Beyoncé Puts Anti-LGBT N.C. on Blast: Y'All Means All

Beyonce has joined in the chorus of support against North Carolina's House Bill 2.

In a statement published on her website late Tuesday, she writes that after making a tour stop the same day in Raleigh, "it is important for us to bring attention to those who are committed to being good and carrying on the message of equality in this core of controversy."

The pop star endorses Equality North Carolina, a local LGBT organization that is working to get HB 2 repealed, in her note. She encourages her fans to volunteer, donate, become an ambassador, attend an event, or spread the word about Equality NC's efforts in the state.

Beyonce posted a photo of herself wearing an Equality NC T-shirt that reads "Y'all means all," which is a popular chant of support among LGBT Southerners.

In her statement, Beyonce writes that "rather than accepting the progression of LGBT rights" by letting Charlotte's public accommodations ordinance to go into effect, the North Carolina legislature held a special session to overrule the Charlotte law, which would have banned discrimination against LGBT people, and passed the controversial anti-LGBT legislation known as House Bill 2, which specifically targets transgender people by not permitting them to use public restrooms or locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity. It also bans local governments from including sexual orientation and gender identity in antidiscrimination ordinances, and bars residents from filing discrimination complaints in state court.

"Beyonce's support is another voice in the chorus for equality," Chris Sgro, the executive director of Equality NC and the only openly gay member currently in the legislature, told Raleigh-Durham's alt-weekly, Indy Week. "There is only one solution. We must fully repeal HB 2. Beyonce bringing attention to the fight for equality is a good step in that direction."

Beyonce joins a series of entertainers in speaking out against the divisive legislation. Bruce Springsteen, Ringo Starr, Ani DiFranco, Nick Jonas, and Demi Lovato have all canceled shows in the state in protest of the anti-LGBT law. Others, such as Cyndi Lauper and Dolly Parton, have said they will continue to perform in North Carolina but donate the proceeds to local LGBT organizations.

Beyonce was criticized last November for not coming out in support of her hometown's HERO. Houston's Houston's Equal Rights Ordinance had banned discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and 11 other characteristics in employment, housing, and public accommodation, but it was repealed. Activists, students and fans online started an online campaign using the hashtag "BeyBeaHERO" to try to get the pop star to show support via social media, but Beyonce never responded.