Nashville has changed a lot over the past handful of decades – and our city’s LGBTQ+ scene is no exception. The first gay bars popped up after World War II, and the number of LGBTQ+ establishments grew from there, peaking in the 1980s and 1990s with more than 20. None of them are still around today.
In recent years, increasing social acceptance has lead to the creation of new queer spaces in Nashville, like kickball leagues and roving dance parties, and has sparked conversations about the purpose of traditional spaces. There has also been a conservative backlash in the state legislature that poses new challenges. In this episode, we will hear from community members across multiple generations about their experiences and how the city’s LGBTQ+ scene has changed in their lifetimes.
At the top of the episode, we’re joined by Tennessee Lookout senior reporter Anita Wadhwani and Vice Mayor of Mason Virginia Rivers to learn more about the state comptroller’s financial takeover of the town of Mason.
Guests:
- Tennessee Lookout senior reporter Anita Wadhwani
- Virginia Rivers, vice mayor of Mason
- Jeff Ellis, founder of Dare (later renamed Query), Tennessee’s first gay and lesbian newspaper
- Phil Michal Thomas, human rights activist and author
- MTSU historian Dr. Marisa Richmond
- Binh Ngo, CPA and API Middle Tennessee board member
- Desirée Duncan, VP of Health Equity and Inclusion for Revive
Resources and additional reading:
Tennessee Lookout: Comptroller to take over majority-Black town of Mason, ahead of Ford investment in west Tennessee
Nashville Queer History: Explore archival material that preserves the places, people, and organizations who defined why “Y’all Means All!” throughout Middle Tennessee
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