Laith Ashley, Manila Luzon, Chris Colfer & More Stars Speak Out Against Anti-Trans Legislation

They're not backing down.

Many prominent LGBTQ+ celebrities attended Elton John's 31st annual AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in West Hollywood to celebrate Hollywood's biggest night.

While on the red carpet, the stars had no hesitation in taking a stand for the trans and drag community while chatting with Out.

Laith Ashley, who recently starred as Taylor Swift's love interest in her "Lavender Haze" music video, is one of the most recognizable trans stars in the entertainment industry.

"I'm here to advocate for myself and my community, especially with what's going on politically right now. It's very important that we're here and that we're loud about things. The folks that oppose us are being very loud. I will not allow it to happen... not while I'm breathing. Anything that I can do, anything that I can say... I'm going to. I'm happy that I have the opportunity to speak on behalf of our community," Ashley tells Out.

Manila Luzon was one of the only drag queens to attend the popular party and had a positive message to share with the community.

"It's so scary to think that there are so many people out there trying to put us away and erase us from the world. Just keep putting yourself out there because honestly, that's how we're going to change people. Putting a face to our community and letting people get to know us as more than just fabulous drag queens, but as people. Don't be afraid honey! Get yourself out there and look fabulous while doing it," Luzon says.

Chris Colfer, who's served as a chairman for Elton John's annual party for a decade, is grateful people are coming together and using their voices for change.

"Thank God for the internet because it really brings us all together in ways that we never were before," Colfer tells Out. "The light will win. The light will always beat darkness."

As a new season of Queer Eye approaches on Netflix, co-stars Bobby Berk and Karamo Brown are continuing to use their platforms to advocate for more inclusivity and acceptance.

"People in those places, like in Tennessee right now where laws are constantly coming out against us, [us] being out there helps give people some hope," Berk says.

"It feels like the world is attacking us. Attacking our sisters. Attacking our brothers. When is the world going to stop? Sometimes we just have to breathe and know that tomorrow is going to be better," Brown concludes.

To see the full interviews with the stars at Elton John's AIDS Foundation Viewing Party, check out the video below.

Laith Ashley, Manila Luzon, Chris Colfer & More Stars Address Trans Bans at Elton John's Oscar Partyyoutu.be