A Star-Studded Benefit Concert Is Being Held to Fight Tennessee's Drag Ban

Queer stars and allies are coming together for a new benefit concert in Tennessee hoping to battle the anti-LGBTQ+ bills being passed in the state.

Love Rising is a “celebration of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” that will take place in Nashville later this month to raise money for LGBTQ+ organizations in the state that are fighting against recently passed laws that attempt to ban drag shows and trans healthcare and surgery for minors.

Queer artists performing at the festival include Allison Russell, Brittany Howard, Brothers Osborne, Jake Wesley Rogers, Joy Oladokun, Julien Baker, Mya Byrne, and The Rainbow Coalition Band.

Other artists include Amanda Shires, Hayley Williams, Hozier, Jason Isbell, Maren Morris, Sheryl Crow, and Yola. More special guests are still to be announced.

“SB3/HB9 and SB1/HB1 are clearly targeted attacks on Tennesseans who haven’t done anything wrong,” Isbell said in a statement. “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.”

“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,” Allison Russel said. “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!”

Proceeds from the concert will go to several Tennessee LGBTQ+ groups, including the Tennessee Equality Project, inclusion tennessee, OUTMemphis, and The Tennessee Pride Chamber.

You can buy tickets online now.