Nashville has a diverse and active LGBT community. It seems like there is always something going on, with organizations often double-booking activities and forcing us to choose! Honestly, if you tried to take advantage of half the opportunities, you’d have time for nothing else! So we have to prioritize, selecting the organizations (TEP, HRC, CARES, Music City Sisters, etc.) and activities (Grizzlies, HotMess, Nashville in Harmony, etc.) we deem most worthy of our efforts and energies. This year, our readers have selected a diverse and powerful slate of community representatives that remind us how much we have to be proud of.
Community Organization and Non-Profit – Nashville CARES
Nashville CARES dominated two categories with strong contenders, and it truly is one of Middle Tennessee’s most important organizations, not only for the LGBT community but for every community touched by HIV/AIDS. The organization has, for nearly three decades, pursued an audacious mission, “to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. We work to achieve this through education, advocacy and support for those at risk for or living with HIV.” In the last year alone, CARES has served thousands of people in Middle Tennessee, including offering testing services, support and mental health care, as well as food and bill assistance. That’s a lot of lives touched.
Community Event – Pride
Nashville Pride was transformed into an epic celebration this year, beginning as it did on the day the Supreme Court announce the decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide. By the time Pride began that night, the weddings had already started, and it was time to let the good times roll.
So far Nashville seems to be enjoying the new venue at Public square park, where the symbolism of celebrating in the public sphere was even more meaningful this year! We have no doubt that we can continue to look forward to bigger and better things!
LGBT Sports Team – HotMess Kickball League
Since Derrick Lachney founded HotMess, it has grown from a kickball league into a year-round sports league, featuring dodgeball and volleyball. “This summer we started volleyball,” Lachney said. Now the only month we don’t have something going on is December. In January, we are going back to the Sin City Shootout—we have two teams going to play kickball—and when we get back dodgeball starts almost immediately. In July we went to D.C. for the Stonewall Kickball tournament, so we’re traveling a little more as well.”
Lachney, who was awarded a Rising Star Award by Nashville Pride for his work with HotMess, says that his goal now is not to expand the league to other cities or add more sports, but to focus on growing the seasons he already has.
Local Politician – Mayor Megan Barry
LGBT Musician – Cheley Tackett
LGBT Artist/Actor — Casey Promise Thompson