Madonna made a statement saying that "anyone with half a mind knows not to f--- up with a drag Queen".

Celebrities aren't letting the anti-LGBTQ legislation wave slide. Major stars speak out in support of those who are affected by the proposed legislation that targets members of LGBTQ communities.

Many celebrities have shown solidarity with drag queens who are at the forefront in the fight for equal rights. Recently passed legislation in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Montana has affected drag shows, as it proposes to ban them from public spaces and label them as adult only shows. Drag bans have been deemed an infringement of the First Amendment, and they will deny performers their freedom to express themselves creatively and to identify as a gender.

These stars show their support for drag performers, even though the future of drag shows remains uncertain.

1. Kevin Bacon & Kyra Sedgwick

Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgewick showed their support to the drag community by posting a TikTok video of them dancing to Taylor Swift’s song “Karma.” The couple were wearing matching tee-shirts with the words "drag is art and drag is right" in the video. In the caption they also encouraged fans to show support.

Drag bans are bad luck. Kevin wrote, "Right now, drag artists and the LGBTQIA+ Community need our help," in the caption. He then urged his fans to donate to the ACLU Drag Defense Fund, and added the hashtag #DragIsARight.

2. RuPaul

In early March, RuPaul, the drag icon, took to Instagram to express his views on the proposed legislation. He called it a “classic distraction technique” that tries to divert attention from the real issues. He called politicians "bullies," who are "incompetent to solve real issues." Instead, he declared a fake war on drag artists to divert Americans' attention from real problems.

He said that it was "a classic distraction technique" to distract us from the real issues they were elected into office for: jobs, healthcare and keeping our children safe at school. Later, he added, "They are looking for easy targets in order to give the appearance of being effective." They believe that our love, light, laughter, and joy are signs weakness. "But they are wrong, because this is our strength."

3. Ariana Grande

Ariana's thoughts about Tennessee's drag-ban were shared on Instagram. She pointed out that hateful organizations like the KKK could still hold events, while drag shows had been banned. Frankie, Ariana's older brother, also posted a nine-part message on the ban. He called it a blatant violation of the free speech clause in the first amendment and a Republican effort to criminalize and harass LGBTQ+ people.

"Tennessee has just banned Drag Shows." Nazis [sic] or the KKK are still able to hold meetings and protests there. "Take a moment to let this sink in deeply," Ariana wrote.

4. Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko revealed that she had been warned by a lawyer that she could face legal action if she invited drag queens to perform at her all-ages concert in Nashville. Hayley Kiyoko admitted in a video on Instagram that the situation had "f---ed-up" and was "devastated". The drag queens bravely joined her onstage moments before she did, despite the dangers.

"I would never put anyone at risk. Where is the line between being heard and silenced? How can we deal with these ridiculous laws and threats against our community? I take pride in making my concerts a safe place for ALL. How can I achieve that if we're not allowed to be ourselves? Especially at a concert with a majority of queer people? Hayley wrote, "We deserve a space where we can be ourselves as we navigate the evils that threaten our existence."

Later, she added: "We won't be silenced." No matter what, we will continue to be ourselves. We will never give up. "No matter how hard they try."

5. Lizzo

Lizzo performed with a group drag queens at a recent show in Tennessee. She explained that although some fans suggested she cancel the performance in Tennessee, she wanted it to be a statement.

Why would I not go to those who needed to hear the message most? Why wouldn't I create a space in Tennessee that is safe for us to celebrate drag performers and our differences? She said on stage. She said on stage: "What people are doing in Tennessee is giving hope. Thank you for standing up for yourselves, protecting one another and holding those accountable who should protect us accountable."

She shared the video and thanked the drag queens "for showing their pride".

6. Madonna

Madonna may be bringing her tour to Tennessee but it doesn't mean that she supports their anti-drag laws. She plans to bring Bob the Drag Queen on stage as the opening act. The singer issued a statement in which she denounced Tennessee’s plans to limit drag performances.

She said that the oppression of LGBTQ+ people is not only inhumane and unacceptable, but it also creates an unsafe environment. It makes America a dangerous country for our most vulnerable citizens. This includes trans women of colour. "These so-called laws are also unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a mind knows that you should never f--- with a drag Queen. Bob and I are looking forward to seeing you in Nashville, where we will be celebrating the beauty of the queer community.

7. Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea made a statement by bringing a group of drag queens on stage at the CMT Awards. She says that despite the backlash she received from her fans, some of whom were from states where drag bans had been proposed, she does not regret making this decision.

She told Entertainment Tonight that she loved the performance and self-expression.

8. Maren Morris

Maren Morris showed her support for drag queens at Nashville's Love Rising in March. The event raised money for the Tennessee Equality Project and other charities, including Inclusion Tennessee, Out Memphis and the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Maren Morris joined drag queen Alexia Noelle Paris to announce proudly that she introduced her son, aged three years old, to other performers.

Maren told the audience that she had introduced her son to drag queens. "So, Tennessee, f---ing arrest me."

She wrote "Love rose up" on Instagram. Thank you Nashville and the LGBTQ+ Community for coming out last night. A lot of healing took place and won't go unnoticed.

9. Melissa McCarthy

Melissa McCarthy, while supporting the drag community made an important point about drag as entertainment. She shared an image with photos of men dressed up as women in films such as "Mrs. Doubtfire", "Tootsie" and other movies. The caption read: "You have been entertained by drag all your life." Do not pretend that it is a problem. Melissa's agreement was shown in the caption. She wrote "This."

10. LeBron James

LeBron James spoke up on behalf of the drag world following an interview between Jon Stewart, and Senator Nathan Dahm. Nathan Dahm shared that he believed that banning drag was a way to protect children. Jon then pointed out that Senator Nathan Dahm refused to ban firearms even though they are the number one killers of children. LeBron posted the video and expressed his agreement with Jon. Below is his tweet.

!!! AT ITS HIGHEST ORDERS!! @jonstewart https://t.co/sUAgEfxv17

LeBron James @KingJames March 4, 2023

Reba McCEntire

In a recent Los Angeles Times interview, Reba McEntire expressed her support for drag performers. Reba McEntire told the Los Angeles Times that she was "disappointed" but not surprised at the actions of politicians around the drag community.

"I wish that they would spend all of their time, energy, and money feeding the homeless kids in those two counties...We have a serious problem in this nation, so why are we worried about men dressing up as women?" Reba added, "God Bless 'em for wearing those high heels - I feel for them." Let's focus our attention on an issue that is urgent.

12. Shania Twain

Shania Twain is a long-time supporter of drag culture, and has even appeared as a judge on "RuPaul’s Drag Race." After the Tennessee anti-drag law was announced, Shania Twain opened up about what it takes to perform as a drag.

In an interview with GLAAD, Shania stated: "It's very inspiring." "I believe we need inspiration." Drag queens should share their talents with us.

13. George Lopez

During an appearance on "The View," George Lopez expressed his opinion about drag performers. George Lopez expressed his opposition to Ron DeSantis' views on drag when he was mentioned briefly during the show.

George stated during his appearance, "If you are an enemy to drag, then you're my enemy."

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Title: 14 Celebrities Who Have Spoken Out Against the Drag Ban
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/05/13/14-celebrities-who-have-spoken-out-against-the-drag-ban/
Published Date: Sat, 13 May 2023 14:00:03 +0000

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