Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julian Baker take a stand against anti-LBGTQ+ legislation in Tennessee during their Nashville show on June 25. Dressed in full clothing, BoyGenius members, who are all openly gay, gave the Republican governor a symbolic middle finger. Bill Lee.
Adorned in glitter, rhinestones, and hairspray for Pride Month, the band members introduced their drag alter egos: Kyf Urban (Bridgers), Shanita Tums (Baker), and Lucille Bowles (Dacus). Even the cameraman played his part, wearing a costume while recording the performance from the front row. The show comes just months after Tennessee became the first state to ban public drag shows on March 2.
“I’m so angry with the people who made me feel small.”
As a Tennessee native, Baker stepped in front of the mic to speak out against the state’s anti-trans laws and share her personal journey as a member of the gay community. “Today, I’m so grateful for my life, and not just because I get to stand on stage with my best friends — and my man, James,” Baker said, referring to the stagehand who uttered the sentence. brought him a new guitar in between, “but because I’m content with who I am.” Is. And I’ve found that it’s a really powerful and humiliating tool for annoying those people. I’d love for you to scream loud enough for Governor Lee to hear you.”
As an official state representative, Lee has been a key proponent in passing legislation that directly targets trans youth, drag performers, and the LGBTQ+ community at large. In March, Lee also notably signed a bill that banned gender-affirming health care for youths in the state. The crowd came at Baker’s request, and joined in a loud chorus of “F*ck Bill Lee”.
A few months ago, Boygenius released their debut studio album, “The Record”, on 31 March. Ahead, watch clips from the band’s Nashville performance, and get a closer look at their impressive drag outfits.