Sabrina Carpenter Brings Trans Rights to the VMAs Spotlight

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Summary:

  • Sabrina Carpenter’s VMAs performance turned into a trans rights protest with bold messages and LGBTQ+ representation.

  • Carpenter emphasized inclusivity in her work and spoke out against discrimination during a tense moment for trans rights in the U.S.

  • Ariana Grande also showed support for the LGBTQ+ community in her acceptance speech at the VMAs.

Sabrina Carpenter turned her MTV Video Music Awards performance into a protest for trans rights. 

The 26-year-old singer performed her new single “Tears” at the UBS Arena in New York alongside drag queens and trans performers. Her dancers carried signs with bold messages like “Protect Trans Rights” and “In Trans We Trust.”  

Carpenter, who also won Best Album for Man’s Best Friend, spoke about what the night meant to her. “This world, as we all know, can be so full of criticism and discrimination and negativity,” she told the crowd. “So to get to be part of something that can bring light, make you smile, make you dance, and make you feel like the world is your f***ing oyster. I’m so grateful to do that.”

Carpenter has often centered LGBTQ+ voices in her work. Earlier this year, the music video for “Tears” featured Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo in drag, a nod to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Her VMAs performance also included Honey Balenciaga, the drag artist who recently appeared on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour.

In past interviews, Carpenter has said inclusivity is a non-negotiable part of her music and public life.

Her performance arrived during a tense moment for trans rights in the U.S. The Trump administration recently signed an executive order restricting transgender military service under the title “Prioritizing Military Excellence and Readiness.” At the same time, more than 500 anti-LBGTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures this year, many targeting access to healthcare for trans youth or limiting drag performances, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

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Advocates say these measures have fueled discrimination and created new risks for trans and nonbinary people across the country.

Carpenter wasn’t the only star making space for the LGBTQ+ community. Ariana Grande, who won three awards including Best Pop for Brighter Days Ahead, gave thanks during her speech to her family, team, and “gay people.” 

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