Note: This episode originally appeared on March 18.
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 led 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 episode, guest host Nina Cardona is joined by Tennessee Lookout reporter Jamie Satterfield to explain the latest federal court ruling regarding the 2008 Kingston coal ash spill.
Guests:
Jamie Satterfield, investigative journalist with theTennessee Lookout
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, vice president of Health Equity and Inclusion for Revive
Resources and additional reading:
Tennessee Lookout: 6th Circuit shoots down immunity for TVA coal ash spill contractor Jacobs Engineering
Nashville Queer History: Explore archival material that preserves the places, people, and organizations who defined why “Y’all Means All!” throughout Middle Tennessee