Nashville ‘Love Rising’ Benefit To Support LBGTQIA+ Rights In Wake Of Tennessee Legislative Actions

“Love Rising,” a benefit concert to support numerous Tennessee equal rights organizations, is to take place March 20 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena starring performers including Allison Russell, Jason Isbell, Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris, Hayley Williams, Hozier, Brittany Howard, Brothers Osborne, Amanda Shires, Julien Baker, Joy Oladokun, Yola, the Rainbow Coalition Band and many more.

The benefit show, presented by Live Nation, was announced a scant five days after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed into law bills banning gender-affirming care for minors and public drag performances.

Net proceeds will support the Tennessee Equality Project, inclusion tennessee, OUTMemphis and The Tennessee Pride Chamber. In addition, the Looking Out Foundation will support the event by accepting donations and doubling contribution up to a maximum of $100,000.

Tickets go on sale March 8 at 10 a.m. CT here.

Since 2015, Tennessee has enacted more anti-LGBTQIA+ laws than any other state in the country, according to the announcement. The latest of these are Senate Bill 3 and House Bill 9 — two anti-LGBTQIA+ bills that ban all performances deemed male or female impersonation otherwise known as “drag” from taking place on any public property in the state, as well as in any location where people under 18 could be present.

“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,” says Allison Russell.

“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!”

Jason Isbell adds, “SB3/HB9 and SB1/HB1 are clearly targeted attacks on Tennesseans who haven’t done anything wrong,” says Jason 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.”

Organizers encourage allies and supporters to become acquainted with current legislative proposals and campaigns, for residents to register to vote in Tennessee and donate to the Looking Out Foundation.