Lizzo brings drag queens on stage, protesting Tennessee law

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — 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 “Juice” singer brought out a number of 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.

In February, Republican Gov. Bill Lee signed the legislation against “adult cabaret” in public or in front of minors. A federal judge temporarily blocked the law 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 wider Republican effort to restrict drag shows and other LGBTQ+ public gatherings.

“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.

SNL’s Victoria Jackson Sparks Outrage with Homophobic Rant at Tennessee Council Meeting

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Victoria Jackson delivered a homophobic rant during citizens comments in a city council meeting on April 11. The meeting aimed to address the authorization of a permit for the annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival, which has been at the center of heated debate. Jackson's divisive remarks added fuel to the fire, highlighting the ongoing struggle for acceptance and equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in the region.

The Pride Festival Debate:

Franklin, a historic city in Tennessee, has seen its annual LGBTQ+ Pride festival become a focal point of controversy. This year, anti-LGBTQ+ activists called for the cancellation of the event, citing recent incidents, such as the shooting at a Christian school in Nashville, as well as growing hostility towards LGBTQ+ individuals and drag performances. The city's governing board convened to decide whether to grant a permit for the festival, and tensions ran high during the meeting.

Victoria Jackson's Homophobic Rant:

Amidst the fervor surrounding the Pride festival, former SNL cast member Victoria Jackson took the opportunity to express her homophobic views at the city council meeting. Taking the podium, she boldly stated that "God hates sodomy" and "God hates homosexuality," citing biblical references to support her claims. Jackson further asserted that Pride itself was detestable to God, and invoked the story of Sodom and Gomorrah as evidence of divine disapproval towards homosexuality.

The Viral Fallout:

A video capturing Jackson's homophobic tirade was shared on Twitter, quickly going viral and garnering over 7 million views. The video drew widespread condemnation, with many expressing their outrage at the offensive and discriminatory remarks made by the former SNL star. The incident not only underscored the deep divisions within the community but also reignited the urgent need for acceptance and understanding.