Meet the 2023 Giving Out Loud Honorees

  • Representative Torrey C. Harris is a proud community leader and advocate for Civil & Human Rights, Education, Children & Families and Foster and Adopted Youth. Representative Harris believes that everyone should be given the same chances and opportunities to be the best they can be.

    Representative Harris serves in the State of Tennessee House of Representatives as the Representative for the 91st House District covering the areas of South Memphis, Midtown Memphis, The University District, The Medical District, and Whitehaven. He was recently elected as the Tennessee Democratic House Floor Leader, making him the first LGBTQ person in the country to hold this role and ranking 5th in line of succession for Governor in a conservative leaning state.

    Representative Harris is a part of the community he serves and plans to continue the discussions around what matters to those within this district, this city, and this state. Representative Harris, a young Black African American man, understands the adversities of sexuality, the judgement of one’s religious preference, having to go the extra mile because of race, and how age and gender plays a part in fair treatment.

  • Kathy is one of two Community Liaisons with PFLAG Nashville and the South Atlantic Regional Director with PFLAG National. She is also on the board of PFLAG National.

    In Kathy’s work as an ally, she volunteered with the Tennessee Equality project to try to keep bills negative to the LGBTQ + community from being passed.

    Kathy is passionate about using her talents and resources to bring about equality for all marginalized communities.

  • Originally from Nashville, Courtney was an iconic member of the local LGBTQ+ community and a cherished mother of the Paris family.

    From a young age, Courtney displayed a natural talent for entertainment, choreographing shows for his sisters. As he grew older, Courtney began performing in drag and quickly became a show-stopping sensation. With time, Courtney stepped into his leadership role as the Show Director for Vibe Entertainment Complex and the Pageant Director for Glamour City Pageantry System.

    He was known for his exacting standards, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication to his craft. Courtney was a beloved mentor and parental figure, demonstrating boundless love and compassion to those around him.

    Although Courtney passed away in December 2022, his legacy as a trailblazer and community icon will continue to inspire us all.