Madonna’s support for trans rights organizations in Tennessee
Madonna, the Queen of Pop, has always been a vocal ally of the LGBTQ community. As Tennessee recently passed legislation targeting drag performers and gender-affirming care for transgender minors, Madonna is speaking out and taking action. Her upcoming “Celebration” tour will start in July and make stops in Tennessee, including Nashville, where she will donate some of the proceeds from her show to trans rights organizations.
On Instagram, Madonna wrote that “the oppression of the LGBTQ+ community is unacceptable and inhumane.” She has a long history of supporting LGBTQ communities and fundraising for AIDS research. However, she also emphasized that artists should not only make statements of support, but also lift up queer voices and figures and move tangible resources to support LGBTQ rights.
Tennessee’s new legislation targets drag performances, labeling them as “adult cabaret performances.” This is part of a larger pattern of over 100 anti-LGBTQ+ bills currently before state legislatures across the country. Dozens of bills are aiming to deny trans youth and adults gender-affirming care and spread misinformation about drag performances.
Madonna adds Nashville to her tour schedule to protest against anti-trans laws in Tennessee
Madonna recently announced her “Celebration” tour, which includes a show in Nashville, Tennessee on December 22nd. This date has gained significance as it comes in light of new anti-trans laws being passed by the state legislature.
The most restrictive law prohibits gender-affirming care for trans minors while another law restricts public drag show performances. The legislation has been widely criticized by LGBTQ+ advocates for being discriminatory and unnecessary.
Madonna has joined those advocating against these oppressive laws. In a statement released during the announcement of the tour dates, she said that the legislation is “unfounded and pathetic.” She labeled the so-called laws to protect children as unacceptable and inhumane. The Celebration tour will feature a “one-of-a-kind experience” from Bob the Drag Queen, winner of Season 8 on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” across all dates.
Madonna’s advocacy sets an example for other artists to show up for queer communities. Her actions highlight that the LGBTQ+ community needs more than just statements and gestures of support. Real change requires tangible resources and support for queer voices and figures.
Madonna brings her Celebration Tour to Nashville, raising funds for transgender organizations
Madonna is set to bring her Celebration Tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on December 22, with more shows running into late January 2024. The city of Nashville has become a battleground for the trans community as Tennessee recently passed a restrictive law regarding drag performers.
Madonna has always been an LGBT ally and chose the Nashville stop of her tour to protest against the anti-trans legislation in the state. In addition, she is donating some of the proceeds from her concert in Nashville to transgender organizations.
Bob the Drag Queen, who will join Madonna onstage during the Nashville show, is also a vocal supporter of the trans community. The event will not only be an opportunity to enjoy great music and performances but also a chance for people to come together in their fight against oppression.
As Madonna noted on Instagram, it is not enough for artists to only make statements about supporting marginalized communities; they must also take real action. By bringing her Celebration Tour to Tennessee while raising funds for transgender organizations, Madonna sets an example for all artists who want to support LGBTQ rights.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
