Iggy Azalea Stops Pride Show For Speech On Transgender Equality

Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade

Iggy Azalea brought attention to transgender equality to Pride over the weekend.

The rapper stopped her show at Chicago's Pride in the Park in Butler Field on Saturday (June 29) to lend her voice to the chorus of allies in support of the trans community. "I really want to say something important. Because we’re all here for a reason, right?" Azalea addressed the crowd.

"I don’t want us to forget the meaning of Pride or why we came here. To a lot of people, you guys are still invisible and you have to fight every day just to be who you are," she added. "That’s why we’ve gotta be here tonight because we gotta be loud as f---. This shows you exist and you are valid."

The "Sally Walker" emcee went on to recount the story of her friend Michelle, a trans woman of color, and the issues she faces trying to fit in, saying, "She inspires me the f--k out of me. … I see the struggle she goes through every day just to be herself just to walk out the door, the s--t that I have the privilege to do every day."

She then proceeded to sound off on some shocking statistics about trans people: "50 percent of trans people have been raped or sexually assaulted. 41 percent of trans people have attempted suicide. 80 percent of trans students feel unsafe at school."

The "Bounce" musician also revealed 11 trans women of color have died this year and that those like her friend are only expected to live to 35. "This s--t has got to change," Azalea shouted, before bringing Michelle up on-stage for a hug.

Watch the clips below.

Photo: Getty Images


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