The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Nashville announced the recipients of the 2014 HRC-Nashville Equality Award and Community Service Award. Each year, members of the Nashville community are chosen and honored at the annual HRC Equality Gala by the members, supporters, and sponsors of HRC. This year, HRC-Nashville awards Joseph Interrante with its Equality Award and Rev. Greg Bullard with its Community Service Award.
Joseph Interrante is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nashville CARES. He joined the staff of CARES in May of 1994, and this year will mark Joe's 20th year of service to Nashville CARES and the Middle Tennessee Community. Throughout his career, Interrante has been a leading voice for the entire community.
“Joe has been a tireless advocate for the LGBT community not only in Nashville but all over our great nation,” stated HRC Gala Co-Chair JR Simon. “His dedication to serving and caring for those with HIV/AIDS does not go unnoticed in our community.”
"Pastor Greg” Bullard has been fulfilling the spiritual needs of the Nashville LGBT community for over fifteen years. For thirteen years, he has kept the Nashville Pride Spirituality Night alive, making it one of the most popular events during Pride. He serves on the board for Nashville Pride and is one of the only openly gay ministers on Nashville's Interfaith Council.
In 2011, Bullard was recognized with OutCentral's Autumn Honors for the food pantry that his congregation sponsors. He is also one of the only openly gay court-appointed advocates for Tennessee's Department of Children's Services, representing LGBT youth in the foster system. Most recently, he stood alone with a transgendered teen having placement difficulties.
“Pastor Greg is the embodiment of true love,” stated HRC Gala Co-Chair Steven Altum. “You can see the inspiration that pours out of him on the faces of the people’s lives that he has touched. Pastor Greg is a great addition to the long list of past winner of this award and I am so glad that he is standing with us on the road toward Equality.”
Both recipients will receive their awards at the HRC Equality Gala on March 8 at the downtown Renaissance Hotel. RSVP or get more information here.
Watch for O&AN's spotlight with Nashville CARES CEO, Joseph Interrante, next week.
