Lizzo honored Black trans women during her West Hollywood Pride set with a moving speech and emotional performance of “Over the Rainbow.”
Lizzo used her headlining slot at the West Hollywood Pride festival to spotlight Black trans women and challenge systems of oppression with a heartfelt speech and stripped-down performance.
Taking the main stage on Sunday (June 1), Lizzo paused her set to deliver a message of solidarity and gratitude.
“This is dedicated to you and, more importantly, the black trans women who, without their fight, we would not be able to celebrate today,” she said, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. “And we still in some s**t, right? But hopefully, one day we will see a place where we no longer have to fight to exist. This is for you.”
The Grammy-winning artist followed the speech with a pared-down rendition of “Over the Rainbow,” accompanied only by piano, giving the 1939 classic a raw emotional edge.
Known for using her platform to advocate for marginalized communities, the “Still Bad” singer didn’t hold back.
“In honor of that fight, we have to continue to take a stand against that very same system that threatens our rights to bodily autonomy and liberation. We ain’t free until we’re all free,” she said.
The Detroit native also made headlines earlier this year after revealing she had reached a personal health milestone.
She appeared on stage in underwear, embracing her body after shedding 16 percent of her body fat. However, Lizzo has remained tight-lipped about the exact number.
“If I say the number, I don’t think people could do the math,” she told The Jason Lee Show last week. “I’ve just seen a lot of TikToks where it’s like, ‘Lizzo talks about her 500-pound weight loss!’ Why are y’all putting numbers on me? It kind of annoys me.”
Her appearance at the Pride festival comes amid ongoing conversations about trans rights and bodily autonomy across the United States.
According to reports, Black trans women continue to face disproportionate levels of violence and discrimination, making Lizzo’s public support particularly resonant.
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