The B-52s have spoken out against recent Republican legislation, issuing a strongly worded statement denouncing the "numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination" in the US.
Last week, Tennessee became the first state to enact Senate Bill 3 — a law that specifically targets drag shows, criminalizing any public "adult cabaret performance" that could be witnessed by children. They also joined a growing list of GOP-led states that have banned gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, Governor Bill Lee signing both measures without public comment.
Longtime advocates of LGBTQIA2S+ rights, the new wave legends took to Twitter yesterday (March 8) to express their outrage.
"We, the B-52's, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States," the B-52s wrote. "We strongly denounce these bills and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community."
They continued, "It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, we are witnessing such blatant attempts to undermine the rights of individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation," adding that this kind of legislation will "not only violate the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals but also perpetuate a toxic culture of hate and intolerance that has no place in our society."
"Join us in denouncing these bills and standing in support of our LGBTQ+ community," the band concluded. "Together, let us work towards a society that reflects or shared being and is truly just, inclusive, and welcoming for all."
See the full statement below.
Last week, Tennessee became the first state to enact Senate Bill 3 — a law that specifically targets drag shows, criminalizing any public "adult cabaret performance" that could be witnessed by children. They also joined a growing list of GOP-led states that have banned gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth, Governor Bill Lee signing both measures without public comment.
Longtime advocates of LGBTQIA2S+ rights, the new wave legends took to Twitter yesterday (March 8) to express their outrage.
"We, the B-52's, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States," the B-52s wrote. "We strongly denounce these bills and stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ community."
They continued, "It is unacceptable that in the 21st century, we are witnessing such blatant attempts to undermine the rights of individuals based on their gender identity and sexual orientation," adding that this kind of legislation will "not only violate the fundamental human rights of the affected individuals but also perpetuate a toxic culture of hate and intolerance that has no place in our society."
"Join us in denouncing these bills and standing in support of our LGBTQ+ community," the band concluded. "Together, let us work towards a society that reflects or shared being and is truly just, inclusive, and welcoming for all."
See the full statement below.
The B-52s completed their Canada-less farewell tour last year, but have scheduled a 10-day Las Vegas residency set to begin in May.