Nebraska legislators recently provided a round of approval to a ban on most abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy and sharp limits on the availability of gender-affirming treatments, an effort that fit right in with nationwide attempts by Republicans to foster what is essentially a culture of fear and intimidation directed at LGBTQ+ individuals.
Many states have rushed to pass restrictions on personal and public expressions of LGBTQ+ identities. Florida even recently joined the list of states passing a bathroom bill, meaning a set of restrictions on the restrooms transgender individuals can use at certain places, including government buildings.
Lizzo, a world famous musician who’s won an Emmy award, performed in Omaha, Nebraska, on Friday, speaking to attendees in opposition to that state’s push. The venue where Lizzo was performing can host over 18,000 fans, according to info that is available online. As she helped rally concertgoers against the looming Republican restrictions, the crowd cheered in support.
“And anybody who comes to a Lizzo show should know that I am for people to have a right to health care — reproductive and gender-affirming,” the musician said, later adding: “And it really breaks my heart that there are young people growing up in a world that doesn’t protect them.”
“Don’t let anybody tell you who you are,” she continued. “You are what’s real, and you deserve to be protected.” The federal Justice Department brought a court challenge against gender-affirming care restrictions in Tennessee, arguing in part that the framework violated legal demands for equal protection because of the different approach to those with gender dysphoria versus those, well, who don’t have such a thing and might pursue such treatments. Watch video of Lizzo below:
Amazing. Lizzo, in front of thousands of people, confronts LB574 – a gender affirming care ban and abortion ban – in Nebraska tonight.
"Don't let anyone tell you who you are. These laws aren't real. YOU are real."pic.twitter.com/UqzIvaUA1T
— Erin Reed (@ErinInTheMorn) May 20, 2023
Image: Andy Witchger/ Creative Commons
