Thrive^615 is poised to be one of the most important events offered to gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in Nashville this year. This innovative, uplifting round-table event will begin at 11am on Saturday, September 20 at the Renaissance Hotel downtown.
A first of its kind for Nashville, Thrive^615 promises diverse content presented in various forums. Keynotes speeches with conversation and roundtable discussions will focus on topics from emotional wellness, gender and stigma issues, physical fitness, financial planning and sexual health.
The event’s exciting lineup includes nationally renowned figures. Terrance Moore, Director of Policy and Health Equity at the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), is a leader in study and activism around issues of gender, stigma and prejudice. Life coach and motivational speaker Jordan Bach (pictured) has been named “one of the most influential queer teachers on the modern spiritual scene” by PQ Monthly and “an LGBT architect of the next decade” by The Advocate. The event will also feature contributions by local experts, such as energy and fitness coach Josh Rogers of Results Fitness and Chris Sanders, Executive Director of the Tennessee Equality Project.
This event has grown out of a joint effort between many nonprofits and LGBT organizations interested in fostering, and for some even beginning, dialogues about sexual health, mental health, overcoming stigma associated with being labeled queer, exercise and finances within the LGBT community. Nashville CARES, Street Works, the Vanderbilt HIV Vaccine Program, OutLoud, and a group of volunteers are leading this effort, and the spokesperson for the event is Vic Sorrell.
“Thrive 615 is one of the most encouraging statements this group of LGBT and health-mined organizations and volunteers could make with regards to investing in the well-being and vitality of our community,” says Vic Sorrell, Chair of the Middle Tennessee MSM Taskforce coordinating the event. “We are looking forward to a great afternoon of community, inspiration, and education that will be repeated in Nashville for years to come.”
The event’s website, Thrive615.com, has a complete, up-to-date schedule of speakers, as well as event information and pre-registration for this free event.
Why register? "If you register, you are guaranteed a t-shirt," says Sorrell. "Everyone hates when you're given a shirt that doesn't fit, right? So, if you register, you will be get the shirt size that you want at the event." Never mind the fact that registered attendees will receive a free lunch.
Sounds fair enough.
O&AN is the exclusive LGBT media sponsor for the event. Thrive 615 was the sponsor of the Nashville PRIDE Photobooth. Click here to see all the photos from PRIDE in Nashville.
Thrive^615 is being touted as one of the most important days here in Nashville, but it’s more than hype. This event is the result of the hard work and determination of numerous individuals who have devoted themselves, and their organizations, to providing gay, bisexual and transgender individuals in Nashville with the space and opportunity explore topics that aren't the normal bar chatter. Indeed there are few public opportunities to hear and be heard about such important topics in our lives, and that’s precisely why Thrive^615 is so important.
But, speaking of bars, PLAY Dance Bar is the hosting the official after party of the event, continuing its long history of commitment to opening its doors, generously, to events and groups of importance to the LGBT community.
"Free tshirt. Inspirational content. Free Food. Free entry to PLAY. And feeling great after choosing to be a connected, influencer in the Nashville LGBT community. What else could you ask for?" says Sorrell. HOT guys might be the only thing missing from that list. "Have you seen the speakers' pictures? We'll have those too!"
FULL DISCLOSURE: Josh Robbins is a freelance contributor and advisor for both O&AN and Thrive^615, leading the marketing and promotional efforts.