Photo Credit Matt Ferry
By Lauren Means • Photos By Matt Ferry
During a time in Tennessee where the hate and discrimination being forced upon the LGBTQ+ community leaves many feeling like they can hardly keep their head above water, the “Love Rising” concert held at Bridgestone arena was a much-welcomed distraction.
The concert, held on March 20, was headlined by some of the biggest and brightest stars in the music industry. More importantly, these artists are fierce advocates and allies for the LGBTQ+ community.
Attendees enjoyed performances from Maren Morris, Hayley Williams, Sheryl Crow, Allison Russell, Amanda Shires, Brittany Howard, Hozier, Jake Wesley Rogers, Jason Isbell, Joy Oladokun, Julien Baker, Mya Byrne, Yola, Adeem The Artist, Autumn Nicholas, Fancy Hagood, Izzy Heltai, Shea Diamond, Sparkle City Disco, and Wrabel — all who were backed by The Rainbow Coalition Band.
It brought people to Nashville from all over the country, including Isaiah who flew in from Spring Hill, Florida just for the concert. He said it was this perfect storm of being a huge fan of Julian Baker and also a huge fan of hating bad politics that brought him in. Being from Florida, he is no stranger to bad politics affecting our community.
Isaiah works for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and they recognize gender affirming care as life saving care. “So it’s easy to say I’m not fond of going against exactly what we’re supposed to do [working at NAMI], especially in a state like Florida, where our governor pretends one of his higher priorities is mental health, yet he neglects the science behind [it],” Isaiah said.
Throughout the event, each artist shared how they or someone important in their lives have been affected by bills like the ones that have been passed here in Tennessee. Adeem the Artist, who hails from East Tennessee noted how the bills directly affect them by stating, “I live in Tennessee — a state that wants to criminalize my very identity.”
They also stressed the importance of registering to vote and actually showing up to vote for every election. RuPaul even made a pre-recorded appearance where he repeated a view he had shared earlier in the month about voting stating, “A social media post has never been as powerful as a registered vote.”
Co-organizers Allison Russell and Jason Isbell put the event on in a matter of weeks to show support and raise funds for the LGBTQ+ community in Tennessee in light of the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation coming down from the state legislature.
When the concert was announced, Allison Russell explained why this concert was important stating, “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.”
Richie Smithson and Hector Hood, best friends from Middle Tennessee, were in attendance donning their recently purchased “Bill Lee is a Drag” shirts. Smithson said the decision to purchase the shirts was easy, “We can’t stand that this hate is allowed in Tennessee. And so I remember like it’s gonna defy the governor, so why not?”
Hood echoed the sentiment and added how it was important to spend their expendable income at helping the cause. “I think it just stems from an area where I’m just so pissed. I’m so mad. Like, in my home, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera — I have their portraits on both sides of my pride flag because they’re the moms of pride. They’re the mothers of our freedom and it just feels like we’re starting to go back in time and that enrages me because I don’t want what they did for us to be in vain,” Hood said.
While this was a concert, it was also a benefit for non-profits who are doing very important work for the LGBTQ+ community in Tennessee including Tennessee Equality Project, inclusion tennessee, OUTMemphis and The Tennessee Pride Chamber. Brandi Carlile’s Looking Out Foundation matched up to $100,000 in donations from supporters. Throughout the show, reminders of how to donate, vote, and learn about the legislation in question were provided by the emcee, Asia O’Hare, and other guests. Although final totals are pending, some sources have early estimates at over $400,000 raised for these non-profit groups.
Several drag artists and performers took the stage including Nashville queen Veronika Electronika. She noted the importance of being aware of the attacks on some minority groups by all saying, “I think it comes down to our LGBTQIA+ communities are not being afforded the same protections as other groups. If you think this stops with legislation against the trans community and the drag community, wake up!”
And there were many in attendance who have experienced the oppression of the trans community first hand. A group, who came to show support for family and friends who were performing, shared some of their personal struggles in Tennessee. Asher, who was accompanied by Grayson, Shea and Jessica, said he is currently fighting with the state to register to vote since transitioning. “I gave all my paperwork to the state and they rejected me being able to vote,” he said.
In an unexpected moment, Nashville mayor John Cooper took the stage and proclaimed March 20 Love Rising Day in Nashville. “Every person, regardless of who they love, how they dress and how they identify, deserves to be treated with love and respect,” Cooper said. “We will always be a welcoming city. Let me say that again — We will always be a welcoming city. I speak for all of Nashville when I say to all of our LGBTQ+ neighbors, we are glad you are here… we must support one another by speaking up and speaking out against discrimination and hate when we see it, because we are better and stronger together.”
Speaking up and speaking out was the theme of the night and appears to be carrying over even after the concert with many rallies and protests coming down the pipeline. It is important to hold people accountable and not stay silent. As Hozier put it, it is necessary — “In a time of political repression and suppression and artificially generated fear-mongering and scapegoating, I feel that just telling the truth of who you are and being who you are and standing up for that and expressing that is a very revolutionary act and a necessary act.”
The bills SB3/HB9 and SB1/HB1, which were signed into law by Tennessee Governor Bill Lee, ignited this fire. SB3/HB9 is also known as the anti-drag performance bill and essentially bans drag performances from happening in public areas. The bill, which is very vague in its wording, makes it a misdemeanor first-time offense and a felony second offense to hold a drag show on public property or in a location where the performance could be viewed by a minor.
Maren Morris even gave a nod to the ridiculous law during her set saying, “I introduced my son to some drag queens today, so Tennessee, f—ing arrest me.”
SB1/HB1 is a bill that bans gender affirming care for transgender youth. Healthcare providers violating the law can face penalties and be open to lawsuits from families of the youth they treat. This includes not only surgical procedures but also the prescribing, administering, or dispensing of a drug or device that could alleviate gender dysphoria.
These bills and the ones like them still working their way through the legislature are not only discriminatory but also harmful to many Tennesseans. They should never make it to law and those that have should be repealed. The rights of all people should be protected. Like Sheryl Crow said, “One person’s freedom is not compromised by another person’s truth.”
Tennessee Equality Project
The Tennessee quality Project advocates for the equal rights of LGBTQ people in Tennesee. We do this through legislative advocacy. That means we lobby the Tennessee General assembly and local governments around the state. When there is an important federal issue, like bills that include anti-LGBTQ adoption language we help to make your voice heard with your federal officials.
inclusion tennessee
inclusion tennessee is an equity and justice oriented organization focused on connecting the multi-faceted LGBTQIA+ community to programs, services and resources throughout Tennessee. Founded in 2021, inclusion tennessee is committed to building models of collaborative impact statewide through advocacy and education, creating health and wellness programming and developing navigation services, while also building safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community to gather throughout the state. To learn more about the organization visit inclusiontn.org or follow us at @inclusiontn.
OUTMemphis
OUTMemphis was founded in 1989 and is the largest and longest-running social services provider for LGBTQ+ people in the region. Our multi-faceted programs, serving thousands of individuals each year, include health and wellness services, financial assistance, resource referrals, social and support groups, cultural humility education, and our nationally-recognized comprehensive program for LGBTQ+ young adults experiencing homelessness. In 2021, OUTMemphis opened our youth emergency center, home to emergency and transitional housing and our welcoming drop-in center. LGBTQ+ people from across the South find their way to Memphis seeking our impactful programs. To find services, volunteer, or see more of our work find us at outmemphis.org and @outmemphis.
The Tennessee Pride Chamber
The Tennessee Pride Chamber represents hundreds of corporations, small businesses, and individual LGBTQ+ and allied professionals in Tennessee. Tennessee Pride Chamber programs are driven by the mantra, “Advocate, Educate, Connect.” We are a leading business voice on LGBTQ+ advocacy efforts at the state and local level representing a coalition of Tennessee businesses. We offer educational opportunities to our members to further their careers and grow their businesses. We connect our members and our communities to business and economic opportunities. The Tennessee Pride Chamber is the only affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) in the state. To learn more about the Tennessee Pride Chamber follow us at @tnpridechamber on social media. Join the Tennessee Pride Chamber today at tnpridechamber.com.
The Looking Out Foundation
The Looking Out Foundation (LOF) amplifies the impact of music by empowering those without a voice. From neighborhood to nation, we help fund causes and organizations that often go unnoticed. Founded in 2008 by multiple Grammy winning artists Brandi Carlile, Tim and Phil Hanseroth, we band together with fans, non-profits and female LGBTQ+ owned businesses to translate voices of song to voices of action. We are nimble to the ever-changing needs of the human race, and adapt to support the diverse demographic we serve. Every campaign we launch is backed by our passionate donors and fans, and $2 from every concert ticket sold goes directly toward our efforts. Since its inception, LOF has donated over $4 million to support social justice and humanitarian causes across the US and globally, providing vital funding for disaster relief aid, protection for children and families in war torn countries, food insecurity programs, racial justice, incarceration prevention, and self-defense workshops for marginalized communities. With an average donation of $25 per campaign, our community of supporters exemplifies the global impact of grassroots level activism and fundraising. Together, we are making Music Mean More.
