The event will feature a performance by artist/activist Shea Diamond, and include special guests Comedian Dana Goldberg and GRAMMY Award-nominated and two time CMA Award winner singer/songwriter and author Kelsea Ballerini.

The HRC Equality Award is given to an individual or organization that is paving the way for Equality for LGBTQ+ people. Their efforts create a significant positive impact in the community.

The HRC Visibility Award recognizes LGBTQ+ individuals who are living open and honest lives at home, at work and in their greater community. These attributes align with HRC’s mission of creating a country that inspires and engages all Americans to work toward ending discrimination against LGBTQ+ citizens and realizing a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.

“We are so glad to honor both Dr. Brian Marshall and Cody Alan for everything that they do to help achieve LGBTQ+ equality,” said HRC Interim President Joni Madison. “Dr. Marshall’s dedication to uplifting Nashville’s LGBTQ+ people of color through his organization, MashUp, is a beautiful example on how to live an impactful life in service of others. Cody Alan is a moving example of someone who lives their life openly and fully, all while building a mega successful career in country music where he gets to inspire countless people every day. We are honored to hold both Dr. Marshall and Cody up as role models, and to thank them for their service to the LGBTQ+ community.”

Dr. Brian Marshall is the CEO of MashUp, a Nashville-based nonprofit working to increase the visibility of health inequities & social injustices that impact the well-being of LGBTQ people of color. Born and raised in Nashville, Dr. Marshall received his bachelor’s degree in civic leadership from Lipscomb University and a doctorate degree in leadership and professional practice at Trevecca Nazarene University.

Mayor Randall Woodfin is Birmingham’s 30th mayor. He is a graduate of Morehouse College and Samford University’s Cumberland School of Law.

Cody Alan is a TV and radio host with Country Music Television, author of ‘Hear’s The Thing: Lessons on Listening, Life and Love,’ and 2020 recipient of the HRC Visibility Award.

Shea Diamond is a singer/songwriter whose music has been featured in HBO’s ‘We’re Here,’ Hulu’s ‘Happiest Season’ and ABC’s ‘When We Rise.’

Dana Goldberg is a comedian and activist.

Kelsea Ballerini a multi-platinum award-winning singer/songwriter and author with 6 #1 country radio singles, two GRAMMY® Award nominations, two ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, an iHeartRadio Music Awards wins and multiple additional career nominations to her credit.