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Beyoncé Speaks Out Against North Carolina's Anti-LGBT Laws, Performed There Anyway

Balmain Beyonce

Was Bey's show of solidarity too little, too late?

Beyonce's Formation Tour is just beginning to take over lives and leave heads bald the world over, but one of the diva-best-believa's early stops was Raleigh, North Carolina--ground zero for this current war being waged on transgender individuals. Though she didn't get in formation with other artists like Bruce Springsteen, Nick Jonas and Demi Lovato, and Pearl Jam who canceled their respective shows, Bey did acknowledge the looming presence of HB2.

Related | 10 Celebrities Who've Taken a Stand Against NC's LGBT Discrimination

In a post on her website, Bey gives a shout-out to Equality NC for fighting against HB2 and for the rights of the state's LGBT community:

As The Formation World Tour makes its stop in the Tar Heel state in the midst of such a controversial time, we think it is important for us to bring attention to those who are committed to being good and carrying on the message of equality in this core of controversy.

Among the many organizations doing the good work to get this bill overturned, there is Equality NC, a local organization dedicated to securing equal rights and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians.

To accomplish these goals, Equality NC tirelessly lobbies the North Carolina General Assembly, executive branch, and local governments, broadcast LGBT news, stories and content, and mobilize our communities on issues that matter, including marriage equality, parental rights, inclusive anti-bullying policies, employment discrimination, hate violence, privacy rights, sexuality education, adoption, domestic partnerships, and HIV/AIDS.

Though she opted to perform in North Carolina, Beyonce isn't the only artist to keep her engagements there. In a statement last April, Cyndi Lauper explained why she won't boycott North Carolina:

"The best way I know how to make a difference is what I have strived to do my whole life and that is show up for my family, friends, and fans in the LGBT community. So, for that reason I think the best way I can do my part is to turn my show in Raleigh on June 4th into an entire day to build public support to repeal HB2."

No doubt those North Carolina queens needed some Queen Bey in their lives, but would it have sent a stronger message if she canceled her show there? Probably. After all, when Hillary Clinton bows down to you as the most powerful woman in the world, there's real power in those hair-flips.

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