Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour Felt Like A Revolution For Southern Black Women—And I’ve Never Felt More Seen [Op-Ed] - Page 4

4. Sensuality Is My Birthright

No need to dive into the deep-rooted history that comes with having your body overly sexualized as a Black woman. Sometimes it comes by way of family members, other times it’s the world, telling you what you should and shouldn’t wear or the ways that you can or cannot express yourself sexually—the Cowboy Carter Tour completely diminishes that notion with Beyoncè, who let’s be clear, let’s it be known that she’s a mother FIRST (never performing her raunchier hits while the babies are on stage), showcasing her sensuality.

When sis pulled out that gold mechanical bull to perform spicy tracks like “Tyrant,” transitioning into “Haunted,” (chef’s kiss by the way) she did so with precision, never missing a note, and reminding us all that it’s more than okay to pop your sh*t. As a woman from the South, I can recall negative remarks from elders about the message that wearing a red lip or long red nails sent. I am so happy that I completely disregarded those messages. Presenting as a lady was drilled into my head before I even became an adult. I love that Beyoncè uses her art to remind women like me that sensuality is our birthright, and we have the power to do with that what we will.