The Beyoncé of yesteryear certainly wasn’t the kind of artist that got involved in political conversations or protests, but the Beyoncé of today is certainly one of the pop world’s biggest activists when it comes to feminism and civil rights. And this week Beyoncé also flexed her activist muscles for the LGBT movement as she blasted the state of North Carolina for its new anti-LGBT law.
According to media reports, anti-LGBT House Bill 2 was passed late March and blocked the entire state from enacting nondiscrimination ordinances designed to protect LGBT people. This also includes a recent bill passed in Charlotte that would have allowed transgender people to use bathrooms that match their personal gender identity.
Since the bill’s passing, several celebrities have spoken out against North Carolina’s new legislation, and earlier this week Bey joined voices with them and posted a message on her website, criticizing the state’s legislators for supporting the bill.
“Rather than accepting the progression in LGBT rights, that same night, legislators returned to the state house to overrule the ordinance that would ban discrimination against LGBT people. At a special session, North Carolina’s General Assembly proposed and passed the House Bill 2 (HB2) — what has now come to be known as the ‘Bathroom Bill,'” read the message.
“As The Formation World Tour makes its stop in the Tar Heel state in the midst of such a controversial time, we think it is important for us to bring attention to those who are committed to being good and carrying on the message of equality in this core of controversy,” the message read.
Bey then asked fans to contact the North Carolina LGBT advocacy group Equality NC and help them to fight back against the legislation.
“Among the many organizations doing the good work to get this bill overturned, there is Equality NC, a local organization dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians. To accomplish these goals, Equality NC tirelessly lobbies the North Carolina General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments, broadcast LGBT news, stories and content, and mobilize our communities on issues that matter, including marriage equality, parental rights, inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnerships, and HIV/AIDS,” the statement read.
Not surprisingly, Equality NC was thrilled to learn of Beyoncé’s pro-LGBT statement and Chris Sgro, executive director of the group, spoke about the news and said his organization is “grateful and extremely humbled by the outpouring of support against this deeply discriminatory law. Beyoncé’s support is another voice in the chorus for equality … Beyoncé bringing attention to the fight for equality is a good step in that direction.”
Kudos to Bey for speaking out about this unfair bill and we hope her effort brings about more activism around this issue.
