Lollapalooza took over Downtown Chicago once again this summer and, thanks to someone from the LGBTQ+ community, it suddenly became a “Femininomenon.”
For four days in August, the long-running music festival surpassed its previous numbers in attendance beginning on Thursday evening. The Pink Pony Club began piling into the park on Aug. 1 in anticipation of Chappell Roan’s 5 p.m. set at the T-Mobile stage.
Other queer acts kicked things off early, such as bisexual singer Blondshell on the Bacardi stage, who described the atmosphere as sunny and challenging. Yes, it was “hot like Papa John” but that didn’t stop fans from wearing pink hats in solidarity for the upcoming wrestler-themed set from Roan. The word Lollapalooza means “extraordinarily impressive,” which is exactly what the out singer from Willard, Missouri brought to the table that evening as thousands flocked to hear her.
Kesha followed her on the opposite stage at 6 p.m. and began by taking political jabs, asking her fans, “Did you know this country is run by childless cat ladies?” The outspoken singer punctuated it with a period while providing a burlesque cat routine performed by her dancers.
During the mayhem, other queer musicians provided variety for listeners, such as English indie singer The Japanese House and Italian duo Gioli & Assia. The first day concluded with bisexual rapper Meghan Thee Stallion shutting the house down.
Another queer hip hop artist, Kevin Abstract continued this Pride in Grant Park on Friday, and lesbian vocalist Renee Rapp was the perfect opener for Abstract across the field, with a special guest, Chance the Rapper, who made a brief appearance.
Allies were also sprinkled throughout the festival such as lyricist Qveen Herby who mentioned backstage, “Having a queer audience is a special thing for me. They are the most creative and free human beings on the earth.”
Saturday held onto the rainbows with rockers Destroy Boys and trans singer Ethel Cain.
On Sunday, out artist Kyle Dion described himself after his set on Tito’s Handmade Vodka stage “as a soul singer who is fun and lovable.” Conan Gray, Melanie Martinez and members of The Last Dinner Party kept the queer sensibilities going until the last moment.
Creator of the iconic festival Perry Farrell relaxed backstage while unwinding with Windy City Times on Sunday night. He mentioned the diverse crowds who have attended over the years, “I love everyone, and if people can’t understand that God loves all of his children, then they don’t know God. To me, it starts with dignity, and since the pandemic, a few good things have happened. A lot of kids come out of the closet quicker these days and I have noticed people are very comfortable with themselves walking around the grounds here.”
His wife Etty Lau Farrell added, “We have two boys, and one is still going through puberty. My son said to me that I am not attracted to boys or girls, I am attracted to the human being. Yesterday he wore a cute skirt and boots to the festival. I love that! Why should anyone be limited? No one can tell someone who to love.”
Perry continued, “I hope he carries on the tradition of freedom and self-expression. We need more open minds and femininity. This generation is going to turn this world upside down just like Chappell Roan did this week!”
Visit lollapalooza.com for the future of the popular music festival.
