“LeAnn Rimes is boldly using her influence in the music world to empower people to accept and be their true selves,” said Blake Brockway, co-chair of the HRC Nashville Equality Dinner. “An outspoken advocate for LGBTQ equality, she is also making a difference in the lives of countless young people across the country by standing up for LGBTQ youth and speaking out against bullying. We are thrilled to welcome LeAnn Rimes to the HRC Nashville Equality Dinner and honor her with the HRC Ally for Equality Award.”

The HRC Ally for Equality Award recognizes the outstanding efforts of those outside of the LGBTQ community who use their voice to publicly stand-up for equality for all Americans. These individuals dedicate their time, energy, spirit and whole-hearted commitment to better the lives of LGBTQ people.

LeAnn Rimes has consistently spoken out for LGBTQ equality. In a 2014 interview, LeAnn talked about her hope that the country music world is “moving forward and not back” when it comes to equality for LGBTQ people. Opening up about her passion for fighting intolerance and bullying, she also said, “As a performer, we have a voice. A lot of kids listen. I’ve been bullied as a child, and I can somewhat relate. I just come from my heart when I support LGBT youth. I know how that feels to be judged and put down. So from the deepest part of my heart, I truly, truly support them.”

An internationally acclaimed singer and ASCAP award-winning songwriter, LeAnn has sold more than 44 million units worldwide, won two Grammy® Awards; 12 Billboard Music Awards; two World Music Awards; three Academy of Country Music Awards; one Country Music Association Award and one Dove Award. At 14, Rimes won "Best New Artist” making her the youngest recipient of a Grammy® Award. LeAnn recently inked a worldwide deal with RCA UK who will be releasing her 16th studio album, Remnants, on February 3, 2017, along with her first U.S. single “Long Live Love.”

LeAnn has long-supported a variety of charity organizations including the National Psoriasis Foundation, DAV (Disabled American Veterans), The Coalition to Salute America’s Heroes, Stand Up For Kids, as well as The Trevor Project. She most recently began her work with the Friend Movement, an anti-bullying organization.

The 22nd Annual HRC Nashville Equality Dinner will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. The yearly event raises crucial funds in the fight for full LGBTQ equality and is an exciting opportunity for local supporters to come together for an inspirational evening. To purchase tickets to the HRC Nashville Equality Dinner or receive more information about the event, please visit www.hrc.org/nashville.

All media planning to attend must pre-register by Thursday, March 23, 2017.  To request media credentials, please contact Stephen Peters at stephen.peters@hrc.org. Due to limited space, only members of the media who have been credentialed for this event in advance will be allowed entrance. Further press logistics and coverage details will be forthcoming to credentialed media.

The Human Rights Campaign is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. HRC envisions a world where LGBTQ people are embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.

###