Recent legislation in Tennessee has taken a direct toll on the state's LGBTQIA+ community. A law banning drag performance, a new bill destroying marriage equality, and more policies targeting marginalized groups are sweeping the state. Times are tough, but community members and allies are standing up for LGBTQIA+ rights.
To help raise funds and awareness, a brand new star-studded concert was just announced in Nashville, Love Rising. The festival-style benefit show at Bridgestone Arena on Monday, March 20 will raise funds for the Tennessee Equality Project, Inclusion Tennessee, OUTMemphis and The Tennessee Pride Chamber in Partnership with Looking Out Foundation, Brandi Carlile's nonprofit, which will double donations up to $100,000.
“As a queer, intersectional artist and mother, raising my child in Nashville, it’s important to me to support these wonderful Tennessee LGBTQIA+ advocacy organizations, working so hard to build bridges, reduce harm and promote equality for all Tennesseans,” headliner Allison Russell said in a news release. “LGBTQIA+ contributions and creativity are foundational to every genre of modern song and arts performance. I think it speaks volumes that so many in our community are feeling the same call to support, celebrate and uplift!”
Tickets start at just $34 via Ticketmaster and the lineup is incredible. Over a dozen artists are confirmed to perform including Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Jason Isbell, Hayley Williams, Hozier, Brittany Howard, Brothers Osborne, Amanda Shires, Julien Baker, Joy Oladokun, Yola, Jake Wesley Rogers, Mya Byrne, Allison Russell and the Rainbow Coalition Band, plus more surprise guests.
“SB3/HB9 and SB1/HB1 are clearly targeted attacks on Tennesseans who haven’t done anything wrong,” said Isbell. “These bills add up to an attempt to eradicate a valuable part of our community and force good people to live in fear. We can’t in good conscience just stand by and let that happen.”