaul’s Drag Race family, including Kandy Muse, Aquaria, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, alongside a host of other queens for a rendition of her Special album cut Everybody’s Gay.
“Knoxville you have my heart,” she wrote after the show. “Thank you for creating a safe space with me.”
Last month, Madonna added a show in Tennessee to her upcoming Celebration world tour, which will feature Drag Race champion Bob The Drag Queen as a support act.
“The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane; it’s creating an unsafe environment; it makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of colour,” the Queen of Pop wrote on Instagram.
“Also, these so-called laws to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a brain knows not to fuck with a drag queen.”
She added: “Bob and I will see you from the stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that is the queer community.”