Singer and actor Hayley Kiyoko faced challenges during her North American Panorama Tour when she encountered an unexpected legal obstacle in Nashville. She planned to bring drag queens on stage during her concert but was informed that this could result in legal action due to recent drag bans.
Kiyoko, a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, shared an emotional post on Instagram recounting her experience. She described attending a drag show at Play Nashville during her day off and being honored to join the performers on stage. Kiyoko intended to invite some of the talented drag queens to join her during her concert the following day.
Local law enforcement informed her that having drag performers at her all-ages show could result in legal action, leaving Kiyoko devastated. As a participant and winner of RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race and guest judge during season 15, the news was particularly disheartening.
In her post, she expressed concern for the safety of her audience, particularly her LGBTQ+ fans. “How do we navigate these absurd threats and laws against our community?” she questioned. “How can I [make my concerts safe] if we aren’t allowed to be ourselves, especially at a predominantly queer concert?”
Despite the warning, the drag queens, Libertea and Ivy St James, decided to perform on stage with Kiyoko anyway. The singer expressed her gratitude and inspiration from their act of defiance: “We will not be silenced. We will find ways to continue to be our authentic selves, no matter what. We will not give up. No matter how hard they make it.”
It’s worth noting that the drag ban in Tennessee was temporarily halted in late March by a federal judge. Check out Hayley Kiyoko’s heartfelt videos and full statement below.
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