‘This stupid world’: Yo La Tengo play Nashville show in drag to protest Tennessee bill
The law has been regarded as an attack on the state’s transgender community and free speech more broadly
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.New Jersey band Yo La Tengo performed their Nashville show in drag on Monday night (13 March), in apparent protest against Tennessee’s restrictive new drag law.
Earlier this month, Tennessee became the first state in the country to approve restrictions on where drag shows can be performed, marking the latest development in the battle against genderqueer freedom of expression in the United States.
The bill effectively bans drag from being performed on public property or in spaces where minors are present.
Yo La Tengo’s Ira Kaplan and James McNew returned for the second half of their set at The Basement East this week dressed in drag, before performing their new track “This Stupid World”.
Kaplan wore makeup, a red dress and black wig, while McNew put on a shawl and a sun hat.
Karen Elson leads support for Meg White after drumming criticism: ‘Keep my ex-husband’s ex-wife name out your mouth’
‘I’m confused about it morally’: The Last of Us showrunner on finale’s divisive ending
Eva Green wanted to pretend she was in hospital with an all-body rash to avoid filming sci-fi movie, court told
While the band made no direct mention of the new law on stage, they told Pitchfork in a statement on Tuesday: “What we did last night couldn’t have been clearer, and requires no further comment.”
Performers who violate the new law could face a misdemeanour criminal charge and repeat offenders could be charged with a felony.
The law has been regarded as an attack on the state’s transgender community and free speech more broadly, and has been condemned by groups like Human Rights Watch.
Yo La Tengo are currently touring around the US. They will arrive in Ireland for the European leg on 10 April.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments