Lizzo Brings Drag Queens On Stage, Protesting Tennessee Law Restricting Public Performances

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — At a concert Friday night in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lizzo packed the stage with drag queens in a brilliant protest against state legislation designed to restrict drag performances in public.

While performing at the Thompson-Boling Arena, the Grammy Award-winning “Juice” singer invited a number of drag performers, including Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanji. On Saturday, Lizzo posted videos on Instagram of the showincluding comments to the crowd that referenced the pending law.

In February, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed legislation against «adult cabaret» in public or in front of minors. TO federal judge temporarily blocked the law in late March, saying it was too loosely written. Civil rights groups have criticized the law as a violation of free speech.

The Tennessee law is part of a Broader Republican Effort to Restrict Drag Shows and other LGBTQ+ public gatherings.

“In light of recent tragic events and current events, people on the internet told me, ‘Cancel your shows in Tennessee,’ ‘Don’t go to Tennessee,’” Lizzo said during Friday’s concert. «Your reason was valid, but why not go to the people who need to hear this message the most?»

«Why wouldn’t you create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag performers and celebrate our differences?» added Lizzo.

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