Gottmik Says Says Anti-Drag Legislation Is a ‘Wake Up Call’ for Queer Community to Be ‘Louder and Prouder’

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato, the Emmy-winning producers behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and co-founders of World of Wonder, have responded to the wave of anti-drag legislation being introduced by GOP lawmakers, calling it “un-American.” Speaking with Variety over Zoom, Barbato said the bills — which are working their way through at least 11 state legislatures and threatening to restrict or prohibit drag show performances — are all part of an “insidious” campaign. “It’s been going on and it’s orchestrated by a minority,” Barbato said. “They have been successful in these hideous laws. That same minority is threatening the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community. They are a threat and we must take them seriously.”

Madonna has added a date in Nashville, Tennessee to her upcoming world tour, a performance meant to protest the state's anti-trans legislation taking effect on April 1. The bill, passed in March, restricts drag performances in public places and in front of children, with first-time violators facing a misdemeanor charge.

Thania Garcia Following Monday’s news of a shooting at a private Christian elementary school in Tennessee, several celebrities took to Twitter to point their frustrations at politicians and demand the need for stricter gun control laws. A 28-year-old Nashville woman killed three children and three adult staff members at the Covenant School before she was shot and killed by police, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department said. At the time of this article’s publication, the shooter’s identity has not yet been released. Nashville-based singer-songwriter Margo Price tweeted at Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and questioned his choice to pass the permit-less handgun carry bill — which allows anyone 21 years or older to legally possess a weapon.

Marc Malkin Senior Film Awards, Events & Lifestyle Editor Chris Pine is hopeful that “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” gives moviegoers a true escape from real-world problems. “I’ve seen this film probably more than I’ve seen many of my other films because I love watching it with an audience,” the actor told me on Sunday at the film’s Los Angeles premiere. “To come out and see audience’s faces, you see exactly what cinema should do, which is people are, like, alive. They want to talk about it. They’re in a great mood. The world is so shitty so why not use this vehicle — big budget cinema — to make people feel better.” The adaptation of the iconic fantasy game was written and directed by Jonathan Goldstein and John Francis Daley. Pine stars alongside Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justin Smith, Sophia Lillis, Hugh Grant and Daisy Head.

Drake’s massive 2023 tour doesn’t start until June 16 in New Orleans.In the meantime, if you need your live Drake fix, you can see Champagne Papi along with hip-hop heavy hitters like J. Cole, Usher, Burna Boy, Lil Durk, Ari Lennox and more at Raleigh, NC’s Dreamville Festival taking place April 1-2 at Dorothea Dix Park.But you better hurry — two-day passes are going fast.At the time of publication, the cheapest multi-day general admission passes we could find started at $362 before fees on Vivid Seats.When our team first reported on Dreamville prices, the lowest we could find was $316 before fees.Clearly, demand is high as inventory dwindles days before the two-day extravaganza.Need more fest details before taking the plunge?Here’s everything you need to know.All prices listed above are subject to fluctuation.J.

Madonna is making a statement with her Celebration Tour.

Dolly Parton and Miley Cyrus‘ 2017 collaboration “Rainbowland” is apparently too controversial for some people.

Britain’s Got Talent star Amanda Holden has insisted she's not a “slave to her fitness regime” as she proudly confessed she “loves food too much”. The 52 year old star, who is best known for her role on the ITV talent show and for her regular presenting gig on Heart radio, opened up about her beauty secrets and her intention to “flaunt” what god had given her as part of an interview with The Times. Well known for her revealing and eye catching outfits on Britain’s Got Talent, Amanda has received multiple Ofcom complaints in the past for some of her more risqué outfit choices, but despite criticism from the public, insists she will “never fade into the background” like her grandma’s generation.

A mum who lived an 'extravagant' lifestyle funded by her drug boss boyfriend avoided jail as a judge told her the career criminal had 'ruined her life'. Georgia Harkness, 27, began a relationship with Salford drug dealer Ashley Blackett after they met in prison, while he was serving time and she worked as a prison nurse.

her husband after he fell into a coma for months after catching the coronavirus in 2020. Broadcaster Kate Garraway has explained her husband, Derek Draper, is home with his family but recquires round-the-clock care. The former political advisor spent 13 months in hospital, and became the longest-suffering coronavirus patient in the UK.

During the second set of their performance Monday night at The Basement East in Nashville, Yo La Tengo’s Ira Kaplan and James McNew donned drag outfits, The Tennessean reports. Though they didn’t openly mention the meaning behind their wardrobe change, it came amid nationwide public outcry over a new law signed into action by Tennessee governor Bill Lee earlier this month.

RuPaul says drag queens are “the Marines” of the queer movement (Photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)

The B-52s have shared a statement denouncing the “numerous bills that promote transphobia and discrimination” against transgender people and drag artists in the US.Last week, it was revealed that Tennessee’s governor, Bill Lee, had signed a law banning drag performances in front of children, passed alongside separate legislation to restrict gender affirming-healthcare for transgender youth.The statute is the first of its kind to be enacted in the US, with politicians in numerous other Republic-run states reportedly pushing for similar laws.The B-52s are the latest band to speak out against the legislation, sharing on Twitter: “Dear fellow citizens, We, The B-52’s, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States.“We strongly denounce these bills and stand in solidarity with out LGBTQ+ community.”Dear fellow citizens,We, The B-52’s, are deeply concerned about the numerous new bills that promote transphobia and discrimination against transgender individuals and drag artists, which have been introduced in the United States.

Actors’ Equity Association has condemned Tennessee’s new legislation restricting drag performance, urging theaters in the state to “join us in rejecting it entirely and lobbying for its elimination.”

Jazz Tangcay Artisans Editor RuPaul, the face of the “Drag Race” franchise, has responded to the recent wave of anti-drag and anti-trans legislation introduced by Republican lawmakers in the U.S. In an Instagram video on Wednesday, the Emmy winner called the bills “a classic distraction technique” and urged Americans to register to vote. “Hey, look over there! A classic distraction technique, distracting us away from the real issues that they were voted into office to focus on: jobs, healthcare, keeping our children safe from harm at their own school,” RuPaul said. “But we know that bullies are incompetent at solving real issues. They look for easy targets so they can give the impression of being effective. They think our love, our light, our laughter and our joy are signs of weakness. But they’re wrong because that is our strength.”

Paramore's Hayley Williams, plus Julien Baker, Brittany Howard, and Maren Morris are among the first names confirmed for Nashville's Love Rising, a live music event organized in response to Tennessee's ban on drag performances on public property. Other names confirmed for Love Rising include Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Brothers Osborne, Yola, Allison Russell, and more. The event takes place on March 20 with proceeds going toward LGBTQIA+ programs, services, and resources across Tennessee.

Chris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Tennessee’s aggressive legislative moves against drag performances have prompted a host of pro-LGBTQ artists from different genres to come together for a March 20 benefit concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, dubbed “Love Rising,” that will raise funds for the Tennessee Equality Project and several other local pride organizations. Among those taking part in the Bridgestone show are Maren Morris and Brothers Osborne, two artists that have spoken up about LGBTQ issues in the often quiet mainstream country world. Others on the bill from the rock, pop, Americana and alternative realms include Paramore’s Haylee Williams, Sheryl Crow, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Allison Russell, Yola, Brittany Howard and Hozier. Julien Baker, Joy Oladokun, Jake Wesley Rogers, Mya Byrne and the Rainbow Coalition Band round out the packed lineup. Other special guests are expected to be added.

Pedro Pascal is voicing his allyship.

Republicans are really out here fighting drag queens across the country!

Good Morning Britain’s Kate Garraway said “the costs go through the roof” when a relative becomes seriously ill, because of ‘the changes you have to make to your home’ and ‘your ability to work’. The TV presenter’s husband Derek Draper, a 55-year-old former political adviser, fell seriously ill with Covid-19 in March 2020 and has suffered long-lasting damage to his organs and requires daily care. Garraway has since created two documentaries detailing her family’s life as Derek battles the long-term effects, with both programmes winning a National Television Award in the authored documentary category.