Gay Democratic lawmaker Rep. Robert Garcia paid tribute to music icon Beyoncé on the House floor Wednesday morning to commemorate the end of Black History Month and the beginning of Women’s History Month. Garcia hailed Beyoncé’s groundbreaking achievements in music and her role as a role model who stood up for various causes, including voting rights, feminism, women and girls, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Garcia praised Beyoncé for being an independent artist who defied norms and charted her own course. He also recounted his personal experience of hearing Destiny’s Child perform for the first time, calling it a life-changing moment that influenced his relationship with music.
The lawmaker also noted Beyoncé’s latest album, Renaissance, which featured extensive collaborations with Black queer creators, including trans DJ Honey Dijon, trans actress TS Madison, and queer rapper Big Freedia. Beyoncé also brought in lesbian musician Syd to help produce the track “Plastic Off the Sofa.”
Garcia concluded his tribute by calling Beyoncé the greatest of all time and congratulating her on her numerous achievements, including winning the most Grammy Awards in the history of the country. He described her as a cultural icon whose story is history, and praised her for being irreplaceable.
Beyoncé’s influence and impact continue to be felt across various communities, including the LGBTQ+ community, where she has been a vocal ally and supporter. As Garcia’s tribute demonstrated, Beyoncé’s contributions to music and culture have made her an enduring icon and an inspiration to many.