Sabrina Carpenter Uses MTV VMAs Performance to Protect Trans Rights

That’s how to use a platform.

Sabrina Carpenter is arguably the biggest pop artist in the country at the moment, with her just released sophomore album Man’s Best Friend launching at number one on the Billboard 200.

Performing her saucy new single “Tears” for the first time at Sunday’s MTV VMAs, Carpenter garnered much attention—and, on social media, celebration and thanks—for using the gig to spotlight drag performers and the queer community. Most urgently, she called for the protection of trans people.

She’s an artist in the grand MTV tradition, who knows how to create moments—and, moreover, how to provoke. Controversy and headlines seem to follow some of the buzziest moments of her career, whether it’s a suggestive album cover or music video filmed in a church.

For her “Tears” per