In a keynote speech at South By Southwest, Lizzo attacked new Texas laws that limit access to abortion and target trans kids and their families. Pop star Lizzo, who was born in Houston, claimed the controversial moves unfairly target women as well as the LGBTQ community.
To loud applause, Lizzo declared that "I'm proud of Houston, but not to rep Texas politics right at the moment."
She added, "Mind your own business." Trans rights are human rights.
The singer was just as passionate when talking about Texas' ban on abortion after six week or at detection of fetal heartbeat. She also blasted conservative politicians for being "all-up in your uterus."
Lizzo stated that the ban on abortion is "atrocious." Keep your business. Keep your body out of mine. This is not political.
Queer communities across the country were angered by comments made by Texas Governor. Gregg Abbot, the Texas governor, called for child protective services to report on families who appear to be supporting gender transitioning children. Abbott also promised that other state agencies would investigate.
Lizzo stated, "We have a lot more things that we need," and added, "There are people in charge who could change things on a systemsic level, but they're letting them down."
These political actions have been widely condemned by the SXSW crowd. The forum was used by Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke to critique the actions of Gov. Abbott and his supporters.
Lizzo attended the annual celebrations of media, movies, and music partly to promote her unscripted reality series "Watch Out For the Big Grrls," which will premiere on Amazon on March 24. Lizzo also brought a message to empower the crowd, reminding them to love themselves.
She opened up about how she grew up without any plus-sized media icons and music. This is a situation that she hopes to change through her own example as well as her show which focuses on finding full-figured models and dancers.
She recalled, "I used get called fat-a-- every single daily on the bus," and added, "They don't set up us to see our worth and value especially as Black women, particularly as large Black women."
The show's goal is to inspire body positivity and create a new generation.
Lizzo stated, "I want these women to be lifted up... I hope that they all become stars after this."
Lizzo used her stage time to announce some news. Pop star Lizzo said that she would fly home to master her album after SXSW, telling the crowd that her follow-up to 2019's "Cuz You Love You" was complete.
Lizzo stated, "I worked really hard on it, so it better be great." "But it's good."
