From left to right: Mahad Arif, Lexi Nwameme, Faustia Ibekwe, and Chelsea Olumba, of Minneapolis, outside Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour in Minneapolis on June 20, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal

Fans started gathering in Minneapolis hours before Beyoncé was scheduled to take the stage Thursday for her Renaissance World Tour.

The pop icon is touring for her seventh studio album, “Renaissance.” The stadium’s gates opened at 5 p.m., with the show scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.

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The BeyHive came to slay in Minneapolis! 🐝 It should cost a billion to look this good. @Beyoncé #beyonce #renaissance #minneapolis #minnesota #beyhive #outfits #renaissancetour

♬ original sound – Sahan Journal

Some fans, from a drag king to a local politician, told Sahan Journal that Beyoncé’s artistry has empowered them to embrace their identities.

The album pays homage to Black queer dance music, skillfully blending elements of Chicago house, R&B, synth-pop, and ‘70s disco. With its diverse musical influences and impactful lyrics, “Renaissance” resonates deeply with a wide range of audiences, particularly Black women, queer individuals, and artists. 

Handrick Leleibre Perez waits to get into Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour outside Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, June 20, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
Isaiah Kelly poses while in line for Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, June 20, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
Left to right: Alea Beauchane, Simone Wright, and Caidyn Johnson, from Fertile in northwest Minnesota, dress up for Beyonce’s concert at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, June 20, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
Fans wait in line to buy merchandise from Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour in Minneapolis on Thursday, June 30, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour arrives at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis on Thursday, June 20, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
Aysaria Jackson (left) , of Minneapolis, and Alicia McMillian (right), of Dallas, Texas, outside Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in Minneapolis on June 20, 2023. Credit: Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal
@sahanjournal

Some Beyoncé fans traveled many hours to get to Minneapolis and see the Renaissance World Tour. ✨ #beyonce #renaissance #minneapolis #minnesota #beyhive #renaissancetour

♬ original sound – Sahan Journal

Myah Goff is an intern at Sahan Journal, currently pursuing a journalism degree at the University of Minnesota.

Aaron Nesheim is a freelance photojournalist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Educated at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, he primary focuses is on documenting social justice, the environment,...

Dymanh Chhoun comes to Sahan Journal from KARE 11 News, where he worked as a full-time photojournalist. Known for his breaking news coverage, Chhoun documented the police killings of Jamar Clark, Philando...