Tomorrow I’ll be doing something I honestly never imagined likely or
possible. I’ll be performing during CMA week here in Nashville alongside
some of the most talented and very “out” artists the South has ever seen at the Concert for Love and Acceptance.
Country music veteran Ty Herndon and GLAAD are hosting one of the
most visible shows of support for the LGBTQ community during one of the
most publicized weeks of the year here in The ‘Ville and it’s a big deal.
(And Crystal Gayle will be there, performing “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes
Blue.” What an all-around classic!)
On that note, I’d like to take a personal moment to express my gratitude
to you. Often times, we artists (and allies) are credited with “courage”
for risking to share our truth but the story is only half complete. For
every day that I get to do what I what I love and was born to do, it
happens because I have thousands behind me lifting me up. So, in
appreciation of National Pride Month, I’d like to personally thank you for
your support. Not only does it mean that I have a place to play, but it
paves the way for so many others to continue on their journey because they
can see the possibilities. Whether you have realized it or not, the fact
that you have stuck around for all these years, through my “thick and
thin,” is in part why at this week’s concert it is even possible for some
LGBTQ artists to fully chase their passion of music with their full
authenticity.
Deeply, thank you. You make me so very proud to know you.