The Human Rights Campaign released the 2022 Municipal Equality Index, and Nashville is on the list. How did we score?
Each year, the Human Rights Campaign releases a Municipal Equality Index that takes a deep dive into municipal laws, policies, and services and how inclusive they are of LGBTQ+ people. This year’s edition examined 506 cities on 49 different criteria across five categories — non-discrimination laws, municipality as employer, services and programs, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality.
Based on these criteria, Nashville earned a score of 77 out of 100. Not too shabby. Here’s a breakdown of how we got here… and how we can go even further.
Non-discrimination laws
This category looks at whether LGBTQ+ discrimination is prohibited by law in areas of employment, housing, and public accommodation. Nashville achieved a 0 out of 30 for our laws across the state, county, and municipality.
Municipality as employer
Cities can achieve points for inclusive employment policies like trans-inclusive healthcare policies and non-discrimination in city employment. Nashville got a 19 out of 28, but earned bonus points for city employee domestic partner benefits.
Services and programs
This section considers the city’s efforts to include LGBTQ+ folks in city services and programs. Nashville scored 12 out of 12, and got bonus points for city-offered services to the transgender community, LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness, and more.
Law enforcement
Looking at the relationship between law enforcement and the LGBTQ+ community, Nashville earned 22 out of 22.
Leadership on LGBTQ+ equality
This section looks at city leadership’s commitment to advocacy and inclusion. Nashville got an 8 out of 8, and received bonus points for having openly LGBTQ+ elected or appointed leaders.
How do you think we could make our community more welcoming to all? Let us know.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s Swingin’ Holiday Party | Tuesday, Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S. | $39.50+ | The whole family can come out to hear jazz and swing spins on your favorite holiday classics.
Wednesday, Dec. 7
Flarelight | Wednesday, Dec. 7 | 7 p.m. | The Basement, 1604 8th Ave. S. | $10 | The band is joined by special guest Bridget Rian.
Thursday, Dec. 8
Christmas in the Carillon | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 12-1 p.m. | Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Court of Three Stars | Free | Join Ranger Gibbs in the Court of Three Stars to hear your favorite holiday tunes on the carillon bells.
Josh Turner | Thursday, Dec. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | The Fisher Center, 2020 Belmont Blvd. | $45.50+ | The artist makes a stop on his “King Size Manger” tour.
Friday, Dec. 9
Nashville’s Nutcracker | Friday, Dec. 9-Saturday, Dec. 24 | 7 p.m. | TPAC, Andrew Jackson Hall, 505 Deaderick St. | $35+ | This annual Nashville Ballet production features live music by the Nashville Symphony and a brand new, reimagined snow scene.
Allman Family Revival | Friday, Dec. 9 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave. N. | $39.50+ | The sixth annual tour features special guests celebrating the life and music of the late artist.
Saturday, Dec. 10
Nashville Predators vs. Ottawa Senators | Saturday, Dec. 10 | 12:30 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway | $65+ | Cheer on the Preds as they take on the Ottawa Senators on home ice.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
69º | Scattered thunderstorms | 73% chance of rain
Development
2023 is already shaping up to be a “Record Year.” Eric Church’s forthcoming Broadway honky tonk, “Chief’s,” is expected to open next year. The six-story bar and restaurant (200 Broadway) will serve Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ from rooftop bar “Hell of a Q” and boast a live broadcast studio. 🍺 (Nashville Business Journal)
A 25-floor office and hotel building in Midtown (1719 Hayes St.) is eyeing a fall 2023 groundbreaking. Vocé Hotel and Residences, formerly branded as Avalon Midtown, will offer 120 luxury suites, 60,000 sqft of office space, and 190 residences for sale. (Nashville Post)
Concert
Paramore is taking over the Grand Ole Opry on Monday, Feb. 6 for their “This Is Why” album release show. The band will be joined by Louis Prince + tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 9.
“Better Days” are ahead because the Goo Goo Dolls have announced they will bring their “The Big Night Out” tour to FirstBank Amphitheater on Friday, Aug. 25. The band will be joined by special guest O.A.R., and tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 9.
Sports
Homerun. The Nashville Sounds are MiLB’s “2022 Organization of the Year.” This marks the first time the team has secured the award in its 45 years in the league. This past season, the Sounds set the league record for highest attendance + set a club record for season ticket revenue.
Travel
The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back the enforcement date of Real ID by two years. Residents now have until May 7, 2025 to obtain a license or identification card to get past TSA checkpoints while traveling. ✈️ (WTVF)
Biz
The Belle Meade Kroger will eventually relocate to a nearby building formerly home to a Harris Teeter grocery store — 4301 Harding Pk. A relocation date has not yet been released. (Nashville Post)
Community
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating Ford Community Day on Sunday, Dec. 11 with free museum admission from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy a performance by Runaway June, a Songwriter Session with Parker Welling, a Musician Spotlight with Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy, and other family programs.
Active
St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series will kick off a 48-hour winter sale on Wednesday, Dec. 7, offering up to 40% off registration prices. The race takes place on Saturday, April 22-Sunday, April 23 + offers 1-mile, 5K, 6.15-mile, half marathon, and marathon distances. 👟
Cause
The 2nd annual “Santa Paws is Coming to Town” benefit concert takes place on Saturday, Dec. 10 at the Texas Troubadour Theatre. Attendees can expect performances by Danny Davis and The Ryan Joseph Family, among others. Dog supply donations will be collected to benefit Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary.
Stat
In 2022, half of first-time buyers said they made offers on five or more homes before winning one. Learn more about first-time buyer trends + preferences.*
Shop
We can’t stop thinking about the luxurious floral embroidery on this beautiful red and black dress — and it would be perfect to wear to Nashville Ballet’s “Nutcracker” performance too. The best part? It can be in your closet by Saturday with code RTRx6AM.*
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Add this to your list of “to dos” this holiday season. | Photo by NASHtoday
O Parade of Trees, O Parade of Trees, how lovely are thy branches. 13 trees for 13 UMG artists line the Garden Conservatory and Cascades atriums at Gaylord Opryland Resort until Tuesday, Jan. 10.
The event supports the First Responders Children’s Foundation, and you can map out a path to see representations of country artists: like Jordan Davis’ “What My World Spins Around”-themed fir + custom-decorated trees paying homage to other greats like George Strait, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, and Luke Bryan, among others.
For 34 more days, you can donate to your favorite treevia Charity Stars to win a variety of prize packages — think: Maddie and Tae’s “Ultimate Orlando Getaway” and Sam Hunt’s “West Coast VIP Experience.”
THE WRAP
Today’s issue was written by Skylar.
Editor’s pick: If you’re anything like Elsa, maybe the cold never bothered you anyways. However, if you’re anything like me, the rain sure does. There looks to be spot showers in the forecast all week long, so here are a few suggestions of things you can do indoors if you need to pivot your plans: Go ice skating at Centennial Sportsplex or Ford Ice Center, climb on at Adventure Science Center’s Adventure Gallery, or schedule your aura reading with Tertiary Sight. 📅
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