On Could 1, 2023, Hayley Kiyoko, who Arts Sphere, Inc. has named as one in every of its “LGBTQ+ Heroes,” included drag performers at her present in Nashville, Tennessee, defying the brand new Tennessee legislation that bans drag reveals in public areas, in addition to orders from native legislation enforcement that she acquired throughout soundcheck earlier than the present. Out Journal explains:
Hayley Kiyoko is at the moment out on tour and bringing gifted drag performers on stage along with her — however that just about did not occur at her current Nashville, Tennessee live performance when she was threatened with authorized motion.
After the state’s Republican governor Invoice Lee signed a invoice banning drag from public property and venues accessible to minors, queer performers are beginning to see the legislation being upheld.
Hayley posted on her Instagram after the incident:
The previous 48 hours have been an emotional rollercoaster to say the least. Our break day in Nashville we went to a drag present at @playnashville and I had the respect of being introduced on stage. We then deliberate to have some fabulous queens be part of us throughout my present the subsequent day.
At soundcheck the day of, I used to be suggested by native legislation enforcement that having a drag efficiency at my all ages present might lead to authorized motion. They warned us to not deliver any drag performers on stage. I used to be shattered as you’ll be able to see within the movies I recorded reacting to the state of affairs in actual time earlier than the present began.
I by no means need to put anybody able to be in danger or at risk in any means. But in addition the place is the road of being silenced? How can we navigate these absurd threats and legal guidelines in opposition to our neighborhood? I discover pleasure in ensuring my concert events are secure locations for ALL. How can I try this if we aren’t allowed to be ourselves, particularly at a predominantly queer live performance? We need to have a secure area to be ourselves whereas we navigate the evil that’s threatening our personal existence.
When the queens arrived it was about 10 minutes earlier than the present. I used to be distraught and allow them to know what was communicated to us and our issues. They confirmed no worry and stated they needed to proceed with the present and are available out on stage. So that they did.
Thanks @theladylibertea and @jivy85 for becoming a member of us final evening. You regarded radiant and actually encourage me.
We is not going to be silenced. We are going to discover methods to proceed to be our genuine selves, it doesn’t matter what. We is not going to quit. Regardless of how onerous they make it. I like you all a lot.
Arts Sphere, Inc. supplies extra information concerning the musician:
Kiyoko’s profession initially began off as a toddler actor, however she is now most recognized for her distinctive electropop and synthpop music. Her music has been targeted on her story and id as a lesbian, beginning along with her breakout single “Women Like Women”. Since popping out, Kiyoko has been an enormous advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and extensively influential in the neighborhood, to the purpose of being thought of a homosexual icon by her followers.
