Fancy Hagood To Receive HRC Visibility Award

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Fancy Hagood. Photo: Natalie Osborne

Fancy Hagood will be honored with the HRC Visibility Award from the Human Rights Campaign at their Nashville dinner on March 8 at the JW Marriott Nashville.

Hagood embraces his LGBTQ+ identity, offering visibility and representation within the country music industry. He has also released two albums, Southern Curiosity and American Spirit, both of which share his personal journey with audiences. In attendance will be Kacey Musgraves who, in 2022, teamed up with Hagood for “Blue Dream Baby,” which earned accolades from influential figures like Elton John, and HRC President Kelley Robinson will be on hand to address attendees and discuss the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

“Expanding LGBTQ+ visibility in all spaces is such an integral part of this fight for LGBTQ+ equality,” says Robinson. “As Fancy Hagood takes the country music world by storm, his commitment to being authentically who he is lets the world know that LGBTQ+ people belong everywhere and our stories deserve to be heard. To also be joined by award-winning country music star Kacey Musgraves illustrates the power of having committed LGBTQ+ allies alongside us in the fight for equality. This will be a beautiful night of celebration and community building as we continue our work to advance LGBTQ+ rights.”

At 17, Hagood moved to Nashville from his hometown of Bentonville, Arkansas with the dream of becoming an openly queer country artist. In 2021, he released his debut album, Southern Curiosity, a fusion of country, glam rock and confessional pop, which earned a nomination for Best Country Record at the 2022 Libera Awards. In October of last year, Hagood released his second solo album, American Spirit, which blends his country roots with a sense of both return and new beginnings. He’s worked with acclaimed producers such as John Osborne, Jarrad K and Jeremy Lutitio, and has collaborated with other major artists such as Musgraves and Orville Peck.

“It is such an honor to be receiving HRC’s Visibility award and to be joined by other LGBTQ+ advocates all committed to making our state and country a better place for our community,” shares Hagood. “As a gay country artist who moved to Nashville at just 17 years old, I understand first-hand the barriers LGBTQ+ people face in this industry and beyond. I also recognize the resilience of our community — we are powerful, we are fearless and we are strong — and we will continue to work together to overcome any barrier placed in our way.”

“At its heart, country music is about real life and real people, and that includes the LGBTQ+ community,” adds Musgraves. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to support my friend and fellow country music star, Fancy Hagood, whose talent and authenticity is opening doors for more representation and inclusion in the industry. I have a deep love for this community, and I remain committed to continue making this world a better place for all LGBTQ+ people.”

HRC’s Nashville Dinner will unite the organization’s most dedicated advocates, members and supporters from across the state to raise funds for the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ equality. Tickets and more information are available here.

Madison Hahnen
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