Bruce Springsteen had the balls to cancel a lucrative performance in North Carolina last month, based on his outrage with North Carolina’s just-passed Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act (aka ‘bathroom law’ or HB2). Beyonce, currently on her equality- and justice-themed ‘Formation Tour,’ has refused to cancel her upcoming performance in North Carolina.
The singer, one of the most influential entertainers on the planet, has been campaigning aggressively against police brutality and discrimination against African-Americans and women. But lesbian, gay, and transgender groups are now wondering why that commitment ends with them.
Instead of a cancellation, Beyonce issued this equality-focused update regarding her upcoming appearance in North Carolina.
North Carolina has been drawing the attention of the masses for new legislation that blocks cities and local governments from passing anti-discrimination measures that could protect gay and transgender people.
It all began earlier this year when Charlotte passed a decree expanding North Carolina’s anti-discrimination laws allowing LGBT people protection in places of public accommodation. The ordinance, which was set to go into effect on April 1st, would allow transgender people to use the bathrooms of the gender they identify as, amongst other progressive rights.
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.”
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.
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.
Learn more about how you can support Equality NC by donating, volunteering, becoming an ambassador, attending an event, or simply spreading the word!
Learn more about Equality NC on their website, Facebook or Twitter and shop their merch here.
That offers verbal support, but nothing near the support this community wants: in an interview early this morning, one LGBT activist fumed that the real sacrifice should be financial. “[Bruce] gave up millions to stand united with us against oppressive injustice,” the activist told Digital Music News. “Beyonce is basically saying to us, ‘I’m with you but not if it messes up my bank account,’ so it’s empty to all of us.”
Beyonce’s half-baked gesture also follows a massive slam from Prince, whose legacy now includes an extremely homophobic rant. Others, including Bryan Adams, have expressed solidarity through outright cancellations, creating a mixed patchwork of support (or lack thereof) from the musical community.
More as this situation develops. Image from Beyonce’s recently-released ‘Formation’ video.
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