Read the true life stories of our LGBT+ advocates, youth, seniors, allies, and trans community in Middle Tennessee.
Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are school-based, student-run clubs for LGBTQ+ and Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) youth and their allies. The first documented GSAs appeared in the late 1980s.
From students getting sent to the principal’s office for wearing a rainbow belt to students organizing an unofficial, speakeasy-like pride week, for Brandon Thomas, the simple act of being yourself in high school was a political act.
Stigma. It’s something that people with HIV/AIDS have dealt with for decades. Even with all the education available now and the public awareness campaigns such as U = U (undetectable equals untransmittable), the stigma is still there.
In the Middle Tennessee area, there’s a group that has been around for quite some time and is showing no signs of slowing down. To keep up and to keep going, the group has switched from in-person meetings to online meetings and activities. They call themselves Tennessee VALS (T-VALS) and they are a transgender support and community group.
While many events have been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our youth still have some options for virtual camping this year. We’ve highlighted a few LGBT+ camps that are hosting virtual events.
“Besides, we know that after the storms, and the sludge, and the toil, and the troubles… there WILL be glitter…and glam…and music…and dancing… and Rainbows — lots and lots of Rainbows!!!”
Terry Vo’s Nashville story begins in an unexpected way – working for the Japanese government, the first foreign government to hold a consulate in Tennessee.
Looking back over Abby Rubenfeld’s life, it’s no surprise why she became a de facto leader of the LGBT+ equal rights charge for marriage equality — not only in Tennessee but across the country.
She’s a fierce advocate for the LGBT+ community and has no plans to back down. This is evident in her work with Upper Cumberland Pride (UCP) and bringing Drag Queen Story Hour (DQSH) to Tennessee.
Jackson’s journey to her truth was not a loud coming out at all. “There were no announcements made but there was a lot of fear inside of me about the consequence of living my life as openly queer,” says Jackson. Looking back she wishes she had been loud and much more visible for the kid who needed to see someone living their truth and to know there was someone just like them, a community to welcome and accept you.
Sometimes an ally goes a step further and advocates for or against particular policies that affect the community. Buick Audra is one of these allies. A musician originally from Miami, Buick has lived in Nashville for close to 12 years with her husband and two cats.
Oasis Center has recently announced a new youth empowerment program designed specifically for middle school students who identify within the LGBTQ+ spectrum called Becoming Us.
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