Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, and Julien Baker took a stand against anti-LBGTQ+ legislation in Tennessee during their Nashville show on June 25. Dressed in full drag, the Boygenius members, who are all openly queer, gave the metaphorical middle finger to Republican Governor Bill Lee.
Decked out in glitter, rhinestones, and hairspray for Pride Month, the band members introduced their drag alter egos: Queef Urban (Bridgers), Shanita Tums (Baker), and Lucille Balls (Dacus). Even the cameraman did their part, wearing a dress while recording the performance from the front row. The show comes just a few months after Tennessee became the first state to pass a ban on public drag shows on March 2.
“I have a lot of anger for the people who have 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 to share her personal journey as a member of the queer community. “Today, I’m so grateful for my life, not because I get to stand on stage with my best friends — and my man, James,” Baker said, referring to the stagehand who brought her a new guitar mid-sentence, “but because I’m content with the person that I am.” She continued, “I have a lot of anger for the people who have made me feel small and make me feel erased. And I’ve found it’s a really powerful and humiliating tool for making those people f*ck off. I would like you to scream so loud that Governor Lee can hear you.”
As the 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 healthcare for youth in the state. The crowd came through on Baker’s request, screaming at the top of their lungs before breaking into a chorus of “F*ck Bill Lee.”
A few months prior, Boygenius released their debut studio album, “The Record,” on March 31. Ahead, see clips from the band’s Nashville performance, and take a closer look at their impressive drag outfits.