Reba McEntire slams Tennessee’s anti-drag ban: “God bless ’em to wear those high heels”

Country music star Reba McEntire has joined the slew of celebrities standing up against Tennessee’s anti-drag law.

In a recent interview with the Los Angeles Times, McEntire said she was “disappointed” that the bill passed.

Related:

GOP Gov. Bill Lee to sign anti-drag bill despite wearing drag as a teen

Gov. Bill Lee (R-TN) failed to explain how his teenage cross-dressing was different from the drag performances he now wants to outlaw.

“I wish they would spend that much time and energy and money on feeding the homeless children,” she said.

Earlier this month, Tennessee became the first state to pass a law restricting drag performances. The law bans “male or female impersonators who provide entertainment that appeals to a prurient interest” from appearing “on public property” or “in a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult.”

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ACLU of Tennessee’s Henry Seaton told NPR that the real purpose of the law is to isolate and criminalize transgender and gender non-conforming individuals. On Friday, a judge issued a temporary injunction against the law.

McEntire also emphasized that she does not “do politics” and that she does not feel it is her “job” to “influence people one way or another how to vote.”

“I try to stay away from disagreements and confrontations,” she said.

She said despite this belief, she doesn’t see how supporting drag queens could be controversial to anyone.

“Boy, why? I mean, we’ve got a real problem in this country, and to be worrying about men wanting to dress up as women? God bless ’em to wear those high heels. I feel for ’em. But let’s center our attention on something that really needs attention.”

McEntire is one of many influential stars defending LGBTQ+ people against Tennessee’s legislators. In addition to the anti-drag law, the state recently passed a chilling ban on gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth that even requires youth currently receiving gender-affirming care to detransition.

Earlier this month, a host of performers came together to host a benefit concert opposing Tennessee’s oppressive anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. Stars including Maren Morris, the Brothers Osborne, Allison Russell, Hozier, Jason Isbell, Sheryl Crow, and Hayley Williams performed at “Love Rising” on March 20 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. 

During the event, country star Maren Morris challenged state officials to arrest her for introducing her almost three-year-old son to some drag queens.

“Yes, I introduced my son to some drag queens today so Tennessee f**kin’ arrest me,” she said.

Around the same time, the cisgender male members of the indie rock band Yo La Tengo dressed in drag during their Nashville concert to protest the ban.

And last week, Madonna announced that she added a Nashville concert to her upcoming tour to stand up for LGBTQ+ people.

“The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane, it’s creating an unsafe environment,” Madonna said in a statement. “It makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of color. Also, these so-called laws to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a brain knows not to f–k with a drag queen. Bob [the Drag Queen] and I will see you from the stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that is the queer community.”