Finding community in Nashville’s queer spaces

It’s a challenging time to be an LGBTQ person in Tennessee. With laws targeting gender expression and an increase in violent threats, the instinct for queer people might be to go underground. But instead, support groups are popping up to create belonging and foster solidarity in Tennessee’s LGBTQ community. 

Today, we’ll talk to members of these local groups about their experiences.

But first, it’s time for @ Us! Host Khalil Ekulona and senior digital producer Anna Gallegos-Cannon respond to listener comments and feedback.

Guests: 

• John Bridges, writer

• Amo Elizabeth, host of Dress Code Nashville

• Forrest Douglass, Color Queery coordinator

• Al Mattox, Queer Spokes founder

• Tessa Loftis, Queer Book Club coordinator

• Ashley Espinoza, member and organizer of Outdoorsy Queers

Previous WPLN reporting and episodes:

• Celebrating Nashville’s LGBTQ+ community, past and present

• Bisexuality in Nashville

• The growth of LGBT-affirming churches

• Finding safe shelter for LGBTQ youth

• Nashville Marks A Pair Of Long-Gone Bars, Where Gay Men Once Gathered Secretly