Icon Liza Minnelli will not perform in anti-LGBT states

by Austin Stallings
Journalism Intern

Liza Minnelli has joined Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams, Sharon Stone, Michael Moore, Jimmy Buffet, Stephen Schwartz, Pearl Jam, Bad Company and others who are boycotting states — like Tennessee, North Carolina and Mississippi — that pass anti-LGBT laws.

The actress and singer does not have any concerts scheduled at this time; however, her spokesperson Scott Gorenstein said that he “can’t imagine that Minnelli would perform in these states considering her long history of supporting equality.”

She was a major voice in the LGBT community at the time of the AIDS crisis after her close friend, Rock Hudson, became ill. She also performed at the 25th anniversary of Stonewall in Central Park which commemorated the modern LGBT liberation movement. To say she is simply an advocate for equality is an understatement.

Minnelli’s greatest film role was playing the role of nightclub singer Sally Bowles in the musical Cabaret (1972), which was set in Germany in the 1930's. The film, directed by Bob Fosse, showcased her singing talents as well as her range as an actress. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress. Cabaret won eight awards in total, including a Best Supporting Actor award for Joel Grey and Best Director for Fosse. Minnelli’s hot streak continued with the television special, Liza with a Z, which was produced by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse. The show won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Single Program —Variety and Popular Music in 1973.

Liza Minelli is one of the most awarded performers of her generation. Her trophy case includes an Oscar, several Tony’s, Golden Globes, an Emmy, and a special Grammy award.

The Gayly - 4/28/2016 @ 4:15 p.m. CDT