On June 12 artists and celebrities from across the country will come together in a coalition of support for LGBT acceptance at the inaugural Concert for Love and Acceptance, presented by Grammy-nominated and Dove Award-winning artist Ty Herndon and GLAAD, at City Winery (609 Lafayette St.) in Nashville, Tenn.

The first-of-its-kind country music event, which will take place during CMA Fest, will be co-hosted by Herndon and political commentator and author Meghan McCain. Performers and special guests include Melinda Doolittle, Shelly Fairchild, Billy Gilman, Jennifer Knapp, Jamie O'Neal, and Pastor Stan Mitchell of GracePointe Church. Additional performances and appearances will be announced.

On May 12, Desmond Child and country legend Crystal Gayle were added to the performance line up.

“It's such an honor to welcome Crystal Gayle and Desmond Child to this event to help encourage an environment that will make it easier for young people at risk to get help and feel comfortable about who they are and not have to go through the same struggles that I have faced," said Herndon.

Called a "genius" by Steven Tyler, Child has reigned for nearly three decades as one of music’s most successful creative forces. His list of accolades includes Grammy awards, 70 Top 40 singles, and songs that have sold more than 300 million albums worldwide. His collaborations have included Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Ricky Martin, KISS, Kelly Clarkson, and Cher. His songwriting credits include Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer," Aerosmith's "Angel," and Ricky Martin's "Livin' La Vida Loca."

Tickets are available now at http://glaad.org/nashville. Proceeds benefit GLAAD’s work to accelerate acceptance.

“Music connects us and transcends our differences,” said GLAAD President & CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “For the first time in Music City, artists will join together to voice support for the LGBT community and help us accelerate acceptance, not only in country music, but across the nation.”

“I truly hoped that the day would come when I could host an event encouraging an environment that would make it easier for young people at risk to get help and feel comfortable about who they are, and not have to go through the same struggles that I have faced," said Herndon.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to work with GLAAD for several years and I’m so proud to be on the board of such an incredible organization,” said Meghan McCain. “This event is historic and I’m thrilled to be co-hosting it not only with GLAAD but with Ty Herndon, who is such a pioneer in the LGBT community.” 

Herndon made country music history last November when he became the first male country music artist to come out as openly gay. The Concert for Love and Acceptance marks Herndon’s first Nashville concert appearance since late last year.

For general ticket information, please visit: www.glaad.org/nashville.

Use discount code NCARES15 for a 20% discount.

Use discount code TNEQUALITY15 for a 20% discount.

For VIP tickets that include artist meet and greet please visit http://www.citywinery.com/loveandacceptanceVIP