By Lauren Means
The Tennessee Pride Chamber made significant strides in 2024, focusing on supporting LGBTQ+-owned businesses, engaging in legislative advocacy, and strengthening connections within the community. The chamber’s initiatives addressed economic and social challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses in Tennessee.
Supporting LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses
A major success of the chamber this year was its renewed collaboration with the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and the Grubhub Community Fund. This partnership distributed over $1 million in grants to LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses. The funds supported a range of needs, including facility upgrades, employee wages, and marketing efforts.
Thirty percent of the grants were allocated to businesses owned by people of color and transgender individuals, ensuring a focus on equity within the program. Additionally, the initiative provided free memberships to NGLCC local affiliates for grant recipients who were not already members, helping these businesses access further resources and networking opportunities.
Advocacy and Legislative Engagement
The chamber was actively involved in state legislative advocacy during a year that saw significant challenges to LGBTQ+ rights in Tennessee. It hosted its virtual Legislative Wrap-Up event to review policy developments from the year and prepare for upcoming challenges. Advocacy efforts were aimed at opposing discriminatory bills and promoting more inclusive policies in the state.
This included the decision to revoke Tractor Supply Company’s membership to the chamber after their decision to halt support to DEI, LGBT+, or climate causes. Tractor Supply Company had been a member of the Tennessee Pride Chamber since 2021 and was nominated as Corporate Partner of the Year at the 2024 Pride in Business Awards by public vote. The chamber found it of utmost importance to address this violation of the Pride Chamber’s Member Code of Ethics ensuring members of the chamber remain committed to improving equitable and accessible LGBT+ inclusion in their workplace and Tennessee’s economy.
Celebrating Excellence: The Pride in Business Awards
The annual Pride in Business Awards celebrated individuals and organizations contributing to the LGBTQ+ community. Nashville artist MORGXN was honored with the Voice of Change Award for his advocacy and contributions to LGBTQ+ visibility. The event also recognized other leaders, small business owners, and corporate partners. This annual event attracts hundreds of attendees from across the state.
Building Connections and Community
The chamber organized educational events and networking opportunities throughout the year to foster collaboration among LGBTQ+-owned businesses and allies. These events provided platforms for sharing ideas, building partnerships, and addressing workplace inclusion.
Several Rainbow Ribbon Cuttings were held for the launch, and relaunch, of many businesses including Voce Speech Therapy, Hampton House Counseling, Epiphany Chiropractic, and Pink Door Cookies.
Also in 20204, the Tennessee Pride Chamber, partnering with Connect Media Group and Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, released the new Tennessee Pride Travel Guide. This guide provides information on visiting Tennessee’s LGBTQ+-owned and allied businesses.
Preparing for the Future
Looking ahead, the Tennessee Pride Chamber plans to build on its 2024 achievements, focusing on strengthening advocacy, supporting businesses, and addressing challenges to LGBTQ+ equality in Tennessee. As the chamber continues its work, it remains a critical resource for the community in a rapidly changing landscape.
For more information, visit www.tnpridechamber.com.
