Love Rising benefit concert rallies support for Tennessee LGBTQIA+ organizations

Dozens of the music industry’s most talented queer performers and allies gathered in Nashville on Monday, March 20, for Love Rising, a benefit concert for the Tennessee Equality Project, inclusion tennessee, OUTMemphis and The Tennessee Pride Chamber. 

During this time of heightened regulations on queer people’s lives and bodies, Love Rising provided one night of escape. Thousands gathered in celebration of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as a celebration of the art that brings us all together.

Artists at the event, including Hayley Williams, Hozier, Julien Baker, and Sheryl Crow, spoke candidly in supporting trans individuals and drag performers as two anti-LGBTQ bills made their way to Tennessee’s house and senate earlier this month, landing infamous headlines about the legislation across the country. House Bill 1 prohibits healthcare providers from providing gender-affirming care to trans youth. House Bill 9 seeks to ban “adult cabaret performances,” including “male or female impersonators,” aka drag, in public places. Folks have pointed out that this would essentially make local staple and hero Dolly Parton’s extravagant performances illegal. 

Performers encouraged everyone to vote in order to push back against this hateful legislation. “One person’s freedom is not compromised if we’re living our truths,” Crow told the audience during the event. “We need to show up to the polls and make our voices heard.” Tables were set up outside the venue so people could easily and quickly register to vote. 

In addition to live performances, encouraging video messages from celebrities and advocates like Frankie Grande, Sara Ramirez, and Miz Cracker were played on the stage’s screens sending messages of hope to those in the audience. 

Throughout the show, drag performers joined musicians on stage in a unified stand against anti-queer legislation. 

To support Love Rising and queer organizations in Tennessee, visit lookingoutfoundation.org/loverising. 

Photos by Audra McClain