Christina Aguilera had a number of costume changes during her performance at L.A. Pride, but none are getting more attention than the one which included a giant green strap-on dildo.
The 41-year-old pop star performed several of her retro hits during the event, which took place at Los Angeles State Historic Park over the weekend.
Aguilera showed off all the colors of the rainbow by donning a red PVC vinyl outfit for “Dirrty,” a neon green and yellow bustier for “Bionic,” a yellow showgirl number for “Lady Marmalade,” a blue fur shrug while covering Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” a pink bodysuit with flamingos during “Car Wash,” and colorful Pride flag garb for “Beautiful.”
The outfit getting the most attention, however, is her green structured breastplate molded with muscles, complete with a bedazzled dildo strap-on. The singer performed her hit “XXX” along with Kim Petras while wearing the controversial outfit. She and Petras both fondled and stroked her faux appendage while singing.
Something I never thought I’d see: Christina Aguilera performing with @kimpetras on Petras’ song “XXX” while wearing a sparkly green strap-on. #ChristinaAguilera #KimPetras #LAPride #LAPride2022 pic.twitter.com/v0HBOaXVPC
— Charlie Trepany (@CTrepany) June 12, 2022
Reactions on social media were mixed.
“Is that what Pride is about?” one Twitter user asked in response to the video.
“I’m curious to know how many gay folks are proud of that display. Speak out. Let everyone know that being gay does not mean being lude and lascivious in public. If it does, then I withdraw my support and I bet I’m not alone,” someone else replied.
Midway through the performance, Aguilera left the stage to play a video montage denouncing Florida’s Parental Rights in Education Bill, which critics dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. The legislation prevents discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in K-3 public school classrooms.
While describing the bill, the montage failed to note that the rule only applied to K-3 and said discussing sexual orientation and identity was now forbidden in schools. The crowd booed while dancers held signs emblazoned with the words, “Say Gay.”
Before her performance, Aguilera reflected on her status as a “gay icon.”
“I’m all about people standing up for what they believe in, which is why I think the LGBTQ+ community feels connected to me,” she wrote. “We’ve all come from struggle; we’ve all had to fight to be heard,” she said in a letter shared with People.
“I feel safe with [LGBTQ fans] to express myself however I want, whether it be through a huge ballad or something super sensual because they appreciate it all,” she continued. “I get to be as colorful and loud as I want to be. They’re my people.”