On Monday, March 20, Queer Eye star Jonathan Van Ness joined a rally outside the Texas State Capitol to raise awareness of rising anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in the US. During his speech, Van Ness, who identifies as HIV positive, non-binary, and a “truth teller,” advocated for trans rights and called attention to the pressing issues that the American government should be focusing on instead of pushing harmful legislation targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
Van Ness began by highlighting the increasing child poverty and decreasing access to healthcare in America, stressing the importance of fighting for basic human rights. He also pointed out that the legislators pushing anti-trans bills often have no understanding of trans issues. “We will have to be back on these steps, in those chambers, protesting and fighting for our rights,” Van Ness declared.
The Queer Eye star also urged the crowd to speak out against oppression and not let anyone silence their voices. “These people on the right, they are not silencing their faith to legislate your lives,” Van Ness stated. He also led the crowd in a call-and-response chant of “Trans rights!” and “Human rights!”
Joining Van Ness at the rally was Cynthia Lee Fontaine, a Drag Race alumna who gave her own speech and performed a lip sync to “I Am What I Am” from the Broadway musical La Cage aux Folles. The rally was organized by several LGBTQ+ organizations, including Equality Texas and the Texas Freedom Network, who are advocating for bills that would benefit the lives of LGBTQ+ Texans across the state.
As anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment continues to rise in the US, voices like Van Ness and Fontaine’s are crucial in raising awareness and pushing for change. Their presence at the Texas State Capitol serves as a reminder that the fight for equality is far from over and that we must continue to speak out against oppression and fight for the rights of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation.