Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.

— Brené Brown

As we celebrate our LGBTQIA+ community this Pride month, we can’t help but be struck with admiration. This community continues to fight hate with love, and has had the courage to own their story and love themselves – even when others try to invalidate them. This kind resilience, acceptance, and grounded sense of self is something we should all aspire to embody. 

That’s not to say that even the most self-assured members of the LGBTQIA+ community don’t struggle in the face of bigotry, wrestle with their identity, and feel out of place – finding themselves seeking a tight-knit community.  

At The Happy Hour, our door is always open to you, no matter how you identify or who you love. We have compiled a list of resources to help you find support and build your community in Nashville.

LGBTQIA+ Mental and Physical Health Resources:

• Vanderbilt VIVID Health – A safe and welcoming place to find healthcare and resources for the LGBTQIA+ community.
• Healing in the Margins – Cultivates systemic change and fosters healing by providing resources and programming in mental health spaces tailored to the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC. They sometimes run support groups, so it can be worth emailing to get on the waitlist for the next group.
• Healing Umbrella – Also runs support groups for those in the LGBTQIA+ community. Their current group is for teens looking for support and community while navigating their identity.

LGBTQIA+ Social and Community Groups:

• PFLAG – PFLAG Nashville provides free support for parents and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. They host meetings and events for both those in the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as loved ones looking to better understand and support. They hold space, encourage, guide, and assist as people work to understand what it means to be LGBTQIA+. You can also follow them on Facebook here. 
• Mama Dragons – A national non-profit that provides support groups, resources, parenting classes and community for mothers of LGBTQIA+ children.
• It Gets Better – A global non-profit organization who uplit, empower, and connect LGBTQIA+ people worldwide through storytelling educational resources and community.
• Oasis Center – A Nashville-based community center that provides support for runaway and at-risk teens, via crisis intervention, community and youth leadership.
• Gay Church – An organization dedicated to connecting God with those in the LGBTQIA+ community. It also has a nationwide directory to help those who would like to attend church, find a welcoming and Affirming Christian Church near them. 
• Inclusion TN – Connects people, opportunities, and resources to enrich and enhance the multi-faceted LGBTQIA+ community. They promote justice and equity for our trans, queer, black, brown, and gold communities throughout the South by collaborating with those with a shared bold vision of a future where liberation is championed.

Crisis Support:

• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – If you are having a mental health emergency, call or text 988.
• Tennessee Crisis Line: Call 1-855-CRISIS-1.
• Trans Lifeline: Call 1-877-565-8860.
• The Trevor Project – A national organization whose mission is to end suicide among young LGBTQIA+ people. They also have a 25/7 crisis counseling line. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.