Guster, the iconic alternative rock band, took a bold stance for LGBTQ+ rights at their Friday night concert at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The concert, which was part of the band’s tour, became a platform for protest against the Trump administration’s sweeping changes at the prestigious venue. The night was filled with a clear message of inclusivity and allyship, making a powerful statement about LGBTQ+ representation in the arts.
During the performance, Guster invited the cast of Finn, a LGBTQ+ musical that was originally set to perform at the Kennedy Center, but whose run was cancelled after Trump’s self-appointment as chairman. This move was not only a form of protest but a celebration of love, self-acceptance, and inclusivity—themes that the Trump administration had seemingly rejected.
Guster’s Powerful Protest: Standing Up for the LGBTQ+ Community
As the music reverberated through the iconic Kennedy Center, Guster’s lead singer Ryan Fisher addressed the audience with a clear and impassioned message:
“I have a friend named Michael who wrote the songs for a musical called Finn. In the before times, they were booked to play here at the Kennedy Center. But as all of you know, things happened, and the show is no longer presenting here. As the new administration has made abundantly clear, Finn’s themes of inclusivity, love, and self-acceptance aren’t going to be welcome in this building while they are in control.”
The show of solidarity didn’t stop there. Fisher continued:
“So tonight our band is here to say, our stage is your stage. We are your allies, we stand with the LGBTQ+ community, and we want you to sing with us. Please welcome the cast of Finn and composer Michael Kooman. They belong here.”
The crowd erupted into applause as Guster and the Finn cast performed a moving rendition of the band’s hit song, “Hard Times”. This performance ended with two standing ovations, cementing the bond between the artists and the audience as a united force for LGBTQ+ rights.
The Controversy Around Trump’s Role at Kennedy Center
This protest is a direct response to the Trump administration’s impact on the arts, particularly at the Kennedy Center. After Trump’s self-appointment as chairman, several performances were abruptly cancelled, including many from well-known artists who refused to participate under his leadership.
-
Finn’s cancellation: The children’s musical, which centres around a shark discovering its “inner fish”, was created by Chris Nee, the openly gay creator of Doc McStuffins, and was scheduled for performances at the Kennedy Center. However, it was cancelled in February. The Kennedy Center stated it was a financial decision, but many critics believe it was influenced by Trump’s administration.
-
More cancellations: The cancellation of Finn was part of a larger trend. Other notable acts, including Issa Rae, Low Cut Connie, and Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, all cancelled their performances or projects at the Kennedy Center. Their reasons were often tied to the inclusivity policies that were being rolled back under Trump’s leadership.
Issa Rae, for example, cancelled her February 14 show, citing the infringement on the values of an institution that had long celebrated artists from diverse backgrounds. Similarly, Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeffrey Seller pulled out of a planned 2026 Kennedy Center performance, stating:
“The Kennedy Center was not created in this spirit, and we’re not going to be a part of it while it is the Trump Kennedy Center.”
The Legacy of Finn: A Musical for Inclusivity
The musical Finn is not just a piece of entertainment; it’s a work that tackles themes of transgender identity, self-acceptance, and LGBTQ+ rights. Created by Chris Nee, the same mind behind Doc McStuffins, the show was meant to help children understand themselves and others in a world that is often hostile to people who are different.
However, under Trump’s leadership, it seems that the values of inclusivity and representation took a back seat. The cancellation of Finn’s national tour, alongside other performances, left many wondering about the future of the Kennedy Center and other cultural institutions under Trump’s influence.
Guster’s Allyship: A Symbol of Support for LGBTQ+ Rights
For Guster, this concert was much more than just a musical performance. It was an act of defiance against the political forces that were attempting to silence voices of inclusivity. The band’s drummer, Brian Rosenworcel, shared the sentiment following the show:
“We’ve tried to stay focused on these shows being for our fans and the working symphony members and the excellent staff here, but when the new board promises to make programming ‘less inclusive’, you gotta use your platform to fight that. We just wanted to restore the voices that belong on this stage. LGBTQ+ voices are welcome on our stage anytime, anywhere.“
This statement highlights the importance of celebrating diversity within the arts, especially at such an important cultural institution like the Kennedy Center. Guster’s performance was not only an expression of their artistry but a vocal rejection of the exclusionary practices that the new administration sought to impose.
The Future of the Kennedy Center and the Arts in America
The controversy surrounding Trump’s influence at the Kennedy Center raises larger questions about the direction of the arts in America. While the Kennedy Center is historically one of the most important venues in the country, it now faces a critical challenge: how to restore its reputation as a sanctuary for artistic expression that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
With the Trump administration’s changes at the helm, artists, musicians, and performers have begun to take a stand. Guster’s performance with the Finn cast is a direct message that the LGBTQ+ community deserves a space in the arts, and their voices should be heard loud and clear.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that the battle for inclusivity in the arts is far from over.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
Photo credit: Yahoo
