Beyoncé Speaks Out Against Anti-LGBTQ North Carolina Law

Beyoncé Speaks Out Against Anti-LGBTQ North Carolina Law

Last night, Beyoncé played Raleigh, North Carolina’s Carter-Finley Stadium, as part of her Formation World Tour, behind the recently released Lemonade. In a note on her website, she has now spoken out against the state’s House Bill 2—the Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act—which bars transgender people from using bathrooms and locker rooms that do not match the “biological sex” listed on their birth certificate. It reads, “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.” Beyoncé has also directed fans toward Equality NC, “a local organization dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians.” Read the full post below, and see a photo of Beyoncé in an Equality NC t-shirt here.

Bruce SpringsteenRingo Starr and Pearl Jam have cancelled concerts in response to the legislation. Beyoncé now joins Father John MistyAgainst Me!, Cyndi Lauper, Duran Duran, and Mumford & Sons, who have all performed as scheduled in order to raise awareness about the law and donate to local LGBTQ rights organizations.

Read “Op-Ed: North Carolina’s Transgender Fight Needs Musicians to Show Up,” as well as the complete breakdown of Beyoncé’s first Formation show on the Pitch.

Beyoncé’s statement:

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.

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