Lizzo has always been one to push the envelope with every aspect of her being. That does not change when it comes to her performances.
Over the weekend, the singer made a stop in Knoxville Tennessee on her Special tour. Although she had already had the Knoxville date set in stone since she announced the tour dates last year, the state recently made some decisions that Lizzo used her power to fight against.
Last month, Governor Bill Lee signed legislation that bans “adult cabaret” artists from performing in public. The bill specifies “male or female impersonators,” which can be interpreted to reference drag queens.
Lizzo Fights Back
During her show, Lizzo took a moment to get candid with 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,’” she said to the crowd.
“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?”
After concluding her inspirational speech, she then brought out some alum from RuPaul’s Drag Race including Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, Asia O’Hara and Kandy Muse.
The singer shared a video of the moment on Instagram and thanked the “beautiful drag queens for showing their pride in Tennessee.”