Stockholm to Brussels, Barcelona to Marseille, Warsaw to Toronto. An itinerary unique not in its traversal of the European continent, but its vibrant, glittering energy. Over the months, stadiums in these cities have been filled with grandeur and flash; concertgoers dressed from head to toe in bejeweled disco-hats, mesh stockings, and thigh-high cowboy boots traveling to see one person: Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.
Few artists have ever achieved the level of impact and adoration that Beyoncé has. From her soulful beginnings with Destiny’s Child to her unparalleled solo success, Beyoncé’s influence reaches far beyond the realms of music and into the spheres of culture and empowerment. During each new era and with each new album, she reinvents herself as an artist, pushing boundaries and provoking discussions on topics ranging from feminism to racial equality.
Not just anyone can shift an economy’s GDP as she did in Sweden, or successfully conduct an entire stadium in half-step increments of her infamous song, “Love on Top” — all a testament to how Beyoncé’s performances across Europe for her seventh studio album and latest tour, “Renaissance,” has solidified her creativity as distinct from others.
The tour stands out amongst the sea of vibrant, colorful lyricism that is the rest of her discography. When elements of voguing, ballroom culture, and queer icons are coupled with Beyoncé’s countless references to the LGBTQ+ community, the new album establishes itself as not only a transformative work of art, but a radiant recognition of the queer culture that has long found solace and inspiration in her music.
The origins of ballroom culture are rooted in early 20th century civil rights history, a time when marginalized queer individuals, especially those from Black and Latinx communities, confronted rampant discrimination. To overcome such challenges and express their authentic selves, they forged their own spaces and avenues of self-expression, giving birth to what is now known as the ballroom scene.
These vibrant spaces, commonly referred to as balls, involved participants engaging in fierce competitions across categories such as runway, best dressed, and performance (voguing). The events slowly grew into quintessential platforms for queer individuals to showcase their identities and talents in a society that often denied them recognition and acceptance.
Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour embodies these founding principles of ballroom culture, with an emphasis on acceptance, openness of sexuality, and representation of queer identity. In the album’s second song, “Cozy,” she collaborates with transgender activists and musical artists, Honey Dijon and Ts Madison, not only showcasing her support for the community but providing a platform for their voices and perspectives to be heard within the mainstream music industry.
Central to ballroom culture, and also a striking parallel to the tour itself, are ballroom “houses” — groups of individuals who form chosen families within the community. Due to the rejection and lack of acceptance experienced outside the ballroom scene, these houses offered a sense of kinship, support, and understanding. Members of the houses often shared surnames, creating a familial bond that transcended biological ties. Queer ballroom icons, specifically Darius Hickman and Honey Balenciaga, also feature throughout the tour, emulating the integral element of familial bonds within the subculture. As both dancers bring their vibrant and captivating energy to the stage, Beyoncé affectionately and cleverly coins herself the “Mother of the House of Renaissance,” acknowledging leaders and mentors within the community.
While the tour is an accurate reflection of ballroom’s heart — centering contributions of Black and Latinx queer individuals — early involvement in the 1950s was predominantly white, with eurocentric features being favored among drag queens. The landscape of ballroom culture underwent a significant transformation only following the historic riots at Stonewall in 1969. The uprising, led by Black and Latinx queer individuals, marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement and ignited a push for equality, in turn transforming the ballroom scene into something more diverse and more accurate in its reflection of the queer community.
The influx of different cultures and perspectives breathed new life into the community, fostering a rich tapestry of creativity and self-expression with individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds joining in the celebration of queer identities and ultimately transforming the ballroom scene as a whole.
In the dynamic lyricism of the album, Beyoncé recognizes such diversity and sacrifice that was necessary for the ballroom scene to thrive, and pays homage by referencing the Progress Pride Flag which specifically honors BIPOC activists who fought for LGBTQ+ rights in New York. Weaving a color motif and emblematic symbolism into the lyrics through references of skin tones and the rainbow, Beyoncé communicates her understanding of the importance of intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the need to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of historic Black and Latinx queer activists.
“Renaissance” in its entirety is a powerful and moving tribute. Its sole inspiration draws from the life of Beyoncés late uncle, an openly gay man who found solace and joy in the world of house music. With this foundation, the album serves as a testament to the importance of queer culture as a muse in her artistic expression.
Beyoncé’s tour acts as dynamic proof of her unwavering dedication to authentically representing the LGBTQ+ community and its cultural heritage. She does not simply capitalize on rainbows and symbols merely for commercial gain or to appear progressive, as numerous corporations do through a superficial “Rainbow Capitalism,” and her music does not reduce queer experiences to mere marketing tools. Instead, she delves deep into the lived experiences and struggles of LGBTQ+ individuals, crafting a profound connection between her art and the community she seeks to uplift.
However, it is critical to recognize that while the representation of the queer community through the tour is necessary, it is only a fraction of the acceptance LGBTQ+ people receive in a society that still upholds heteronormative standards and drowns free expression.
On July 31, O’Shae Sibley — a Black and openly gay man — was violently hate crimed outside a gas station in Brooklyn while refueling his car and listening to Beyoncé’s music. The murder is only one instance of recent increases in violence against LGBTQ+ people, indicating why recognition of the queer community is essential during the current state of discrimination against marginalized peoples.
His death sent shockwaves through the vibrant ballroom community and the broader LGBTQ+ movement, as it was a heartbreaking loss that reverberated across the city, prompting a collective response that showcased the unity and strength of the community. In the spirit of inclusivity and celebration that the ballroom scene embodies, many took to voguing in his honor. Dancers moved with grace and intensity, expressing their feelings through this powerful art form that has its roots in the LGBTQ+ community — a poignant reminder that ballroom is not just a performance, but a vital part of a community that supports and uplifts its members.
It is in staying true to the essence of queer culture in her music that Beyoncé challenges these prevailing norms and biases that have long suppressed LGBTQ+ voices in all spheres of life. Her album is thus a rallying point, inviting listeners and fans of all identities to engage with and appreciate the multifaceted experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
Through her art, Beyoncé has fostered empathy and understanding, breaking down barriers and promoting compassion amongst her audience, an impact that will hopefully resonate throughout society and preach the principles of acceptance.
