Alive with Pride

Alive with Pride

LGBTQ Existence and Resistance in Middle Tennessee

Throughout the 20th century, LGBTQ people greatly contributed to the political, social, and cultural fabric of Middle Tennessee. Queer and transgender Tennesseans found ways to exist and carve out space for themselves despite oppressive laws and societal norms. They wrote plays and poetry, created soulful music, and discreetly gathered in bars and homes. After the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a wave of LGBTQ activism swept across the United States, including in Middle Tennessee. In the second half of the century, queer and transgender people increased their visibility through political organizing, the gay press, and pride celebrations. LGBTQ Middle Tennesseans fought for the right to exist and built a thriving community where everyone belonged.  

Use the left sidebar to navigate through the exhibit’s seven themes.