I Didn't Say It ... North Carolina Edition

Steve van Zandt, E Street Band guitarist, on Bruce Springsteen’s decision to cancel his show in Greensboro, North Carolina:

“We just felt the issue was just too important. This really vile and evil discrimination is starting to spread state to state and we thought we better take a stand right now and catch it early and maybe try and stop it. At least set some kind of example for others.”

It starts somewhere, and this was a good, loud place to begin.

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William Barber, NAACP president, on planning a sit-in at the North Carolina legislature until that Hate Bill is repealed:

“We cannot be silent in the face of this race-based, class-based, homophobic and transphobic attack on wage earners, civil rights, and the LGBTQ community. Together with our many allies, we will coordinate a campaign of nonviolent direct action along with other forms of nonviolent protest that will instruct our legislators with respect to the rights of all people.”

United We Stand.

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Charles Barkley, on moving the NBA All-Star game out of North Carolina in light of Hate: 

“I think the NBA should move the All-Star game from there next year. As a black person, I’m against any form of discrimination against whites, Hispanics, gays, lesbians, however you want to phrase it. It’s my job, with the position of power that I’m in and being able to be on television, I’m supposed to stand up for the people who can’t stand up for themselves. So, I think the NBA should move the All-Star game from Charlotte…I know Atlanta wants to host it, but they should move it out of Charlotte.”

Take the money and spend it in places where Hate isn’t legalized.

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Joel McHale, actor and comedian, taking on North Carolina legislators in a show in Durham, North Carolina:

“What the f*** you guys? … This is crazy. There was a moment where I wasn’t going to come tonight, but you know why. What the f*** is wrong with your government here, you guys? I know you guys are cool because your City Council passed a resolution opposing that stupid f***ing bill…It’s crazy. Why did they do it? Were they like, ‘Oh, I’ll feel safe with my dick in my f***ing hand.'"

McHale then donated his fee for the show to the Durham LGBTQ Center and also sported an LGBTQ ally shirt he made out of duct tape.

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Cyndi Lauper, on why she will perform in North Carolina in June:

“In the dark haze of such oppression, people and companies are stepping up to fight back against this unjust law and ensure that all North Carolinians are treated with dignity and respect, especially the transgender community. I have seen time and time again what can happen when people join together to do what is fair and the effort to repeal HB2 is the right and fair thing to do. I am hopeful that all of the current efforts to repeal HB2 will be successful and the True Colors Fund and I will continue to do all that we can to help. 

In that vein, 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. 

I will be donating all of the profits from the show to Equality North Carolina’s efforts to repeal HB2 and I am proud of my manager and agent for joining me in this effort by donating their commissions from the show to this vital effort. I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness. 

If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how.”

Another way to make your voice heard; not showing up is good, showing up and turning it into an event to fight hate is good, too.

I expect no less from LGBTQ ally and icon Cyndi Lauper.

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