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Is That Beyoncé Waving a Trans Flag, or the Best Impersonator Ever?
She might not be Bey, but her look and mannerisms had many people convinced!
With the release of her Netflix documentary of last year's Coachella performance Homecoming, a 40-track live album, and the expansion of Lemonade onto streaming platforms, Beyoncé has had one hell of the week—and by proxy, so has her swarm of loyal fans, the BeyHive.
But everyone—including the beehive—had to take a second look when a video of what looks like Bey strutting down a grassy lawn to her cookout cover of "Before I Let Go" while waving a trans flag began circulating around Twitter.
It might not be Bey, but her look and mannerisms had many people convinced.
"I ALMOST THOUGHT THIS WAS HER I HAD AN HEART ATTACK," said one commenter.
"For a second I was shook," said another.
It's actually Michell'e Michaels, aka Miss Shalae on Instagram, a transgender woman who makes a career off of her incredible Beyoncé impersonation.
And you best believe she was waving that trans pride flag for a reason. She also rocks a t-shirt with the face of Nigel Shelby, the 15-year-old who died by suicide last week after enduring anti-gay bullying.
"As good as this music feels and while I’m now living my truth it shakes me to my core to know that it is still a struggle for youth to find and express their selves without the negative judgment of others. I know life is not a cake walk but it can be a lot better with the help, love, and support of others around you," Shalae wrote on the Instagram caption of the now viral video. "Unlearn all the bullshit you were conditioned to recycle so we can start living for a better tomorrow. Rest in Power young King #NigelShelby we say your name. Thank you @beyonce for being a beacon of hope and inspiration to culture that is often times lost and misguided."
Miss Shalae has received a shoutout once before from Queen Bey. During Homecoming, while performing "Sorry," Beyoncé notices someone in the audience who's rocking her iconic yellow hoodie just a week after the performance. "I see you," she points at Shalae. “How did you do that so fast? She has on my outfit, y’all.”
Last month, Beyoncé and Jay Z accepted GLAAD's Media Vanguard Award for their outstanding LGBTQ+ advocacy.
"We're here to promote love for every human being," said Bey. "And change begins with those closest to you. So let's tell them they are loved. Let's remind them they are beautiful, let's speak out and protect them. And parents, let's love our kids in their truest form."
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
