Queer singer Hayley Kiyoko was threatened with legal action under Tennessee’s “absurd” drag bans for inviting drag queens on stage at her Nashville concert.
Hayley is on her Panorama Tour of Europe and North America, performing her album of the same name.
Hayley’s all-ages tour recently stopped in Nashville, Tennessee. Earlier this year, the US state became the first to ban public “adult cabaret performance” in front of children in the state.
The singer took to Instagram to share her personal experience with the hateful law after she met and invited some drag queens on stage with her.
“The past 48 hours have been an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least,” Hayley wrote.
“[On] 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.
“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.”
‘We deserve to have a safe space’
Hayley Kiyoko said she “never wants 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?” she said.
“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.”
However, Hayley Kiyoko said she consulted the drag queens who “showed no fear”. The performers told her they wanted to go ahead despite the threat from police.
“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. Thank you @theladylibertea and @jivy85 for joining us last night. You looked radiant and truly inspire me.
“We will not be silenced. We will find ways to continue to be our authentic selves, no matter what.
Hayley added, “We will not give up. No matter how hard they make it. I love you all so much.”
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Hayley Kiyoko serenades girlfriend at concert
Hayley Kiyoko isn’t kidding when she says her concerts are very queer.
A few weeks ago she brought girlfriend Becca Tilley on stage to serenade her with love song Pretty Girl.
“So wild thinking about writing Pretty Girl in 2016 about this hypothetical girl I hadn’t met yet,” she said.
“To now, getting to sing this song to the love of my life on stage for a sold out show in London. This was so special.”
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Listen to Hayley Kiyoko’s Panorama below:
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