Beyoncé's recent LA show earned her a new milestone, making her the highest-grossing female touring artist of all time. Her success is undeniably celebrated by many, but what makes her more remarkable is her dedication to acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community. Her album Lemonade was a tribute to black women, and her work continually pays homage to LGBTQ+ history and ballroom culture. Let's delve into how Beyoncé is an ally and icon for the LGBTQ+ community.
First and foremost, Beyoncé's uncle, Johnny, was a gay man, and she often speaks about the influence he had on her. In an interview, she said, "He lived his truth and was never ashamed. He was confident and fearless; taught me how to be the same. He lived a full life and loved me to the fullest." Beyoncé's admiration for her uncle is reflected in many of her songs, and it's a testament to her conviction to represent the LGBTQ+ community and to bring attention to the fact that love is love.
Her music video for "Formation"" was a significant turning point for Beyoncé in showcasing her support for LGBTQ+ rights. The video shows Beyoncé and her backup dancers sporting a gender-bending black aesthetic and paying tribute to LGBTQ+ culture, including the movement for LGBTQ+ rights in New Orleans. Critics fell both in love with and wary of her outspoken political statements promoting racial and gender equality.
What sets Beyoncé apart is her commitment to celebrating renaissance-era ballroom and dance culture in the LGBTQ+ community. Her in-depth engagement with the ballroom scene is in her portrayal of fierce choreography and dramatic costumes in songs like "Formation" and "Blow." Although some believe she's using LGBTQ+ culture for entertainment value, her consistent dedication to representing the ballroom community with her shows, costumes, and lyrics is a testament to her respect for an often ignored history.
In her visual album, Black is King, Beyoncé continues to pay homage to black culture and the LGBTQ+ community. It includes a segment paying tribute to voguing and ballroom culture by including music from classic vogue house tracks and a host of prominent queer performers from various underground performance scenes.
As the highest-grossing female touring artist currently, Beyoncé has a considerable platform, and she uses it to advocate for marginalized groups, especially the LGBTQ+ community. Her songs and music videos are all testaments to the respect she has for marginalized communities and their history, always bringing light to issues that matter. Her music has become a voice of inclusivity and love, constantly breaking down boundaries and challenging norms. Beyoncé's influence in creating a culture of acceptance is undeniable, and we can't wait to see how she continues to be an icon for change.
Love!!
It was the best show I have ever seeeeen!