Lizzo brings drag queens on stage, protesting Tennessee law restricting performances in public

Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty/Illustration: EEW Magazine

In February, a bill was signed into law in Tennessee that made staging “adult cabaret” on public property or anywhere a child could see it a criminal offense. The law forbids performances in those places by topless, go-go or exotic dancers, strippers, or male or female impersonators who, as the law defines it, provide entertainment that is “harmful to minors.”

But in a concert Friday night in Knoxville, Lizzo defied the law, filling the stage with drag queens in a glittery protest against the state’s legislation signed by Republican Gov. Bill Lee.

While performing at Thompson-Boling Arena, the Grammy-winning “Juice” singer brought out several drag performers, including Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O’Hara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. On Saturday, Lizzo posted videos on Instagram from the show, including comments to the crowd that referenced the pending law.

Last month, a federal judge temporarily blocked Tennessee’s first-in-the-nation law placing strict limits on drag shows just hours before it was set to go into effect, siding with a group that filed a lawsuit claiming the statute violates the First Amendment.

The law is part of a cascade of legislation across the country fueled by a conservative backlash to drag events, which has also spurred protests from far-right groups and threats directed at performers.

Some civil rights groups have also criticized the law as a violation of free speech.

“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 the Friday 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?” added Lizzo.