Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition (TTPC)

Designed to educate and advocate on behalf of transgender related legislation at the federal, state and local levels, TTPC also celebrated its 10-year anniversary last month.

TTPC has been instrumental in securing both the passage of the Shepard-Byrd Hate Crimes Act of 2009 and the Violence Against Women Act of 2013. TTPCs federal reach extends to their inclusion in substantive policy meetings with White House officials and discussion with both President and Vice President about trans rights.

In addition to federal victories, TTPC also continues to raise public awareness and build alliances with other Tennessee organizations in order to promote equality at the state level. TTPC has aided in supplying language for several positive state level bills TTPC has either written or co-written several positive bills, including the Transgender Hate Crimes Act, the Dignity for All Students Act and the Tennessee Non Discrimination Act.

TTPC has just wrapped up their work urging Senators to vote for immigration reform the was LGBT family inclusive and look forward to promoting Tennessee legislation which includes securing more support in Tennessee for the Employment Non Discrimination Act and finding new sponsors for the Birth Certificate Fairness Act. 

TTPC lobbyist and former President Marisa Richmond was named this year to the Inaugural Trans 100 list for her perseverance in raising awareness for trans issues.

Tennessee Equality Project (TEP)

TEP is a statewide organization dedicated to promote and sustain the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the state of Tennessee through the establishment of fair and equitable laws protecting these rights. They also work for the elimination of laws that would seek to counter this effort.

This year TEP was instrumental in the defeat of several pieces of legislation that would have negatively impacted Tennessee’s GLBT community. This includes The Classroom Protection Act (aka Don’t Say Gay), an act that would have allow discrimination in counseling services and a bill that would have eliminated Vanderbilt University Police force for its all-comers policy.

The legislative session may have wrapped but TEP is keeping busy with several upcoming events including Forward Friday, a fundraising event with silent auction set to take place July 19 at Tribe. Also TEP has announced its response to Tennessee’s Traditional Marriage Day and plans to counter on August 31 with Tennessee’s Marriage Equality Day. Finally, you can catch the return of Athena with their Olympus: Chapter 2 party in September.

‘Like’ TEP on Facebook for more event details or visit their website at tnep.org.

Nashville CARES

Middle Tennessee diners helped raise a record breaking $150,000 dollars for Nashville CARES during the 2013 Dine Out for Life. Additionally, the organization partnered successfully with Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS last month for The Lion Sings Tonight a star-studded event that helped raise more funds. They were awarded this year by the NGLBTCC with the Mark Lee Taylor Community Service Award. For upcoming event information including how you can get involved for the 2013 AIDS Walk and 5K run visit nashvillecares.org.   

Nashville GLBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLBTCC)

Dedicated to economic growth and cultural discoveries for the GLBT community in the Nashville area, the Chamber offers educational programming to improve its members’ skills in the business environment and extend networking opportunities to grow companies in and outside of the community. This year the NGLBTCC celebrated its most successful year including its Excellence in Business Awards which saw explosive growth in reception and attendance.

Nashville in Harmony (NiH)

NiH may be wrapping up this season with ‘Takin’ it to the Streets’ June 1, but Tennessee’s first and only musical arts organization  specifically created for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people—and their straight allies—is whistling a happy tune as they prepare for their upcoming 10th anniversary this fall. Expect plenty of surprises, music and service. There’s a reason they received the Rhubarb Theater Company Leadership in the Arts Award at this year’s NGLBTCC Excellence in Business Awards.

For more information, visit Nashvilleinharmony.org.

Music City Sisters

You’ve seen their faces painted across town but you may not know that their beauty is more than skin deep. The Music City Sisters, the Nashville chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, celebrated this year with their successful H8’s a Drag 2013 which helped raise money and awareness for GLBT youth. This year’s event featured Stomp H8, an additional component for GLBT youth ages 18 and under. The Music City Sisters kick off their Sister night June 6 at Canvas Lounge. This month’s event benefits TTPC. For more information, visit musiccitysisters.org.

Brothers United

An African-American social and support organization committed to the education and the empowerment of the local and statewide GLBT community. Brothers United sponsors Nashville Black Pride the last weekend in October.

OutCentral

Nashville’s LGBTQIF cultural center provides arts, educational and wellness programming while offering city-wide volunteer service and space for community meetings and events. You can help OutCentral this Pride by attending a special performance of Torch Song Trilogy at Play June 16 or by registering for their Gay 5K June 22. Visit outcentral.org for more information.

HRC Nashville Steering Committee

This year’s HRC dinner was a smashing success and this diverse volunteer group of individuals worked each and every day to bring the missions of the Human Rights Campaign to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight allies in the greater Nashville area. For more information about how you can get involved email info.nashville@hrc.org.

PFLAG Nashville

PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through support, education and advocacy. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

PFLAG Nashville meets the third Tuesday of every month at the Turner Commons Room at the Oasis Center. For more information, visit pflagnashville.org.

Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program

As part of the international collaborative HIV Vaccine Trials Network, the Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program participates in the clinical trials that will lead to a safe, effective, preventative HIV vaccine that can work anywhere in the world.

For the latest information visit vanderbilhealth.com/HIV-vaccine-program

Greater Nashville Primetimers

This group of mature and bisexual men—and their admirers—come together in a supportive atmosphere to enjoy social, educational and recreational activities. From monthly movies nights at OutCentral to attending shows at TPAC, the Primetimers keep a packed schedule. For more information visit tnprimetimers.org or contact them at wresch@comcast.net.

Middle Tennessee Outsiders

Nashville’s hiking, camping, wading, swimming, rafting and more group offers GLBTQ and straight people opportunities to explore and experience nature and the great outdoors. You can find event information for this month’s hike at Peeler Park June 2 on their Facebook page or email middletennesseeoutsiders@gmail.com.