The following is a general list of resources compiled from publicly available sources for public reference. Descriptions are from organizational webpages and social media pages. ACLU-TN does not have any special knowledge of, nor endorse, any organization listed below. If you are a part of an organization or business that would like to be listed here, please reach out to transcendtn@aclu-tn.org.
Equality Jackson – “Equality Jackson is the first central LGBT+ dedicated organization in Jackson, Tennessee.”
Jackson PRIDE – “Jackson PRIDE Fest is a family friendly festival with lots of performers such as musicians, comedians, and some unusual acts as well as artisans. PRIDE Fest celebrates the diversity of our community and serves as a reminder of the struggles that have been overcome to get us where we are today.”
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Services of Memphis, Inc. – “Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Memphis, Inc. is a local, non-profit organization established in January 1983 for the purpose of operating a day program for persons with Alzheimer’s disease. Today, Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Memphis, Inc. operates two dementia-specific adult day care centers with another center to open in 2021.”
CHOICES – “CHOICES is a safe, welcoming clinic that offers comprehensive reproductive health care to everyone. Our high-quality, affirming health care services are available to everyone who walks through our doors—even if they can’t afford the full cost of the services they need.”
Friends for Life – “For more than three decades, Friends For Life has been preventing the spread of HIV and helping those affected by HIV/AIDS live well. Our holistic, client-centered approach provides a variety of services coordinated through one centralized model. We strive to address the roots of need – including stigma and inequality – to improve health and wellness for everyone we serve. Our goal is to eliminate new transmissions of HIV in Memphis and the Mid-South and empower those living with HIV to become their healthiest, happiest selves.”
Friends of George’s – “Friends of George’s was founded in 2010 to produce a reunion for a historic Memphis drag bar known as George’s Disco. The original George’s Disco opened in 1969 on Madison St. in midtown Memphis. It went through various incarnations before finally closing its doors in the late 1980’s George’s Reunion, held in 2010, brought over 1200 people together to celebrate this iconic Memphis place. In doing so, its organizers decided to forge ahead to continue creating entertaining events and shows.”
Mid South (Memphis) PRIDE – “Mid-South Pride is a 100% volunteer-based, community-driven organization dedicated to serving the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and its partners through community events, activities, entertainment, and celebrations of diversity.”
My Sistah’s House – “My Sistah’s House fosters sustainability and security for the most vulnerable of the transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (TLGBQ) communities in Memphis Tennessee, providing emergency housing, advocacy, and multipronged resource assistance delivered by and for gender non-conforming (TGNC) people of color.”
OUTMemphis (formerly known as the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center) – “Regardless of how we identify as individuals, we all seek a world where we can live openly, honestly and authentically. We desire a community that celebrates and respects us fully as a part of the whole. We expect and deserve to be as open about who we are and whom we love as we choose to be. Working to make that world a reality is what we do every day at OUTMemphis…in dozens of ways, in a hundred settings, and for thousands of clients and allies.”
Planned Parenthood – “Planned Parenthood is one of the nation’s leading providers of high-quality, affordable health care, and the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With or without insurance, you can always come to us for your health care.”
The Metamorphosis Project – “The Metamorphosis Project is our nationally-recognized program for youth 18–24-year-olds facing homelessness and instability. Barriers to safety in the region far outpace the national landscape. LGBTQ+ youth facing family conflict, domestic abuse, and other intersectional factors must cope with limited friendly resources. Forged in 2017, our community-driven team has housed more than 150 young adults.”
Theatreworks – “Theatreworks is a non-profit tax-exempt organization committed to providing and managing low cost office, rehearsal, and performance space for emerging artists and performing art groups who share the facilities. Our mission is to provide an atmosphere of support where artists are free to produce non-commercial work and to succeed or fail without fear and without financial strain.”
Equality Clarksville – “LGBT+ charity 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting events which bring to Clarksville, TN and the surrounding areas.”
Franklin PRIDE – “A PRIDE Festival based in Franklin, TN”
PFLAG Franklin – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
PFLAG Murfreesboro – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
Just Us at Oasis Center – “Just Us is dedicated to helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth achieve their full potential. The program provides an array of services centered on support and advocacy. And it’s not just teens who benefit. Just Us offers loads of resources and assistance for families and agencies who work with young people.”
Launch Pad – “We are a volunteer-based initiative striving to provide street-free sleep to displaced youths in Davidson Country between the ages of 18-24 with a focus on being affirming and welcoming to LGBTQIA+ youth.”
Nashville Black PRIDE – “The mission statement of Nashville Black Pride© (NBP) is to bring together African American and other Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT)/Same Gender Loving (SGL) People of Color in a social, non-threatening empowering setting to uplift, educate and present positive images that help to maintain a healthy, productive and visionary community.”
Nashville CARES – “Founded in 1985, Nashville CARES is the premier HIV/AIDS service organization in Tennessee. Annually, we serve more than 50,000 people statewide, and provide comprehensive services to clients throughout 17 counties in Middle Tennessee. We provide targeted education, free and confidential HIV testing and a broad range of comprehensive services to individuals who are at-risk for or living with HIV.”
Nashville PRIDE – “LGBTQ+ community event and celebration”
PFLAG Nashville – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
Trans Buddy Program at Vanderbilt – “The Trans Buddy Program’s goal is to increase access to care and improve healthcare outcomes for transgender people by providing emotional support to transgender patients during healthcare visits. We emphasize a patient-centered approach, with the goal of empowering the patient to make informed healthcare decisions. Trans Buddy recognizes the importance of intersectionality to our direct care practice, and we therefore aim to work with people of all identities with compassion and respect.”
PFLAG Tullahoma – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
PFLAG Athens – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
Chattanooga PRIDE – “Chattanooga Pride is the LGBTQ+ Pride Festival for the greater Chattanooga area. Managed by the 501(c)3 non-profit Tennessee Valley Pride. Our volunteer board works year-round to bring the LGBTQ+ community and our allies together for events, various causes, and to build networks of support which benefit all of us.”
Chattanooga Trans Liberation Collective – “We aim to end Tennessee’s “slate of hate” and make Chattanooga and Tennessee safe spaces in which trans people can be themselves without fear or limitation.”
Nooga Diversity Center – “Bringing support for LGBTQIA youth & adults in Chattanooga.”
PFLAG Chattanooga – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
Sanctuary Performing Arts & Cafe – “Sanctuary Performing Arts was founded in 2020 in the midst of a turning point year as a result of lacking safe spaces throughout the area. Sanctuary Performing arts is committed to creating a S.A.F.E.R. (Safety Acceptance FellowshipExpression Resources) space for all communities with our main focus being members of minority communities and the arts. We believe in offering a variety of safe environments for every community member. The founding members of S.P.A are all members of the trans community and are committed to including everyone from all walks of life.”
PFLAG Crossville – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
PFLAG Johnson City – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
Pride Community Center – “Pride Community Center of the Tri-Cities is dedicated to providing a safe space to foster the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of individuals in the LGBT communities of the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas. Our goal is to create positive social change in the region by nurturing a healthy, active, productive, and contributive LGBT community, and establishing a proud visible presence with a central location. Pride Community Center is committed to empowering the local LGBT population, through advocacy, education and entertainment, via a variety of mediums.”
Tri-Cities PRIDE – “TriPride will work towards building a stronger and more inclusive community across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. We will do this by producing a great, fun for all ages event that celebrates inclusion, equality, community, and self-empowerment.”
Appalachian OUTreach – “Empower, Connect and Support all East Tennessee lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender [and] queer (LGBTQ+) people”
Knox PRIDE – “Knox Pride Festival, what we’re traditionally known for, is an open celebration of music, entertainment and speakers focused on promoting equality and inclusion for all. Throughout the weekend, vendors will have the opportunity to display information about their organization and/or business, sell or hand out items of interest and interact with our community to promote inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ+ and ally citizens of Knoxville and surrounding areas. We also host other events like a silent ArtOut auction, a Next-2-Nothing fashion show, a pride picnic, and more events throughout the year — with more added annually.”
Knoxville Transgender Group – “Looking to Meetup with Transgender individuals that define themselves anywhere on the spectrum. Wanting to support each other on this amazing journey”
Trans Empowerment Project – “Non-profit org serving trans & gender non-conforming communities, particularly QTPOC.”
PFLAG Oak Ridge – “PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.”
GLSEN-TN – “GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.”
LGBT Chamber of Commerce – “The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce advances common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBT members, businesses, and allies by providing educational, networking, and community building opportunities.”
Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) – “The Tennessee Equality Project advocates for the equal rights of LGBTQ people in Tennessee. We do this through legislative advocacy. That means we lobby the Tennessee General Assembly and local governments around the state. When there is an important federal issue, like bills that include anti-LGBTQ adoption language, we help you make your voice heard with your federal officials.”
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network – “The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network is the statewide organization responsible for implementing the Tennessee Strategy for Suicide Prevention, as defined by the 1999 Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Suicide. We are a grassroots team of Tennesseans, divided into eight regions under the direction of our statewide Executive Director, working to eliminate the stigma of suicide, educate the community about the warning signs of suicide, and ultimately reduce the rate of suicide in the state of Tennessee.”
Tennessee Vals – “The Tennessee Vals is an open social and support group for persons discovering who they are, in terms of gender. The Vals offer a safe, confidential atmosphere for transgender persons, their families, and friends. The group is open to all individuals who identify themselves as intersex, androgynous, cross dressers, transsexuals, or transgenderists; whether gay, straight, bisexual, asexual, or non-sexual. The individual members are involved to support, educate, and make friends within the transgender community specifically, but within the larger LGBT community, as well. The Tennessee Vals is not a singles, swingers, or fetish club, and our members do not engage in inappropriate behavior (sexual or otherwise) at Vals meetings.”