14 celebrities who spoke out against the drag ban

Many celebrities in particular showed solidarity with the drag queens who were at the forefront of the fight for equality. Recent laws passed or passed in states like Tennessee, Kentucky and Montana are having an impact on drag performances, proposing to ban them in public places and designating them as adults-only shows. These drag bans are said to violate the First Amendment and deprive artists of the freedom to express themselves and their gender identity creatively.

While the future of drag shows remains unclear, these stars are showing their support for all drag performers…

1. Kevin bacon & Kyra Sedgwick

Kevin Bacon and his wife Kyra Sedgwick recently showed their support posted a video of her dancing to Taylor Swift’s song “Karma” for the drag community on TikTok. In the video, the couple could be seen wearing matching t-shirts that read, “Drag is an art and drag is a right.” Then, in the caption, they urged fans to show their support as well.

“Drag bans are bad karma. Right now, drag performers and the LGBTQIA+ community need our help,” Kevin wrote in the caption, before urging his fans to support them The ACLU’s Drag Defense Fund and adding the hashtag #DragIsARight.

2. RuPaul

In early March, drag icon RuPaul took the post to Instagram share his thoughts on the legislation, calling it a “classic diversionary technique” that attempts to divert focus from issues that really matter. He went on to call politicians “tyrants” who were “incapable of solving real problems,” and instead declared a fake war on drag performers to distract Americans from real problems.

“A classic diversionary technique that distracts us from the very issues they were elected to office to focus on: jobs, health care, protecting our children from harm at their own school,” he said calledand later added: “They look for simple targets to give the impression of being effective. They think our love, our light, our laughter and our joy are signs of weakness. But they are wrong, because that is our strength.”

3. Ariana Grande

Following Tennessee’s drag ban, Ariana shared her thoughts on Instagram, noting that hateful groups like the KKK would be allowed to continue holding events while drag shows would be banned. Ariana’s brother Frankie also shared a passion nine-part message on the ban, calling it a “blatant violation of the First Amendment’s freedom of speech clause” and a “concerted effort by Republicans to criminalize, harass, and endanger LGBTQ+ people.”

“Tennessee just banned drag shows. Certainly Nazis.” [sic] and the KKK can still hold protests and meetings there. Take a long moment and let this sink in deeply,” Ariana wrote.

4. Hayley Kiyoko

Hayley Kiyoko recently shared that she was warned ahead of her concert in Nashville, Tennessee, that if she brings drag queens onto the stage during her all-ages show, everyone could face legal action. In a video posted to Instagram, Hayley admitted the situation “sucked up” and she was “devastated” by what was going on. Just before she took the stage, the drag queens bravely decided to take her on stage anyway, despite the risks.

“I don’t want to put anyone in a position to be at risk or danger in any way. But where is the line of silence? How do we deal with these absurd threats and laws against our community? I’m proud to make sure.” My concerts are safe places for EVERYONE. How can I do that when we’re not allowed to be ourselves, especially at a predominantly queer concert? We deserve a safe place where we can be ourselves while we confront the evil that threatens our very existence,” Hayley wrote.

She later added: “We will not be silenced. We will find ways to continue to be authentic, no matter what. We won’t give up. No matter how difficult it is for them.”

5. Lizzo

During a recent concert in Tennessee, Lizzo took the stage with a group of drag queens. Although some fans have suggested she cancel the show altogether in the state, she explained that she wanted to make a mark with her performance.

“Why shouldn’t I come to the people who need to hear this message the most? Why shouldn’t I create a safe space in Tennessee where we drag entertainers can party and celebrate our differences?” she called on stage. “What the people of Tennessee are doing gives hope. Thank you for standing up for your rights, protecting each other and holding the people who should be protecting us accountable.”

you later shared a video of the performance and thanked the drag queens for “showing their pride”.

6. Madonna

Madonna’s upcoming tour may be in Tennessee, but that doesn’t mean she agrees with anti-drag laws there. In fact, she plans to bring Bob, the drag queen, as the opening act for the show. In a statement from the singers denounced Tennessee plans to limit drag performances.

“LGBTQ+ oppression is not only unacceptable and inhumane, it creates an unsafe environment; it makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of color,” she said in a statement. “Furthermore, these so-called laws designed to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half their brains knows not to fuck a drag queen. Bob and I will see you on stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that defines the queer community.”

7. Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini made an important mark in her support of drag queens when she brought a cast of artists on stage at the CMT Awards in April. Despite facing backlash from fans, many of whom were from states where the drag bans were proposed, she says she has no regrets about her decision.

“I love achievement, I love self-expression and I love inclusivity,” she said entertainment tonight after the performance.

8th. Maren Morris

Maren Morris showed solidarity with drag queens when she attended the Love Rising event in Nashville in March, benefiting the Tennessee Equality Project, Inclusion Tennessee, Out Memphis and the Tennessee Pride Chamber. Maren even joined drag queen Alexia Noelle Paris on stage and proudly announced that she had introduced her three-year-old son to some other artists.

“Yes, I introduced my son to some drag queens today,” Maren called At the event. “So, Tennessee, arrest me the fuck.”

She later shared it on Instagram wrote“Love woke up. Thank you to Nashville, the beautiful Queens and the LGBTQ+ community for showing up last night… A lot of healing happened and it will not be forgotten.”

9. Melissa McCarthy

While supporting the drag community, Melissa McCarthy made things clear about drag in the entertainment industry. She divided a graphic with photos from movies like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Tootsie,” which features men dressed as women on screen, with the caption: “You’ve been entertaining drag your whole life. Now don’t pretend it’s a problem.” Melissa showed her agreement in the caption by simply writing “This.”

10 Lebron James

LeBron James spoke on behalf of the drag community following an interview between Jon Stewart and Senator Nathan Dahm. In the discussion, Nathan shared his logic that banning drag shows is to protect children – and Jon pointed out that the senator refuses to ban firearms even though they are the number one killer of children. LeBron shared the video, announcing that he agreed with Jon’s statements. See his tweet below.

11. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire shared her support for drag queens in a recent interview with the magazine Los Angeles Times. Speaking to the magazine, Reba said she was “disappointed” but not surprised by the actions of politicians around the drag community.

“I wish they would devote that much time, energy and money to feeding the homeless children in those two counties… I mean we have a real problem in this country and do we have to worry about men wanting to dress up as women ?” Reba said, later adding, “God bless her for wearing those heels — I sympathize with them. But let’s turn our attention to something that really needs attention.”

12. Shania Twain

Shania Twain has been a longtime supporter of the drag community, even appearing as a guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Following news of Tennessee’s anti-drag legislation, Shania spoke about the guts and talent it takes to be a drag performer.

“It inspires me a lot,” Shania said in an interview with HAPPY. “I think we need that inspiration. We need drag queens to share their talent with us.”

13. George Lopez

George Lopez made his views on drag performers clear during an appearance on The View. When Ron DeSantis was briefly mentioned during the show, George showed opposition to the politician’s views on drag.

“If you’re an enemy of drag, you’re an enemy of me,” George called during the performance.