Megan Barry receives Ally Award from LGBT chamber

Nashville mayoral candidate Megan Barry has been awarded for her work as an ally of Nashville's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday named Barry its annual Ally Award winner. The organization noted her work pushing LGBT-backed legislation as a Metro councilwoman.

"Megan Barry has integrated equality and acceptance into her campaign platform and created an inclusive work environment for her campaign staff," the organization said last month when she was nominated. "One of her major points in all speeches is that Nashville needs to be a welcoming city for all people — no matter who you love.

"She has been a strong advocate for same-sex marriage and equality throughout her campaign, and will continue to do so going forward. In June 2014, Metro Council passed a bill to provide domestic partner benefits to metro government employees. Megan Barry co-sponsored this bill, and now the partners of metro employees have access to healthcare benefits and other employment benefits. "

Barry was one of five finalists for the award. In a statement, Barry said she was grateful to be honored alongside several fantastic businesses and community leaders at the forefront of equality in Nashville.

"As Nashville's next mayor, I won't leave anyone behind because it doesn't matter where you started life or how you got here or who you love – everyone deserves dignity and respect and the opportunity to share in the prosperity of Nashville," Barry said.