2024-25 Programs Book

OUR 2024-25 AGENDA

To Nurture Belonging

FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR phil cobucci (they/them)

Nuturing belonging for our beloved community.

Beloved Community, After a year of research and resource building, we are so excited to share the future of our ongoing and upcoming programs at inclusion tennessee. An ntentional approach to nurturing belonging is at the core of our community-building efforts.

Through our multi-faceted projects, we are fostering a strong network of support for the LGBTQIA+ community throughout Tennessee. We are committed to not just tolerance, but working towards full acceptance and inclusion for every member of our community.

We are also channeling our efforts into supporting different age groups and identities within our community through each program. From empowering the LGBTQIA+ youth to understanding and addressing the needs of LGBTQIA+ older adults, we are constantly striving to cater to the unique needs of our community members.

Our focus extends to supporting the transgender and gender expansive community with wellness supportive programming, enhancing the health outcomes for the LGBTQIA+ community, and promoting community connection in affirming spaces. Our aim is to offer a well-rounded approach to supporting our community members in every aspect of their lives.

Looking forward, we are eager to establish a brand new LGBTQIA+ center for the Middle Tennessee region. We envision it as a vibrant hub of services and a welcoming space for fostering community connections. This initiative embodies our goal of strengthening our community's fabric and profoundly impacting the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in the Nashville region and beyond.

As community leaders, we remain committed to fostering a thriving LGBTQIA+ community that moves beyond a deficit of hope to one that instills beliefs and behaviors of a community of belonging.

We continue to need your support for this vital work.

Here's to our ability to thrive!

Onward,

phil cobucci Executive Director & Founder

FROM OUR BOARD PRESIDENT Dr. Quinton Walker (he/him)

Growing & thriving through adversity together.

Dear Friend, We’re born out of the need and the desire to have a physical place for our community to gather in Middle Tennessee. Revealed through a felt need, a multi-year comprehensive Community Visioning Project, and an all-too-common refrain that finding community in and around Nashville can be challenging, inclusion tennessee aims to move the needle forward for the LGBTQIA+ community by building a place and space for all of us to gather and flourish.

Finding a community where one truly belongs can be a fleeting task. We hope, through our efforts, that we can join in with the range of community partners, non-profits, and people already doing meaningful work to contribute to the collective good of our community. Nashville and Middle Tennessee deserves nothing less.

How much stronger would our community be with a place for all of us to gather?

Let’s find out. We're excited for you to join us in this work.

Dr. Quinton P. Walker Board President

OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Maryam Abdallah

Patrick Custer

Dr. Matthew Gann

Ray Holloman

Pam Kelner

Marcia Masulla

Dr. Christopher Ott

Dr. Kristin Rager

JP Yarbrough

Del Ray Zimmerman

(she/her)

(he/him)

Joel Morales (he/him)

Deborah Vahle (she/her)

(he/him)

(she/her)

(he/him)

(he?him)

(he/him)

(she/her)

(she/her)

(he?him)

OUR MISSION

To connect people, opportunities, and resources to enrich and enhance the multi-faceted LGBTQIA+ community.

OUR VISION To live in a place where we all belong and thrive.

OUR REACH We connect people to programs and services that are a benefit to all residents of Tennessee.

Our home base is in Nashville, with the core of our efforts focusing on the ten-county region that makes up the Nashville economic market.

Our programmatic efforts prioritize these counties throughout Middle and Southeast Tennessee.

OUR PROGRAMS We have three key programs. Each of our initiatives lead back to our mission as we nurture belonging in our LGBTQIA+ communities throughout Tennessee.

OUR IMPACT PROGRAMMING

Health and wellness initiatitves for every age.

OUR BELONGING PROGRAMMING

A collaborative approach to list building & healthcare navigation.

OUR WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

Building a space for safety and belonging to ensure our collective ability to thrive.

OUR IMPACT PROGRAMMING

A collaborative approach to list building & healthcare navigation At inclusion tennessee, we are committed to fostering a welcoming community. Through our Embrace Collaborative, we're developing a comprehensive guide specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community in Middle Tennessee. Through this project, we aim to strategically collaborate with other influential groups to amplify our collective efforts and support community members with robust navigation. We firmly believe that initiating insightful dialogues and unveiling innovative programs will drive monumental change.

We're not simply hoping for a transformed community, we're actively facilitating it. This work is about fostering deeper connections, promoting relentless kindness, and cultivating interdependency. With multiple organizations coming together in partnership, we are working together to create, amend, and vet providers for our LGBTQIA+ community members.

PROJECT FOCUS

Over the past decade, our community organizations have launched numerous initiatives to compile a comprehensive list of LGBTQIA+ programs, resources, medical professionals, and more.

Unfortunately, due to being under-resourced, despite being driven by good intentions, these efforts have often fallen short or become narrowly focused.

We believe in the transformative power of partnership to address this need, first identified in the 2019 Community Visioning Project. By uniting organizations that have already begun compiling lists in their respective fields, we can consolidate these resources into a single digital tool. This tool will be built on the foundations of safety, security, and a principled approach to vetting resources, ensuring LGBTQIA+ structural competency and care. Those with an affinity for web and cloud computing will be vital.

We envision our role as a facilitator, working in tandem with leading community resources and programs. By first developing an effective and robust collaborative vetting process, we will develop lists where we know we are connecting our community to competent care. Secondly, by partnering with technology providers to craft a solution tailored to our community's needs, we will be able to build a tool that is sustainable.

OUR WELLNESS PROGRAMMING

Our whole health experience is key to our ability to thrive. inclusion tennessee is dedicated to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the LGBTQIA+ community in Middle Tennessee. We strive to achieve this by educating individuals about prevalent health issues and guiding them on accessing services from healthcare providers committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment.

Our commitment extends further to providing essential tools, resources, and support to marginalized individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community, with the goal of improving their living conditions. Acknowledging the systemic barriers that hinder progress and opportunities for many in our community, we are dedicated to assisting individuals in overcoming these obstacles and achieving upward mobility. By nurturing a community where everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, can thrive, we aim to collaboratively build a more inclusive, accepting, and healthier society for all.

PROGRAM INITIATIVES

TRANS NAME CHANGE & LEGAL SERVICES

TRANS & GENDER EXPANSIVE JUSTICE

Over the last year, with our legal partners, we have been able to assist over 300 people with name change and gender marker change services throughout Tennessee. These individuals, a majority of whom identify as part of our TGX community, have seen real and immediate benefit from this program. We anticipate being able to continue offering these clinics each quarter with expansion into suburban and rural locations through digital engagement.

We're actively engaged in several initiatives, aimed at community engagement, education, and collaboration. Community research has and will continue to inform our TGX programming throughout the midstate. Further, we prioritize education both within and outside the community to foster understanding and solidarity. We acknowledge the unique challenges the trans community in Tennessee faces, including access to inclusive care and the inherent risks that come with visibility.

OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS

YOUTH PROGRAMMING

inclusion tennessee acknowledges the lack of programming to address the needs of LGBTQ+ older adults in Middle Tennessee. Through extensive research and community engagement, we've identified an urgency for tailored programs and services to combat loneliness and isolation.

Alongside community partners we are creating innovative programming aimed at promoting socialization and well-being. Through these efforts, we are fostering connections and creating a more inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ older adults.

Empowering LGBTQ+ youth is central to our mission. we provide a safe and sober affinity space where young people can connect, express themselves, and access vital resources. our programming includes advocacy training, educational opportunities, and school support services to help LGBTQ+ youth thrive and succeed. Our programs contain efforts to engage youth with leadership, training and comraderie opportunities for ages 13 - 24. Applications for our Q Squad programming open up Summer 2024.

PROGRAM INITIATIVES

VOTING & ADVOCACY

COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Through our collaborative relationships, we have developed strategies to improve not only voter registration numbers in the LGBTQIA+ community, but also improve voter education. Our resources have focused on informing voters of their rights and how to navigate an unfavorable polling experience. We have set up voter registration and informational sessions at multiple concert venues to expand how we engage with queer voters. Outside of community engagment, we have also focused on advocacy and education including updates on the status of legislation and voting deadlines. Queer the Vote is imperative to promoting resilience in Tennessee.

By fostering multi-sector collaboration through a connection to resources, education, and having a shared vision of equity we can ensure positive outcomes for community members. Through our mpwmnt initiative we look to address the social determinants of health to help shape community outcomes through education programs. These efforts can include training on housing access, financial planning and training, education on supportive services, employment training and more -- all through a safe and affirming lens for LGBTQIA+ people.

BUILDING LEADERSHIP

SUPPORTING THE QUEER ECONOMY

The involvement of a community advisory board is imperative to continuing inclusion tennessee's effort of involving those outside of the organization. We believe that the community should have a say in how they are supported and what resources are essential to promote thriving in the LGBTQIA+ community of Middle Tennessee. Applications for each squad (Flourish, Embrace, Gather, and inclusion) position are filled via application, making it open to any interested community member. Ultimately, the community advisory board will guide community building and refine the big picture goals and initiatives.

This online storefront is stocked with a variety of merchandise created by LGBTQ+ artists and makers.

The proceeds from this shop benefit the artists and inclusion tennessee. In addition to the virtual shop, Queerbop is also set up as a vendor at other events and programming that we participate in. Investing in LGBTQ+ creators is imperative to inclusion tennessee's presence in Tennessee and promoting resilience in the community. Queerbop was founded to empower and inspire LGBTQ+ people and artists in Tennessee.

OUR BELONGING PROGRAMMING

Together, we can build a space for belonging. inclusion tennessee is eager to realize our vision of establishing Nashville's first full-service, all ages LGBTQIA+ Community Center. This groundbreaking initiative will create a vibrant hub of services, a welcoming gathering space, and a platform for fostering community connections. The center, conceived as a safe haven, will offer a broad range of resources tailored to the LGBTQIA+ community's needs, including health services, educational programs, and support groups. It will also host social interactions, cultural events, and workshops to promote understanding and inclusivity.

Our aspiration is not just to create a physical space, but to build a dynamic community ecosystem offering support, empowerment, and a sense of belonging.

By actualizing this vision, we aim to strengthen our community's fabric and profoundly impact the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in Nashville and beyond.

Before our efforts towards embarking on an effort to build an LGBTQIA+ Community Center are fully engaged, we believe that there are multiple programmatic efforts to be developed that allow us to gather, learn, support and lead.

FROM A DEFICIT OF HOPE:

preventing

APATHY #1

A

pathy is a state of indifference or disinterest that can manifest in various settings, including communities or educational institutions like schools. Particularly concerning LGBTQIA+ issues and acceptance, apathy tends to arise when a certain level of tolerance towards the LGBTQIA+ community has been achieved, but full acceptance and understanding have not.

This state of apathy often exists in environments where the majority of individuals believe that LGBTQIA+ related problems ar non-existent. This belief usually stems from the absence of overt or openly expressed forms of discrimination, leading to a misconception that equality and acceptance have already been fully established.

Therefore, it's crucial to challenge this apathy and continuously strive for not just tolerance, but full acceptance and inclusion, ensuring that every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

At inclusion tennessee, we recognize that apathy can emerge in communities where there's a perceived level of tolerance but not full acceptance of the LGBTQIA+ community. This also impacts ou own community. To combat this, we've implemented programs that aim to shift perceptions and promote full acceptance, challenging the apathy that arises from the misconception that "nothing further needs to be done."

W

hen we look at Tennessee and many states throughout the United States, our Sexual and Gender Minority communities are facing multiple challenges and hitting crossroads. Democracy is retreating, our healthcare is being threatened or ripped away, the economy is growing and leaving so many of us behind, and climate change is advancing. The challenges are massive.

At a moment when there’s never been more wealth flooding into Tennessee and the South, more connection, more innovation, our LGBTQIA+ communities are being crushed by a deficit. A deficit of hope.

These deficits are particularly evident within Sexual and Gender Minority communities, including transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, intersex, asexual, and Two-Spirit individuals. Our communities have often been studied from a deficit-based perspective, which fails to recognize their inherent resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Addressing the deficit of hope within marginalized communities can contribute to societal progress and individual well-being, guiding us towards a more inclusive and healthier society. What this moment requires, more than anything else, is to see the dignity, the worth, and the promise, of every single person in our beloved community so we all may begin to find true belonging.

healing a

DEFICIT OF HOPE #2

TO THRIVING COMMUNITIES

C COMMUNITY creating a

OF BELONGING #3

C

reating a thriving community requires the establishment of a strong culture, which is formed by three key elements: belief, behavior, and boundaries. Belief refers to what the community believes about itself and its members. It's about the shared values, ideologies, and principles that bind the community together. Behavior, on the other hand, pertains to the expected actions and conduct of community members. It involves shared norms and practices that guide how members interact with each other and outside entities. Boundaries define what the community stands for and against, setting the limits of acceptable behaviors and beliefs.

Cultures often already exist within communities, and it's important to identify these existing cultural aspects. In our quest to become a cultural and community hub, inclusion tennessee understands that the challenge lies in nurturing, eliminating, or intentionally planting aspects of culture to strengthen the community's identity and unity. It's about recognizing and reinforcing positive cultural traits while transforming or removing those that are detrimental to the community's well-being.

onnecting with others is a process that brings joy and support, linking individuals to their authentic minority identity. Lack of connection or negative experiences of rejection leads to feelings of loneliness and frustration. When we build communities of belonging, we find acceptance through connections with others, which in turn cultivates love, fulfillment, and companionship, with chosen family often providing the encouragement and understanding that may be lacking from relationships with one's family of origin.

We believe that to create a community of belonging, we must offer opportunities to engage in enriching pursuits that bring happiness and positive emotions. We also help our community members explore their authentic selves, celebrate their genuine identity, enhance personal expression, and celebrate our beloved community. Our LGBTQIA+ community consistently experiences challenges of social rejection, stigma, and discrimination due to our identities.

so we may have

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THRIVING COMMUNITY #4

YOU CAN HELP US GROW

inclusion tennessee is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit with the internal revenue service and all donations are 100% tax deductible.

We have been Gold Certified with Candid/Guidestar. We proudly offer multiple ways to support our work whether it be through a monthly recurring donation, your company, or planned giving. Our team will help you find the best way to get involved.

GIVE YOUR WAY www.inclusiontn.org/support

Founders Circle By joining our Founders Circle, you are supporting the work of inclusion tennessee every month with a recurring gift of $25, $50 or $100 per month. Your gift allows us to keep our programs and services operational and consistently growing. As a perk of joining our Founders Circle, we will provide you with access to exclusive discounts to area businesses that support the LGBTQ+ community and inclusion tennessee's programming.

Become a Sponsor There are many unique opportunities to bring your business along as a sponsor and supporter of inclusion. A comprehensive sponsorship guide is available for businesses of every size from small to large to join us in our vision to create a community that belongs and thrives.

Our comprehensive sponsorship opportunities can be found at the at inclusiontn.org/sponsor.

Planned & Foundation Giving Through our membership with the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, we are able to work with family foundations and other individuals who want to route their giving through our Giving Matters profile. You can learn more about these offerings on our website: www.inclusiontn.org/support

THANK YOU "When we create beloved community, environments that are anti-racist and inclusive, it need not matter whether those spaces are diverse. What matters is that should difference enter the world of beloved community, it can find a place of welcome, a place to belong."

-bell hooks

IN TENNESSEE, INC. #84-2406265 2817 West End Avenue #126-166 Nashville, TN 37203

CREDITS: Cover Photography: Clockwise (Young Person by Konstiantyn Zapylaie, Holding Hands by Cavan, Senior Pride Joy by Emily April Allen, Bloom Vivaciously by Emily April Allen, Vivica Steele at City Winery by Best Effort, DR by Fernando Grainger, Purple Short Hair by iStock, RT by Fernando Grainger, Have a Heart Rally by John Amis/AP Images, Senior Pride Group by Emily April Allen, Raquel Willis by Brooke Atkinson, Queer Women Visability by Emily April Allen, Young Male Couple Jump by Kraken, TDOR by phil cobucci, Black Female Couple by Joy C. Lesbian Visability by Emily April Allen, Vidalia Anne Gentry by John Amis/AP Images, Black Male Couple by Cavan.) Board and Staff Photography by Laura Schneider; Background Images: (2; Emily April Allen. 3; John Amis/AP Images. 4; Laura Schneider. 5; Lomb. 6; David G. 7; Mego-Studio. 8; Alexis S. 9: Emily April Allen. 10; Emily April Allen. 11; Emily April Allen. 12; Zera Ruzgar. 13; MVProductions. 14; Nito.

Programs Development by phil cobucci, Finn S-P, Shawn R, Al M, Kashif G. Authored by phil cobucci, Al M, Shawn R, Finn S-P. Edited by Kashif G, Shawn R., Finn S-P, Al M. Design, layout and graphics by phil cobucci. 2024-2025 © IN TENNESSEE, INC.