Cody Alan, Getty Images for GLAAD, Ty Herndon
The 51st Annual CMA Awards will take place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville this Wednesday, November 8th (airing live on ABC and broadcasting in 43 countries around the world), and once again LGBTQ and ally presenters and performers will be strongly represented.
Brad Paisley and LGBTQ ally Carrie Underwood will host yet again this year. This year’s presenters include out actress Ruby Rose, who co-stars in the upcoming “Pitch Perfect 3” alongside fellow presenter, ally Brittany Snow (the founder of the anti-bullying organization, Love is Louder).
In 2016, Rose received the Stephen F. Kolzak Award at the GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles, which was presented by her friend Taylor Swift. Additional ally presenters include JoAnna Garcia Swisher (“Kevin (Probably) Saves The World”) and Lea Michele (“The Mayor,” “Glee”).
Key performances of LGBTQ interest this year will come from allies P!nk and Underwood, as well as Faith Hill & Tim McGraw, and Kelsea Ballerini with Reba McEntire. Married couple Hill and McGraw were strong supporters last month of GLAAD’s annual Spirit Day, standing up for LGBTQ youth and taking a stance against bullying.
Join me in going purple for #SpiritDay to support LGBTQ youth. Go purple here:https://t.co/v0oj4QQlQl pic.twitter.com/IY9jvJYElE
— Tim McGraw (@TheTimMcGraw) October 19, 2017
Recently engaged CMT Radio host Cody Alan, who received a tremendous amount of love and support from the country music community when he came out earlier this year, will be covering the event for the network. Cody and his fiancé, Trea Smith will be taking over GLAAD’s Instagram account for the night.
Ty Herndon, the first major male country artist to come out as gay, will be attending the CMA Awards this year along with Zeke Stokes, GLAAD’s Vice President of Programs.
For the past three years, GLAAD has had a strong presence in Nashville, co-presenting Ty Herndon’s Concert For Love & Acceptance in June. Last year’s event was co-hosted by Herndon and Alan.
Be sure to tune in to watch the CMA Awards this Wednesday night at 8pm|7c on ABC!
