How to Connect With the Gay and Lesbian Community in Nashville

Hearing about all the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender resources is music to the ears of GLBT people in Nashville. They’re singing your special song in activities that range from gay rugby to equality groups.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Celebrate your pride. Nashville Pride takes place the last weekend in May. Brothers United Nashville Black Pride is the last week in October.

2. Volunteer to help both Pride organizations and make friends in the process. You’ll give back to the community while you give yourself the opportunity to connect with others.

3. Socialize. Groups like Girl Talk and After 5 offer networking and social events for all women.

4. Keep up with all the events by picking up Out and About, Nashville’s monthly GLBT newspaper.

5. Jump into the political pool. Be part of Tennessee Equality, the Human Rights Campaign or any one of several other organizations.

6. Shop GLBT-friendly businesses. Support the community and meet some of the city’s leading gay entrepreneurs.

7. Step into sports. There’s gay soccer and rugby and even a running/walking group in Nashville.

8. Check out Nashville’s gay bars. There are nearly a dozen, catering to various members of the GLBT community.

Tips & Warnings

• Step outside your comfort zone. Learn a new sport and you’ll find lots of friends in the community.
• The South is hardly known for its acceptance of GLBT people. Be smart and stay safe.

Resources

• Brothers United
• Nashville Pride
• Out and About newspaper
• Tennessee Equality Project
• Human Rights Campaign Nashville chapter
• Transgender Political Action Committee
• GLBT-friendly business directory
• Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce
• Music City Frontrunners
• GLBT soccer team
• Gay rugby
• Bars and clubs