Pink.Photo:Emma McIntyre/Getty
Emma McIntyre/Getty
Pinkis using her platform to be an ally as she tours through Florida — where LGBTQ+ and free speech rights are at risk.
The non-profitPEN America officially announcedon Monday that the pop superstar, 44, is teaming up with the free expression advocacy organization to give away thousands of banned books at her upcoming concerts in Florida.
As the Grammy winner takes herTRUSTFALLTourto Miami on Tuesday and Sunrise, Florida, on Wednesday, the first 1,000 fans looking to read at each show will be able to walk away with new copies of frequently banned books.
Pink.Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic
Pink’s partnership comes as Florida has implemented laws limiting free speech in education in recent years, such as the Individual Freedom Act, which was passed in July 2022 and limits how systemic racism and discrimination is taught in schools and the workplace, per theACLU. Last year,Governor Ron DeSantisalsosigned legislation, which has been colloquially called the“Don’t Say Gay” bill, to limit discussion of LGBTQ+ topics in schools.
According to PEN America, the southern state now ranks first in the country as the most banned books in public school classrooms and libraries in the country and accounts for over 40% of all banned books nationwide.
Frequently banned books.Daniel Boczarski/Getty
Daniel Boczarski/Getty
The “Just Give Me a Reason” singer opened up about why she’s using her platform to give away banned books with a statement in a press release.
She continued, “It’s especially hateful to see authorities take aim at books about race and racism and against LGBTQ authors and those of color. We have made so many strides toward equality in this country and no one should want to see this progress reversed. This is why I am supporting PEN America in its work and why I agree with them: no more banned books.”
Whenannouncing the Instagram Live, she also opened up about her personal decision to be involved with the movement. “As a mom of two young readers, I can’t imagine letting someone else decide what MY CHILDREN can and cannot read!” the “So What” singer — who sharesdaughter Willow, 12, and son Jameson, 6, with husbandCarey Hart— wrote in the caption.
The superstar isn’t the only A-lister speaking out on the issue. In September, over 175 stars, including fellow singersAriana GrandeandAva Max,signed an open letter condemning book bans.
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Pink has long used her platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and women’s rights, among other issues, and is a supporter of charities such as Planned Parenthood, Human Rights Campaign, and more.
source: people.com
