Lizzo Calls Out ‘Complicit Silence’ Over Transphobia, Racism & Fatphobia

Lizzo has clarified her position regarding bigotry and believes that much of it “wouldn’t fly” if people actually understood its roots.

In a series of tweets the pop star shared on Wednesday (March 8), she didn’t hold back when it came time to speak out against forms of bigotry like transphobia, racism, and fat phobia and how they permeate throughout society.

Lizzo’s comments follow that of other musicians like Cyndi Lauper and Paramore’s Hailey Williams, who have denounced the growing number of GOP lawmakers’ push for anti-trans legislation.

“Transphobia is lookin real rooted in racism right about now…” the 34-year-old singer wrote. “I’ve never heard a person say why they’re racist… Or fatphobic.. I’ve never heard a reason why someone is transphobic. I think if we knew ‘why’ these people felt this way there would [be] way less support for these ideals. Because the ‘why’ is more insidious than we realize.”

Transphobia is lookin real rooted in racism right about now…

— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) March 8, 2023

I’ve never heard a person say why they’re racist…

Or fatphobic..

I’ve never heard a reason why someone is transphobic..

I think if we knew ‘why’ these people felt this way there would way less support for these ideals.

Because the ‘why’ is more insidious than we realize.

— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) March 8, 2023

The Grammy award-winning singer expanded on her thoughts, noting there would be a lot less “apathetic participation” in bigotry if people knew more about it.

“Don’t get it twisted—I don’t care why people are bigoted. That’s a waste of my imagination,” she continued. “I feel like there’s a lot of complicit silence and apathetic participation going on that wouldn’t fly if people knew more.”

Don’t get it twisted— I don’t care why people are bigoted. That’s a waste of my imagination.

I feel like there’s a lot of complicit silence and apathetic participation going on that wouldn’t fly if people knew more. https://t.co/CxcLi86qnL

— FOLLOW @YITTY (@lizzo) March 8, 2023

This isn’t the first time Lizzo has spoken up for marginalized communities. In January, the “About Damn Time” singer revealed that she believes cancel culture has robbed people from marginalized communities of the ability to call out “real problems.”

The Houston native shared the commentary via a tweet, admitting that her thoughts might appear out of the blue to some. She added that she hoped for a return to a focus on more pressing issues.

“This may be a random time to say this but it’s on my heart.. cancel culture is appropriation,” Lizzo tweeted. “There was real outrage from truly marginalized people and now it’s become trendy, misused and misdirected. I hope we can phase out of this & focus our outrage on the real problems.”

Lizzo has also called out the beauty standards expected of celebrities, saying that she refuses to allow anyone else to dictate how comfortable she should feel in her own skin.

In an Instagram post last month, the bikini-clad “Rumors” singer clapped back at all the criticism she constantly faces over her body. While calling attention to how contradictory the comments are, Lizzo reminded critics that she’s here to make art – not fit into whatever expectations people have for her shape.

“The discourse around bodies is officially tired. The discourse around bodies is tired!” she began. “I have seen comments go from, ‘Oh my gosh, I liked you when you were thick! Why’d you lose weight? To, ‘Oh my gosh, why’d you get a BBL? I liked your body before.’ To, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re so big. Ew. You need to lose weight – but for your health!’ It’s just too much work!’

[via]