Lizzo Features Drag Queens On-Stage during Tennessee Concert to Protest State Law
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The pop-star Lizzo featured drag queens onstage during her concert in Knoxville, Tenn. on Friday to protest a state law which bans “adult-oriented performances that are harmful to minors” on public property or in front of children. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law in March.
“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 onstage.
“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? 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?” Lizzo added.
“What people in Tennessee are doing is giving hope,” Lizzo concluded, “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 claps back at Tennessee’s law banning drag shows in public places, invites drag queen star performers with her on stage at show in Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/KGEA8icUCw
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) April 23, 2023
Lizzo shared a photo of her with 19 drag-queen performers, including former contestants on the television show “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Lizzo also featured the “Sesame Street” characters Elmo and Abby Cadabby during the concert. The official Elmo Instagram account commented on Lizzo’s post, “You make Elmo and Abby feel so special! Elmo loves you with all of Elmo’s little red heart!”
The drag-queen performance during Lizzo’s concert protests recent Tennesee legislation, which bans “adult cabaret performance” featuring “topless dancers, go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators” from occurring on public property or in the presence of minors. The bill does not mention the word “drag.” Offenders face misdemeanor charges, while repeat offenders face felony charges.
Tennessee governor Bill Lee signed the bill on March 2, and the law was set to take effect on April 1, but U.S. District Judge Thomas Parker issued a temporary restraining order on March 31, describing the statute as “vague” with potential First Amendment violations. The temporary restraining order has been extended through May 26.
Had the law been in effect over the weekend, Lizzo likely would have been in violation of it, provided there minors in attendance.
Similar laws prohibiting drag entertainment in front of minors are being considered in other states. This month, the Florida House sent Governor DeSantis a bill which would ban children from attending “adult live performance” and empower the Department of Business and Professional Regulation to revoke or suspend the liquor license of establishments found in violation.
