2023 HRC Nashville Dinner Program Book

THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL SPONSORS

WELCOME LETTER

Welcome to the 2023 HRC Nashville Equality Dinner!

We are delighted you chose to spend your weekend with us this year, as we celebrate so much growth and change in the state of Tennessee and our amazingly unique LGBTQ+ community. Tonight we come together to honor those who fight so hard for equality and support the efforts of the Human Rights Campaign across the state, the nation and the world. With the recent signage of antiLGBTQ+ and more specifically transgender bills in our state, we hope this night brings a chance for unity, camaraderie, resilience and celebration on what we’ve accomplished and where we are going in 2023 and beyond. We hope you find a chance to mingle and meet new friends and catch up with cherished ones, while celebrating our growing city which is rich in diversity and culture. We want you to take tonight to re-energize, reconnect, slay the hate and get ready to move Tennessee forward in the coming years.

Since 2015, Tennessee has led the charge on anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. In this legislative session, we have already seen unprecedented attacks on drag shows, transgender and non-binary folx, our gender non-conforming youth, and sadly there are more dangerous bills in the works. Additionally, the majority of states still lack fully inclusive, non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ citizens.

In response to these on-going challenges, HRC has been on the ground in Tennessee. We have hosted weekly rapid response phone banks with the Tennessee Equality Project, hosted two rallies with hundreds of attendees, participated in lobbying on the hill, and registered voters. Additionally we are pushing for The Equality Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives in 2021, but stalled in the Senate, which would establish explicit, permanent protections against discrimination based on an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity in matters of employment, housing, access to public places, federal funding, credit, education and jury service. In addition, it would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sex in federal funding and access to public places.

Nevertheless we PERSIST and RESIST! We have so much to be thankful for this evening, for without the support of so many, tonight would have not been possible. We are sincerely grateful to all our amazing corporate sponsors, generous silent auction donors, dedicated table captains, hardworking volunteers, and supportive friends and family, who helped bring tonight’s events to life. We thank you immensely for your continued support year over year, as it is thanks to this support, and the hard work of our allies, that we envision true, lasting equality for our future.

All our love and gratitude,

Dakerri Rhône & Philip Heil

Tori Cooper

HRC SPEAKER

Tori Cooper (she, her, hers) is a Health & Equity Consultant, CDC subject matter expert, educator, published author and leader in the transgender and HIV communities who recently was honored as one of the most influential LGBTQ Georgians by OUT Georgia. She leads with more than 30 years of experience of HIV service and is founder of her own consulting agency, Advocates for Better Care Atlanta, LLC. Tori is the Human Rights Campaign’s Director of Community Engagement for the Transgender Justice Initiative. In this role, her focus includes economic empowerment, capacity building programs, public safety and expanding public education campaigns. Ms. Cooper was recently sworn in as Special Government Employee to the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/ AIDS (PACHA) which provides recommendations to the Biden-Harris Administration. In 2021, Tori was recognized by POZ magazine as one of 100 top Black advocates and The Advocate as one of its Advocates of the Year.

Shea Diamond

PERFORMER

“The struggle looks different for different people. But this music is for everyone.” So testifies Shea Diamond , who, with a gritty mix of sounds that digs into everything from R&B, rock and hip-hop to blues, folk and gospel, makes music that speaks to the universal experience while sharing from her very personal one.

Shea (pronounced she-uh) has always had to fight to live her truth. Indeed, she has fought to live her very she-ness. As a black transgender woman, that’s just what she does every time she walks out into the world--representing herself and amplifying the voices and experiences of her community. But now after all of her struggle, this game-changing new singer-songwriter is living her dream with Seen It All, her soulful and soul-baring debut EP (Asylum Records) that was executive-produced by hit songwriter Justin Tranter.

On Seen It All, Shea—who is now calling Los Angeles home as she sets out to conquer the music world—bravely tells her truth to a world that hasn’t always wanted to really see her. “I’m the flame that you can’t un-see,” she announces with unapologetic honesty on the haunting opener “American Pie.”

The guitar-greased centerpiece of Seen It All is “I Am Her,” an empowering trans anthem on which Shea defiantly belts, “Never asked for no one’s philosophy/It’s obvious I’m proud of me.” “It is a compilation of my life experiences,” she explains. “It speaks on the rejection from religion, the rejection from family, and having to be all right by yourself, you know what I mean? After the world has shunned you and said, ‘Look, we don’t want you,’ you have to want yourself. I contemplated suicide several times as a youth because nobody wanted me.”

Shea—who was born in Little Rock, Arkansas before moving to Memphis and then Flint, Michigan as a child—says that “as early as I can remember, I always identified as being a girl. It was hard work to pretend to be a gender that you’re not. I should have gotten an Oscar, really. I had so much pressure on me as child to be masculine. Even when I was the choir director for our church, my mother would still whisper in my ear that I was singing too high. Growing up trans takes a lot of guts.”

While the music of childhood idols like Diana Ross, Tina Turner and Dolly Parton (“She was pure magic to me”) provided some relief, Shea was unable to cope with the pressures at home and ran away at 14. Entering the foster care system as a ward of the state, she eventually became emancipated at 17. Then in 1999, desperate to get money for sex reassignment surgery, she committed armed robbery and consequently served about 10 years in the men’s prison system, getting shuffled around “because I was too feminine.” During her incarceration, though, she found her voice as an artist, singing and writing songs like “I Am Her.” Shea’s fellow inmates even became fans: “The guys used to be singing ‘I Am Her.’”

After being released in November 2009, Shea moved to New York City and was introduced to the trans activism world. It was her a cappella performance of “I Am Her” at a Black Trans Lives Matter event that caught the attention of Justin Tranter, the former leader singer of Semi Precious Weapons who is now a sought-after songwriter for artists like Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and Gwen Stefani. “A friend sent me a video of her singing,” recalls Tranter. “I just kind of lost my mind and was like, ‘Who is this? Why is this song so good? How have I never heard of this person?’ From there I tracked her down.”

Shea immediately impressed Tranter with her talent. “When I brought her out to L.A. to work together, I was blown away within the first couple minutes,” he says. “It was her first time ever in a proper recording studio situation, and she just jumps on the mic and starts singing her ass off like she’s been in the studio her entire life. It was just amazing. Not only does this woman have a very beautiful, powerful story to tell, she can back it up as a musician. Vocally, her tone is magical; it’s so rich and so beautiful. Every time she opens her mouth to sing, you believe every word. And in terms of songwriting, she’s a real storyteller.”

At Amazon, we’re committed to upholding a culture of inclusion and equity for our employees, customers, and neighbors.

We're proud to support HRC's work building a future that is inclusive, diverse, and accessible to all.

TJ Osborne

VISIBILITY AWARD

TJ Osborne is a singer/songwriter, producer, and one half of award-winning Country duo Brothers Osborne. A native of Deale, Maryland, he (alongside his brother, John) has earned 5 CMA and 6 ACM awards, 9 GRAMMY nominations, plus multiple RIAA GOLD and PLATINUM certifications. Known for his distinct lead vocals set to the pair’s ferocious country-rock sound, his “gorgeous baritone” (Billboard ) has been praised by NPR as that of “a classic country crooner, with a little Eddie Vedder thrown in.” With a voice that impacts beyond hit songs, TJ was at the forefront of a historic moment for the country genre when he publicly came out to TIME in February 2021. The only openly gay artist signed to a major country label, he recently served as Grand Marshal of the Nashville Pride Parade. His story inspired the duo’s GRAMMY-winning song, “Younger Me,” featured on their latest studio release, Skeletons Deluxe .

Along life’s journey let’s travel together.

American Airlines is a longstanding partner of the Human Rights Campaign. American is a proud advocate for LGBTQ rights in the Twin Cities and beyond.

The most impactful way to support H RC is through a monthly gift, because you will help fuel HRC’s fight for FULL equality all year long.

Your ongoing monthly support will provide critical resources to fight back against anti-LG BTQ+ bills, expand and protect our pro-equality Congress in 2022, invest more deeply in our grassroots efforts with strategic organizing in key districts, keep pressure to pass the Equality Act in the U.S. Senate and continue to show up and fight for the multiply marginalized in our community and country.

Thank you for supporting H RC and for staying with us in the fight. Together, we are an unstoppable force for change!

Everybody.

At Apple, we’re committed to using our voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ people and the freedoms they deserve. Because we believe everybody should have the right to be free from discrimination.

We proudly support the Human Rights Campaign and stand with you to build a better future.

Transgender and non-binary people are your neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends. And when you or your friends and family are the targets of hate, violence and discrimination, you act.

The Human Rights Campaign is actively working to advocate for the rights and lives of the transgender and non-binary community–but we all must do more–can we count you in?

As LGBTQ+ people and allies, we have a responsibility to fight for EVERYONE in our movement. Now is the time to get loud, get visible, and spread awareness on behalf of transgender and non-binary people. So please take the actions below–but don’t stop there.

Sign the Pledge and Impact Change

The first step in voicing your support for the trans and non-binary community is to sign your name to the Count Me In pledge. By taking this action, you’re sending a message that you vow to go out of your way to raise awareness and uplift the lives of our trans and non-binary friends and family.

Provide Inclusive Books to an At-Need Library

Your contribution will provide a set of three books to a Title 1 school or community library serving multiply marginalized populations across the country.

Contact State Legislators

State legislatures are attacking LGBTQ+ folks, particularly trans people, left and right. Show antiequality legislators that we won’t tolerate any more bullying and discrimination.

Request and Show Off Your Sticker

Display your special edition HRC sticker on your car, laptop, water bottle — no matter where you put it, you’ll be saying you support our trans community.

Spread the Word On Social Media

Post these image shares on your social media channels and update your profile photos and let your networks know you believe in a more just and equitable world for trans folks — full stop.

Share a Voice Message of Support

State legislatures are targeting trans kids. Text HEART to 472-472 to share a public message of support for trans youth and show you’re fighting for them.

(Msg&dataratesmayapply. Recurring msgs. TxtSTOP2quit. HELP4info.)

Let Kids Play

Rebekah is a 14-year-old girl who loves school, reading, hanging out with her friends and playing field hockey. But lawmakers across the country are trying to pass laws that would prohibit Rebekah from playing sports with other girls.

Wear Your Support

From T-shirts to pins to socks to masks, you can show off your support for trans equality no matter where you are, who you’re with or what you’re doing.

The more people who show they care, including allies and trans and non-binary people who speak up for the most marginalized in our community, the more hearts and minds we will change. Can we count you in?

Transgender Justice eNewsletter

Stay up to date on our Transgender Justice Initiative and what we’re doing to dismantle stigma and end the epidemic of violence against trans and gender non-conforming people.

GIVE THE GIFT OF EQUALITY

This year, celebrate your loved ones, holidays or other special occasions by giving the gift of equality! Gift a membership to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, host a fundraiser to benefit our work, sign up for our wedding registry or donate in someone’s memory! Each donation includes an HRC membership and furthers the fight for full LGBTQ+ equality.

GOAL HRC MEMBER

HOST A FUNDRAISER FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY, GRADUATION, PRIDE OR MO RE

DONATE YOUR WEDDING REGISTRY

FLY A FLAG

GIV E TH E GIF T OF EQUALIT Y TODAY hrc.im/WaysToGive

GIVE A MEMBERSHIP

FOR HOLIDAYS & SPECIAL OCCASIO NS

DONATE IN HONOR OR ME MO RY O F SOMEONE

Celebrating a special occasion and looking to further LGBTQ+ equality? Join our over 3 million supporters today by giving the gift of membership, hosting a fundraiser, donating your wedding registry to HRC and more!

Google is proud to support The Human Rights Campaign in a shared pursuit to build a world where everyone belongs.

In a world where everyone belongs, what’s possible for everyone expands. That’s why Google is committed to building belonging at work, in our products and in society. Discover more at belonging.google

There’s a world where everyone belongs. It just has to be built.

TRANSGENDER INCLUSION

IN THE WORKPLACE

OF THOSE RATED ON HRC FOUNDATION’S 2021 CEI…

99%

of CEI-rated employers explicitly include gender identity as a part of their non-discrimination policy.

49% of CEI-rated employers allow employees the option to selfidentify as LGBTQ+ in anonymous employee engagement surveys or as part of data collection on confidential employee forms or in the HRIS system.

94 %

600+

OF FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES have non-discrimination protections that include gender identity, UP FROM 3% IN 2002.

major employers have adopted workplace gender transition guidelines.

Over its 19-year history, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index has been the driving force for the adoption of equitable workplace policies, practices and benefits for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people in the United States and beyond. Participating companies know that building an LGBTQ+-inclusive workplace is not just the right thing to do, it is also the best business decision and allows companies to attract, retain and engage top talent. Their commitment to building inclusion has only strengthened over the past year, with a record-breaking number of corporations achieving top marks

91%

of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgenderinclusive health insurance coverage, up from 0 in 2002 and 22 times as many businesses as 12 years ago.

87%

of all CEI-rated businesses offer transgender-inclusive health insurance coverage while also eliminating blanket exclusions for medically necessary care in all other employer-sponsored plans.

We’ve committed $5B for a more equitable & sustainable future.

macysinc.com/purpose

Together, with incredible partners like HRC, we are committed to tackling the barriers of representation, and realize a world that achieves equality and inclusion for all. Because the history of progress shows that when people feel confident to own their story and stand in their truth, they change the narrative for everyone. At Macy’s, Inc., we’re on a mission to create a brighter future with bold representation. We call it Mission Every One.”

Jeff Gennette CHAIRMAN & CEO, MACY’S, INC.

“For more than 13 years, Macy’s has proudly supported the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and its critical work to advance the rights of the LQBTQ+ community.

WHAT WE DO

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer equality. Since 1980, we have been fighting for a better future for LGBTQ+ Americans. We are now working tirelessly to pass the Equality Act, which will soon head to the U.S. Senate for consideration, fight back against a multitude of anti-LGBTQ+ legis-lation in states nationwide and ensure everyone in our community is treated with dignity and respect. While our opponents are emboldened and on the attack, the Human Rights Campaign and our grass-roots army of more than 3.2 million members and supporters are energetically defending the rights we’ve gained and ramping up our fight for full equality across the board.

ANTI-EQUALITY LEADERS AND LEGISLATION

The alarming spate of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced across the country in 2020 has continued to surge in 2021. These include bills that would prohibit transgender youth from receiving genderaffirming care and bills that would prohibit transgender youth from participating in sports. This wave of anti-transgender legislation harkens back to the surge of anti-transgender bathroom bills that hit state legislatures in 2016, including North Carolina’s HB2. We remain committed to aggressively fighting these threats to equality by those who seek to undermine our rights. HRC will do whatever it takes to protect the rights and fundamental equality of every LGBTQ+ person in this country.

B U IL DING A ND DEM ONS TR AT ING POLITICAL P OWER

HRC’s decades-long work to build political power has uniquely positioned us to reach LGBTQ+ and ally voters who prioritize equality on the ballot, also known as Equality Voters. HRC has identified 57 million Equality Voters nationwide who, if they turn out to vote, will support pro-equality candidates. HRC’s early and sustained year-round engagement in battleground states like Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin bolstered historic turnout in 2018 and 2020 producing pro-equality outcomes at every level of government. In 2019, HRC’s mobilization of Equality Voters in Virginia, where lawmakers had repeatedly blocked proequality bills over many years, produced groundbreaking progress for LGBTQ+ Americans in the South. These victories led to the Virginia Values Act becoming law, making Virginia the first state in the South to advance statewide nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people.

ADVANCING EQUALITY IN OUR DAILY LIVES

The HRC Foundation improves the lives LGBTQ+ people by building understanding and shaping the public debate of LGBTQ+ people and the challenges they face through innovative research and public education campaigns. We also change the policies and practices in the institutions that shape our everyday lives (hospitals, schools, workplaces, and more) and empower strategic partners, community advocates, and allies through convenings and capacity-building. Guided by these theories of change and seeking to prioritize work impacting those who are multiply marginalized, we have 11 cuttingedge programs advancing equality in the U.S. and beyond.

All Children - All Families is the only national program dedicated to LGBTQ+ inclusion in child welfare (foster care and adoption agencies) that provides resource development, technical assistance and training.

Public Education & Research produces written resources and conducts original quantitative and qualitative research exploring the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people.

Global Partnerships provides capacity-building and leadership development opportunities to LGBTQ+ advocates from around the world to strengthen movements and advance global LGBTQ+ equality.

HBCU Program is the only national project that partners with Historically Black Colleges and Universities on establishing an LGBTQ+-inclusive campus climate.

Health & Aging provides resources and training to help thousands of healthcare facilities adopt inclusive policies and practices to better serve LGBTQ+ patients and employees.

HIV & Health Equity develops public education and capacitybuilding programs to address the disproportionate impact of HIV on Black and Latinx communities.

Religion & Faith provides faith leaders with opportunities and tools to stand up for equality even as opponents attempt to weaponize faith against LGBTQ+ people.

Transgender Justice Initiative leads economic empowerment programs, capacity-building initiatives, community engagement efforts, and public safety education campaigns that combat the discrimination faced by transgender people.

Welcoming Schools is the only bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+-specific training and resources with an intersectional lens, developed for use in elementary schools.

Workplace Equality advances equality for LGBTQ+ workers through the adoption and implementation of inclusive policies, practices, and benefits in the U.S. and beyond.

Youth Well-Being provides professional development to over 5,000 youth-serving professionals annually, through the annual Time to THRIVE conference, webinars, participation at major national convenings, and by amplifying the stories of HRC Youth Ambassadors. The program also convenes HRC’s Parents for Transgender Equality Council.

That’s

Lyft supports safer spaces, and all the humans who inhabit them.

THANK Y O U

ADM

with our heartfelt thanks.

ANONYMOUS

ASSURANT

AT&T

BANK OF AMERICA

BLACK TIE DINNER, INC.

BRIGHTHOUSE FINANCIAL

CARMAX

CARLSON FAMILY FOUNDATION

CENTENE CORPORATION

CERNER

CISCO SYSTEMS, INC

COCA-COLA FOUNDATION, THE COLLINGWOOD FOUNDATION

COMIC RELIEF

DANAHER FOUNDATION

DAVID BOHNETT FOUNDATION

E RHODES AND LEONA B

CARPENTER FOUNDATION

ELECTRONIC ARTS

EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY

FORTIVE FOUNDATION

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.

GOOGLE

GUIDEWIRE

HEYDAY FOUNDATION

HOME DEPOT

IKEA

JPMORGAN CHASE

KORS LE PERE FOUNDATION, THE KROLL

LEGO

LEVI STRAUSS & CO

LYFT, INC

MARSH & MCLENNAN AGENCY

MATCH GROUP

METLIFE FOUNDATION

MORNINGSTAR FOUNDATION, THE NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION NORTONLIFELOCK

OAK FOUNDATION

OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATIONS

PEPSICO FOUNDATION, THE PFIZER

PhRMA PRONOUN PRETIUM

PVH

RAYTHEON

ROCKEFELLER FOUNDATION

RUSSELL GRINNELL MEMORIAL TRUST

SEMPRA

SIRIUS XM

S&P GLOBAL STATE FARM

T-MOBILE

TOYOTA

TWITTER

UNITED AIRLINES

UPS FOUNDATION

USAA

U.S. BANK

VANGUARD

VERIZON

VIIV HEALTHCARE

THE WALT DISNEY COMPANY/ ESPN

WARNERMEDIA

WORKDAY FOUNDATION

ZENDESK

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation works to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to care for their families, earn a living and live open, honest and safe lives at home, at work and in the community. The HRC Foundation is a non-profit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

For more information about our work, visit www.hrc.org/Foundation

Human

Campaign

At Morgan Stanley, a diverse, dynamic and inclusive culture underlies the success of our company. It widens our perspective, helps our employees achieve their professional objectives and allows us to better serve our clients. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion also garners accolades that consistently recognize Morgan Stanley amongst the top places to work for minorities, women, the LGBT community and diversity overall.

To learn about career opportunities and to apply visit morganstanley.com/people

© 2020 Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a Proud National Corporate Partner of the

Rights

As one of the few large corporations in the United States led by an openly gay CEO, Neiman Marcus Group is proud to be recognized as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ+ Equality. We’re committed to our HRC Platinum-level partnership and to leading meaningful initiatives that benefit all. neimanmarcusgroup . com

Diversity is a key component at Northrop Grumman - a proud Platinum sponsor of the Human Rights Campaign.

ngc.com/diversity

Target is proud to sponsor HRC in continuing our shared mission of creating accessible and a rming spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Together, we #takepride

Underwriting Equality Through Action:

• Signing amici curiae in support of LGBTQ+ rights for workers

• Partnering with HRC to share stories, experiences, and resources

• Maintaining top scores on the Corporate Equality Index, the HRC Foundation’s annual scorecard assessing LGBTQ+ workplace equality, for the third year in a row

• Providing financial support to organizations promoting equality, including the National Black Justice Coalition and the Transgender Law Center

• Promoting diversity across our own ecosystem through a dedicated effort to increase gender representation on our portfolio companies’ boards

• Creating an inclusive environment through signage in our offices that encourages employees and guests to use the restroom that bests fits their gender expression

FLAVOR FOR EVERY VIBE

Celebrating everyone’s unique magic.

At Cox, inclusion is much more than a word. It’s at the very core of our values. We thrive on what makes us different, empowering our people, clients and communities to build a better future for the next generation. No two employees look or think the same. And we prefer it that way!

Learn how we’re united by our uniqueness at coxenterprises.com/inclusion.

Opportunity for all.

When we work to facilitate a diverse, inclusive workforce, we unlock our creative spirit and create the tomorrow we wish to see. For everyone.

GENESCO is Proud to SUPPORT HRC

HCA Healthcare and TriStar Health are committed to creating a healthier, more equitable tomorrow.

We are proud to support the Human Rights Campaign and its Nashville Equality Dinner.

HCAhealthcare.com

STAND OUT, STAND PROUD

Nordstrom is honored to partner with the Human Rights Campaign in our celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community and commitment to safeguarding equal rights for all.

Whoever you are, whomever you love—we see you, we hear you and we stand with you.

FAIRNESS. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY. RESPONSIBILITY.

Guided by a strong firm-wide commitment to these founding principles, Bass, Berry & Sims continues to build and sustain a culture that is inclusive, equitable and diverse.

ACHIEVED

100% ON THE HRC CEI 5 YEARS IN A ROW

2021 NASHVILLE LGBT CHAMBER CORPORATE DIVERSITY WINNER

In the world we want tomorrow, everyone has the opportunity to be their whole self and reach their full potential. We’re proud to work with our Associates and community toward a future that is inclusive and diverse. Mars.com