Well, folks, the drag ban threats from law enforcement in Tennessee have begun. Hayley Kiyoko performed a stop on the Panorama tour in Nashville on May 1, where she was to be joined on stage by drag queens — which kicked off what she has described as a 48-hour emotional rollercoaster.
In a moving, silent post on Instagram Kiyoko laid out the full story of what occurred.
“The past 48 hours have been an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least. Our day off in Nashville we went to a drag show at @playnashville and I had the honor of being brought on stage. We then planned to have some fabulous queens join us during my show the next day,” she began.
“At soundcheck the day of, I was advised by local law enforcement that having a drag performance at my all-ages show could result in legal action. They warned us to not bring any drag performers on stage. I was shattered,” she continued.
Naturally, she was concerned for the wellbeing of her guests as the state passed a drag ban which could lead to felony charges against the queens — and presumably Kiyoko herself. “I never want to put anyone in a position to be at risk or in danger in any way. But also where is the line of being silenced? How do we navigate these absurd threats and laws against our community? I find pride in making sure my concerts are safe places for ALL. How can I do that if we aren’t allowed to be ourselves, especially at a predominantly queer concert? We deserve to have a safe space to be ourselves while we navigate the evil that is threatening our own existence,” she wrote.
Ultimately, Kiyoko was ready to stand against the ban should the queens want to move forward. “When the queens arrived it was about 10 minutes before the show. I was distraught and let them know what was communicated to us and our concerns. They showed no fear and said they wanted to continue with the show and come out on stage. So they did,” she shared.
“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. I love you all so much,” the artist concluded.
Whether Kiyoko will ultimately face legal action for proceeding with her concert as planned remains to be seen, but we applaud the courage it took her, LiberTea, and Ivy St James to carry on with the show.
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