Beyoncé has shaken the internet again, recently kicking off her highly anticipated Cowboy Carter Tour. Thousands of fans have fiercely prepared themselves with custom-made outfits and creative costumes (you are the visuals!) Those unable to attend have even gone to extreme lengths to watch the concert through pay-to-watch live streams. Much to the delight of fans, Beyoncé shocked us all by not only performing Cowboy Carter songs but Renaissance songs as well.
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While it’s common for artists to play past songs during their new tours, the Beyhive noticed it wasn’t just one or two songs from the ecstatically queer album, but a handful of them. The Grammy award-winning Renaissance was an iconic cultural pop moment that’ll live in the hearts of the queer community forever. Beyoncé dedicated the album to her beloved late uncle Johnny and, by extension, the queer community through her exploration of ballroom culture and house music.
So why does it matter that she’s bringing it back?
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Beyoncé has a long history of unapologetically supporting the LGBTQ+ community and has always proactively exercised her allyship. Thus, the Hive has speculated that she’s integrating Renaissance songs on the tour out of support due to the uncertain climate surrounding the queer community. Her fanbase is complied mostly of Black women and queer people, which beautifully united us when the Renaissance album was released. She intentionally performed Heated, a powerful, liberating song that rings true to the community, and brought back her queer dancers that we all love, which backs up the speculation of her support.
Thank you, Beyoncé, for creating a genuine, safe, and inviting environment where we can escape the world’s horrors and experience authentic joy, even if just for a night.
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