Rufus Wainwright, the renowned singer-songwriter, has spoken out against the increasing anti-LGBTQ+ laws in the United States and has expressed his support for the transgender community. Wainwright, who publicly came out as gay in the late 1980s, emphasized that despite progress made on LGBTQ+ rights, there has been a disturbing backlash in recent years.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Wainwright highlighted the current battle for gay rights in America and how right-wing legislation is specifically targeting the transgender community. He expressed his concerns about the dramatic swing against gay rights, calling it pretty horrific.
Throughout his career, Wainwright has been actively involved in advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. In 2014, he protested against Russia’s gay propaganda laws during a concert in Moscow, and last year, he called out Tennessee legislation that could allow religious adoption agencies to discriminate against gay couples.
As he returns to the UK to perform music from his breakthrough albums at the annual BBC Proms, Wainwright reflects on the loss of progress made in LGBTQ+ rights over the past two decades. He revealed his old-fashioned opinions on transgender issues, mentioning that there were topics he would like to debate, particularly those concerning children. However, he lamented that such conversations are no longer welcome as the transgender community is under attack from the government.
The artist expressed his concern about the alarming amount of legislation being passed against the LGBTQ+ community, specifically targeting gay and transgender individuals. He likened it to a war, forcing people to take sides and creating unnecessary divisions.
Wainwright, who has numerous transgender friends, acknowledged that he stands with them in this battle for equality. He joins a growing chorus of musicians and artists who have been vocal in their support for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly transgender rights. The United States has seen a surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, with many Republican-controlled states imposing restrictions on queer and transgender individuals.
The situation has become dire, with libraries banning LGBTQ+ literature, trans youth losing access to gender-affirming care, and states considering bans on drag performances. The Human Rights Campaign has reported that over 550 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in the US in 2023, with 225 of them specifically targeting the rights of transgender people. These developments have prompted Canada to issue a travel advisory, warning LGBTQ+ travelers about the risks they may face in the United States.
Wainwright also mentioned the passing of Sinead O’Connor, a queer Irish singer and human rights advocate known for her iconic song Nothing Compares 2 U. He expressed both sorrow and a sense of relief for O’Connor, acknowledging her battles with mental health.
Wainwright’s comments shed light on the current state of LGBTQ+ rights around the world, particularly in the United States. His affirmation of standing with the transgender community emphasizes the importance of unity and support in the face of ongoing discrimination.
