As the June 2024 Pride Month comes to an end we want to share a story about our very own Native, homegrown Judge Rachel L. Bell continues the work in the LGBTQ+ space.  She is widely known across America as Nashville’s First Openly LGBTQ+ Judge and the first Bi-Sexual Judge in the State of TN.  Marrying her wife, Dr. Dorsha James in 2017, who now serves as the Medical Director for TN State University.  It has always been their mission to serve with excellence and continue to be the light.  This summer, Judge Rachel was selected and has just completed the prestigious 3 week intense Harvard Kennedy School for Executive Education for Senior Executives in State & Local Government. She was also selected as a 2024 David Bohnett Leaders Fellow with the LGBTQ+ Victory Institute and will participate in their International LGBTQ+ Leaders Conference this Fall. The LGBTQ+ Victory Institute works to achieve and sustain equality through leadership development, training, research, and convenings.  When asked about her experience and time there, she shared, “It was amazing! I learned a lot, I grew a lot, and know there is so much more work to do.  I’m thankful I was selected and shared this journey with 62 other amazing leaders around our world and I’m now honored to be amongst the Harvard Alumni Community.  The training I received is invaluable and I plan to put it into work to better our Nashville Community!”

Also, this summer the National Bar Association’s LGBTQ+ Division recently announced its honorees for the Inaugural Luminary Awards as part of the NBA’s National Convention and Awards Gala and Judge Rachel Bell (TN) and Judge Larnzell Martin (MD) will receive the first-ever Judge Deborah A. Batts Vanguard Award for their contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.  U.S. District Court Judge Deborah A. Batts was the first openly gay federal judge, where she presided over many high-profile cases in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York beginning in 1994.  Before ascending to the federal bench, Judge Batts was the first Black faculty member at Fordham Law School.  This award is presented to an LGBTQ+ lawyer or judge with at least 15 years of service in the legal profession, who has championed the law to fight for the rights of LGBTQ+ marginalized communities and communities of color.  The awardee’s legal career includes extraordinary achievements on a local, national, or international level, and serves as a distinguished model of excellence for all advocates to follow. 

Judge Rachel shared, “I’m honored, humbled, and thankful to receive these awards and opportunities but I know my leadership in the LGBTQ+ community is crucial for several reasons:

1. Representation and Visibility: I’m consciously aware l serve as a visible role model for LGBTQ+ individuals. My presence in the judiciary demonstrates that LGBTQ+ individuals can achieve significant and influential positions in society.

2. Advocacy for Equality: My leadership involves advocating for equal rights and fair treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals within the legal system and society at large. This advocacy hopes to challenge and change discriminatory laws and practices.

3. Support and Empowerment: By supporting LGBTQ+ individuals through my work and leadership, it is my hope to empower members of the community. This support can encourage others to pursue their goals and aspirations without fear of discrimination.

4. Awareness and Education: Through my leadership, I can also raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. This awareness can lead to greater understanding and acceptance within the broader society.

5. Policy Influence: As a judge, I have the unique opportunity to influence legal decisions and policies that affect the LGBTQ+ community. It is my hope my perspectives and decisions can contribute to more inclusive and equitable legal practices.

6. Community Building: My efforts can help to build a stronger, more united LGBTQ+ community and bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and solidarity especially within our churches.

Overall, my leadership in the LGBTQ+ community is important for promoting equality, justice, and acceptance, which benefits not only the LGBTQ+ community but society as a whole.  There is so much work to be done and I’m going to do my very best to continue being the light in this space!”