THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

"We have cultivated new partnerships with some amazing organizations that know of our struggle," said Diedra Meredith, OUTMusic executive director. It is my hope to create an equivalent presence in the music industry for these amazing artists and performers through the OUTMusic Awards. I've been waiting all my life for this moment to arrive! Our community is tenaciously strong, it's been a long tough road, but with the OUTMusic Awards, we will make history during a time when LGBT Equal Rights is gaining momentum! This is our entry into the fight for LGBT Equal Rights."

This special night of celebration for LGBT recording artists will be filled with celebrity presenters to honor openly gay recording artists for their achievements and courage to be OUT and proud through their free expression of music. Throughout the night, special presentations will be made for the Lifetime Achievement Award and The Heritage Award. Also named will be the OUTMusic Icon for worldwide, inspirational, innovative and trendsetting contribution to the artistry of Vogue, fashion and performance. OUTMusic will also honor an Outstanding LGBT community leader with the Visionary Award.

The 2010 OUTMusic Awards hosts will be announced in October 2010.

The evening will be filled with some of the best recording artists in the LGBT entertainment industry.

Tickets for the 2010 OMAs can be pre-purchased in October 2010. Special Group discounts of 10 or more are available. Please visit www.outmusic.com to purchase tickets. Tickets will also be available at the door.

About OUTMusic

OUTMusic is a premier 501c3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to honoring, supporting and advocating on behalf of underrepresented openly Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered artists and performers. The organization was founded by life partners Dan Martin and Michael Biello over 18 years ago to provide a safe and supportive environment for LGBT recording artists and performers. Our mission is to ensure that underrepresented OUT artists/entertainers have equal and inclusive presence in the mainstream entertainment industry. We work to put an end to homophobia in the entertainment industry and the world we live in through education, advocating and raising awareness, thus bridging the gaps that exists. We educate, advocate and raise awareness with the goal of bridging the gaps between other communities and the LGBT community. OUTMusic work with the mindset, Freedom Of Expression IS OUTMusic.