KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) 鈥� In a concert Friday night in Knoxville, Tennessee, Lizzo filled the stage with drag queens in a glittery protest against the state's legislation designed to restrict drag performances in public.
While performing at Thompson-Boling Arena, the Grammy-winning 鈥淛uice鈥� singer brought out a number of drag performers, including Aquaria, Kandy Muse, Asia O鈥橦ara and Vanessa Vanjie Mateo. On Saturday, Lizzo , including
In February, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed the legislation against 鈥渁dult cabaret鈥� in public or in front of minors. A in late March, saying it was too vaguely written. Civil rights groups have criticized the law as a violation of free speech.
The Tennessee law is part of a and other LGBTQ+ public gatherings.
鈥淚n light of recent and tragic events and current events, I was told by people on the internet, 鈥楥ancel your shows in Tennessee,鈥� 鈥楧on鈥檛 go to Tennessee,鈥欌�� Lizzo said during the Friday concert. 鈥淭heir reason was valid, but why would I not come to the people who need to hear this message the most?鈥�
鈥淲hy would I not create a safe space in Tennessee where we can celebrate drag entertainers and celebrate our differences?鈥� added Lizzo.
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This story corrects the name of drag performer Vanessa Vanjie Mateo.
The Associated Press
