Pop singer and LGBTQ+ advocate Hayley Kiyoko recently found herself in hot water after defying the law against drag shows in Tennessee. Kiyoko had invited local drag queens LiberTea and Ivy St. James to perform during her Nashville concert, but was warned by an “undercover cop” before the show that she could face legal trouble if she went ahead with the performance.
Although a Nashville police spokesperson has denied Kiyoko’s account, citing a federal judge’s stay against the law passed by Republican Governor Bill Lee, Kiyoko expressed her disappointment in a tearful Instagram post, stating, “I’m so sorry to my community, and I’m just devastated. This is not right. It’s not okay.”
Despite the legal threat, Kiyoko still informed the drag queens of the situation, and they bravely decided to proceed with the show. The incident has sparked a debate about LGBTQ+ rights and the freedom of expression in Tennessee, with a Memphis-based theater company arguing in court that the law violates the First Amendment.
As a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Kiyoko’s decision to include drag queens in her concert highlights the importance of inclusivity and representation in the entertainment industry. However, the incident also underscores the challenges and legal obstacles that continue to face members of the community in certain parts of the United States.
