Kelly Rowland took to social media to issue a powerful statement on the importance of supporting Black trans people amid the Black Lives Matter movement.
“LET’S BE VERY CLEAR….You can not say Black Lives Matter, and those lives not include Trans!” she tweeted Thursday (June 18). “We must protect each other! And for those of you, who do not know about the countless murders that have happened to trans lives, I really need you to wake up. Educate yourself.”
The former Destiny’s Child member continued: “It is just evil what kind of violence happens. Because of hate. In advance to the families of these lives, I am so sorry! And will continue prayer and fight the fight, so that Love will win through it all!”
Using a hashtag referencing her 2009 hit with David Guetta, “When Love Takes Over,” Rowland concluded her thread of tweets by encouraging trans kids to embrace their identity.
“And to the kids who are afraid to show who you truly are, don’t be, you have folks out here who are waiting& fighting for You, with you! Show yourself, your most Authentic self! #WhenLoveTakesOver #BlackLivesMatter.”
Earlier this month, the singer also took part in YouTube’s “Dear Class of 2020” graduation event, reciting Maya Angelou’s famed poem “Still I Rise” alongside the likes of Janelle Monáe, Yara Shahidi, Shonda Rhimes and others.
Check out Rowland’s impassioned defense of the Black trans community below.