Beyoncé’s much-anticipated Renaissance World Tour is about to begin, and eagle-eyed fans have spotted a potential nod to the LGBTQ+ community in the stage design. Images leaked on Twitter reveal the pre-show stage backdrop displaying color bars reminiscent of a progress Pride flag, featuring black, brown, and the colors of the trans flag, in addition to the classic six-tone rainbow.
A Love Letter to the LGBTQ+ Community
The Renaissance album is widely regarded as Beyoncé’s tribute to the LGBTQ+ community. Not only has the album drawn praise for incorporating the work of queer Black artists like Honey Dijon and Moi Renee, but it also pays homage to her late, gay uncle Johnny. In her song “Cozy,” Beyoncé even spells out the colors of the progress Pride flag, a hit expected to be performed during the tour.
Fans React to Stage Design
Social media users were quick to share their excitement about the stage design. One fan tweeted, “Beyoncé really said f**k the bigots with a gigantic Pride flag, huh?”. Another pointed out that Beyoncé seemed to be starting Pride month early, saying, “Beyonce said we’re going to start Pride in May. We’re not waiting for June.”
Controversy and the Tour Kickoff
Some fans expressed disappointment that Beyoncé began 2023 by performing at the opening of Atlantis The Royal, a hotel in Dubai, where homosexuality remains punishable by death. Despite the controversy, the Renaissance World Tour is set to start on May 10th in Stockholm, Sweden, with fans eagerly awaiting the concert experience.