Beyoncé’s Renaissance Tour Shines a Spotlight on Queer Inclusivity and Representation

Last summer, Beyoncé sent shockwaves through the world when she announced her upcoming album, aptly named Renaissance. With the bar set sky-high by her previous works, anticipation was at its peak. Yet, as we’ve come to expect from Queen Bey, she not only met these expectations but transcended them.

Her commitment to reinvention and artistic evolution was on full display as she delved into uncharted territories. Renaissance wasn’t just an album; it was a heartfelt homage to her late gay uncle Johnny and an ode to dance music’s black queer roots.

Beyonce looking at Uncle Johnny’s picture (Credit: Instagram @Beyonce)

In songs such as “Break My Soul,” she samples Big Freedia’s iconic 2014 track, “Explode.” On “PURE/HONEY,” her sampling includes the late drag performer Moi Renee’s “Miss Honey,” Kevin Aviance’s 1996 hit “Cunty,” and the ballroom legend DJ MikeQ’s “Feels Like.” Transgender comedian Ts Madison is sampled on the track, “Cozy.”

The project also enlisted the expertise of behind-the-scenes queer black individuals. Transgender DJ and producer Honey Dijon contributed to the songwriting for both “Cozy” and “Alien Superstar,” while gay R&B artist Syd helped co-write the song, “Plastic Off the Sofa.”

The fervor and adoration for this critically acclaimed album led to the summer of 2022 being christened the ‘Summer of Renaissance.’ A summer marked by the infectious songs and powerful messages that echoed throughout the Renaissance album. It was a time when fans from all walks of life came together to celebrate the transcendent power of not only Beyoncé but also the power of loving yourself.

Since teasing us with tantalizing visuals for the album in a teaser video for the album’s opening song, “I’m That Girl,” we were on the edge of our seats, eagerly awaiting what was to come next in this journey.

Beyonce on tour (Credit: Instagram @Beyonce)

After months of radio silence from Beyoncé – something her fans have learned to expect from the Virgo Queen of secrecy – we were all treated in February 2023 with the news of the global Renaissance World Tour, which was set to kick off in May 2023, starting with a European leg in Sweden.

Excitement and anticipation were once again at an all-time high for an album that was seven months old, had no visuals, and little to no marketing on Beyoncé’s end. Beyoncé is our greatest living performer, and we all knew this tour would be one not to be missed.

Beyoncé has always been a vocal advocate for spreading feminist ideals, a dedication that has resonated throughout her career.

From Beyoncé’s early days with Destiny’s Child, where girl power anthems took center stage, to her groundbreaking decision in 2006 to form The Sugar Mamas, an all-female band she personally curated and toured with. Her inspiration behind assembling The Sugar Mamas was clear – to inspire young girls to not only dream of playing musical instruments but also to provide them with strong female musician role models excelling in various instrument types.

Beyonce on tour (Credit: Instagram @Beyonce)

Beyoncé provides us with something different on the Renaissance tour. Since the release of Renaissance, discourse has emerged, focusing on the delicate balance between cultural appropriation and genuine appreciation, as it pertains to the project. It is undeniable that queer culture has achieved significant prominence and has been strategically embraced by numerous contemporaries within the industry.

Notable instances, such as Katy Perry’s inclusion of drag queens in her 2017 SNL performance or Taylor Swift’s choice to enlist drag queens to pay homage to iconic celebrity women in her “You Need to Calm Down” music video, a discernible trend started to become noticeable.

This trend had given rise to a growing concern that queer culture might be utilized as a fleeting means to gain momentary visibility, only to be subsequently discarded and relegated to obscurity. This apprehension was a genuine source of anxiety surrounding Renaissance.

In the absence of any accompanying visual elements, with the focus solely on the music itself, there was an air of uncertainty surrounding the artistic direction. Would the album’s presentation incorporate elements like vogueing or references to the vibrant ballroom culture, all while conspicuously lacking the authentic representation of queer individuals on stage or in front of the camera?

The overarching question lingered – would Renaissance risk becoming yet another instance where queer culture was reduced to a mere aesthetic, rather than being celebrated and appreciated in its true essence? However, from the very inception of the tour, all these concerns were resoundingly addressed, and any lingering doubts were swiftly dispelled.

Beyoncé’s vision for the Renaissance tour transcended mere aesthetics, emerging as a profound and authentic celebration of queer culture that resonated deeply with audiences, providing a testament to her unwavering commitment to inclusivity and artistic excellence.

In a striking nod to the ballroom culture, Beyoncé enlists legendary figures such as Honey Balenciaga, Carlos Irizarry, Darius Hickman, and Jonte’ Moaning – notable not just as dancers but as the cherished ‘dolls’ of the production, a distinction that underscores their significance.

Jonte Moaning, Honey Balenciaga, Darius Hickman, Carlos Basquiat (Credit: Instagram @hellojonte)

The Renaissance tour boldly and unapologetically showcases a diverse ensemble of talented individuals from the queer community, representing various races and body sizes. Throughout the tour, the stage truly transforms into an authentic ballroom, a space where each performer is allowed to shine and bask in their moment of glory.

Beyonce with the Dolls (Credit: Instagram @honey.balenciaga)

Kevin JZ Prodigy, a notable ballroom legend from Philly, is the emcee of the show, where he chants, rhymes, and purrs, giving the audience a taste of what it is like inside a real ball. As the concert crescendos towards its grand finale, a spectacular vogue session takes center stage, allowing Beyoncé’s dancers to display their exceptional talents and skills. It is here that the tour’s remarkable inclusivity reaches its peak.

Vogueing is a stylized dance that was originated by black and brown members of the ballroom community in the 1960s and then was popularized by Madonna’s hit song “Vogue” in 1990. Here on stage, the dancers all showcase different styles of vogueing from old way to new way, and fem. Among the performers, Amari Marshall, one of Beyoncé’s dance captains, represents the embodiment of ‘body positivity.’

The remarkable aspect here lies not just in the representation but in the choice of language used. Too often, when individuals outside the traditional norms of body size are spotlighted, there is a tendency to emphasize their non-conformity to societal beauty standards. However, within this tour, the celebration is normalized.

Amari dances with fervor, confidently embodying her body by stomping, jiggling, all-around butt-shaking while Kevin Jz Prodigy chants ‘body’ over and over. Each utterance of the word builds more hype than the last, and the other dancers on stage revel in every moment of it alongside the audience.

Amari Marshall dancing (Credit: Instagram @amarimonster)

Gone are the times when plus-sized, queer, and BIPOC (black and indigenous people of color) were rarely seen or given opportunities of this scale. If you have the talent and work ethic, that is more than enough for Beyoncé to see the value of having you in her productions.

The tour also breaks down barriers in terms of gender identity, with participants fearlessly donning attire that transcends traditional gender boundaries. They exude pure joy, authenticity, and an unapologetic freedom to express themselves as they truly are. In Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour, the celebration of diversity knows no bounds, delivering a powerful message of acceptance and empowerment for all.

Jonte Moaning (Credit: Instagram @hellojonte)

We cannot underestimate the profound significance of the message Beyoncé is currently championing.

In an era when queer rights are facing challenges on a global scale, one of the world’s most renowned figures is traversing cities, amplifying the paramount importance of queer rights and extending her unwavering support. Beyoncé is utilizing her vast platform to convey a resounding message of solidarity and advocacy. She takes the stage and spreads a message of queer rights and liberation in states that are actively trying to strip protections for queer and trans people.

Equally noteworthy is the resounding message of queerness, self-love, and positivity resonating not just from the stage but also from the attendees of the tour. Fans have embraced the Renaissance tour theme with remarkable flair, adorning themselves in outfits that epitomize the era’s opulence – shimmering fabrics, intricate jewels, cowboy hats, and fringed garments.

What makes this tour exceptional is that it has become a congregating point for queer individuals, city after city. Beyoncé’s tour has evolved into a central nexus for the queer community, a safe space where individuals can authentically express themselves, donned in attire that in many other settings might expose them to potential harm.

Concertgoers (Credit: Instagram @touchedby_taylortyler)

In a way, her tour feels like a queer protest on a global scale. The tragic incident involving O’Shea Sibley, a black gay man who lost his life in a homophobic attack while voguing to Beyoncé’s music at a Brooklyn gas station, serves as a haunting reminder of the significance of the tour.

We dance, sing, and dress freely while in the stadium carefree – but out in the world, we do not face that level of acceptance nor have the luxury to always be that open.

In the face of this tragedy, Beyoncé’s message takes on an even greater importance, underscoring the urgent need for inclusivity, acceptance, and the protection of queer individuals everywhere.

Concertgoer Dalvin Brown (Credit: Instagram @dalvin.brown)

From the groundbreaking album itself to the tour’s celebration of diversity and inclusivity, Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour delivered a resounding message of love, acceptance, and the urgency of queer rights.

In an era marked by division and uncertainty, Beyoncé’s Renaissance world tour emerged as a powerful beacon of unity and empowerment. The Renaissance tour was more than just a series of concerts – it was a transformative movement that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.

It reminded us of the enduring power of music to heal, inspire, and drive change. However, amid the jubilation, the tragic incident involving O’Shea Sibley served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by queer individuals.

Beyonce with ensemble (Credit: Instagram @Beyonce)

As we celebrate this remarkable tour, let us remain committed to the pursuit of inclusivity, acceptance, and the protection of queer rights on a global scale. Beyoncé’s Renaissance world tour is a testament to the strength of love and acceptance – a message that will continue to resonate for generations to come.