Lizzo Criticizes ‘Complicit Silence’ Over Transphobia and Other Forms of Bigotry

Lizzo says transphobia “wouldn’t fly” if more people understood its roots.

The Grammy-winning singer explained her position in a series of tweets Wednesday, as a growing number of GOP lawmakers push for anti-trans laws.

“Transphobia is lookin real rooted in racism right about now…” Lizzo wrote. “I’ve never heard a person say why they’re racist… Or fatphobic.. I’ve never heard a reason why someone is transphobic. I think if we knew ‘why’ these people felt this way there would [be] way less support for these ideals. Because the ‘why’ is more insidious than we realize.”

The 34-year-old artist expanded on her stance, saying inaction on bigotry is a form of complicity, and that people would be less apathetic to prejudice if they knew more about it.

“Don’t get it twisted—I don’t care why people are bigoted. That’s a waste of my imagination,” Lizzo continued. “I feel like there’s a lot of complicit silence and apathetic participation going on that wouldn’t fly if people knew more.”

According to the Human Rights Campaign, Republican politicians have introduced at least 150 bills that target the rights of transgender people, the majority of which would prohibit gender-affirming healthcare for trans youth. 

Conservative lawmakers have also called for severe crackdowns on local drag shows. The Tennessee House of Representatives recently passed a bill that would restrict certain drag performances in public spaces, citing concerns concerns over their alleged harm to children.

Drag icon RuPaul called out the anti-drag legislation and its proponents in an Instagram video Wednesday.

“We know that bullies are incompetent at solving real issues. They look for easy targets so they can give the impression of being effective,” RuPaul said. “They think our love, our light, our laughter, and our joy are signs of weakness, but they’re wrong, because that is our strength. Drag queens are the Marines of the queer movement. Don’t get it twisted and don’t be distracted. Register to vote so we can get these stunt queens out of office and put some smart people with real solutions into government.”