Knoxville Resources

Resources are added from my website Knoxville LGBTQ Friendly Business Directory LGBTQ Friendly Businesses plus Resources and Support Groups. - Beau Knowles LGBT

SUPPORT GROUP​

The Lesbian Social Group of Knoxville TN
LSG is 28 yrs old. Come hang out with a great group of womyn. We offer dances, hikes, kayaking and biking for our members. We are very member driven. What are you interested in? The best way to get what you want out of the group is to help organize events. We have done everything from camp outs to speed dating. We also provide resources and support. LSG a positive visible presence in the LGBTQ community. @LSGKnoxville Email
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Keep Knox Queer A Knoxville, Tennessee queer-friendly social group focused on fun, education, & community. Keep Knox Queer (KKQ) is dedicated to social networking and hosting events to bring queer East Tennessee together. Events range from pop-up queer dance parties (QDPs) to game nights, karaoke, book club, outdoor activities, community volunteer work, holiday events, and more! @keepknoxqueer

Southern Rainbows TN Facebook group was started by a small group of friends in 2014. We are mainly women of various orientations in Tennessee, but other states are welcome. Our activities foster friendship & empowerment.

Fun with Friends Knoxville Fun with Friends Knoxville Founded in 2018, Fun with Friends Knoxville (FwF) is a highly active social group in East TN with thousands of members. We began as a small group of friends meeting twice a week. Every week we would invite people at the establishments to join us that evening and the following as we played games, socialized and hung out. Realizing the benefit in this, we began a Facebook group page. PO Box 70784 Knoxville, TN 37938 865-279-8250 Email

East TN Autism Peer Support Peer support group for Autistic and Neuro divergent adults in East Tennessee. Discussion and monthly in person meet up. Pro positivity and celebrating neurodiversity. We welcome those with autism/ Asperger's and acknowledge that not everyone has access to diagnosis, and that self-diagnosis is valid! We are an inclusive group that aims to be welcoming and accessible to people with intellectual disabilities, nonspeaking people, people with mobility impairments, etc. We are also woman, lgbtq+, minority inclusive and led and will not tolerate hate speech or bigotry/ racism. 18yrs +
Knoxville LGBTQ+ & Allies This is for LGBTQ+ and allies of Knoxville, Tennessee. This group is solely to support one another in our communities and bring us all together. “With arms wide open, WELCOME to this group”!

SURROUNDING AREAS​

BRADLEY COUNTY TN
LGBTQ+ Cleveland, TN Cleveland And Surrounding areas LGBT+ Advocacy and Community Outreach. Allies are super encouraged to be a part of it too. We hope to build a steady community that offers resources for everyone and advocates for equality.

SEVIER COUNTY TN

Sevier LGBTQIA2S+ & Allies is a group solely created for individuals who live or work in Sevier County and the surrounding areas who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ or consider themselves an ally. Creating a safe environment for the inclusion of all genders and sexual orientations is the main priority, other concerns include exposing homophobic, transphobic, racist or sexist individuals, businesses or organizations in the area. 

Sevier LGBTQ+ NeighborsSevier LGBTQ+ Neighbors Love is the guiding force behind everything we do. We believe that love has the power to bring people together, to heal wounds, and to create positive change. With love as our main theme, we aspire to build a more compassionate and inclusive world, where love triumphs over hate, where acceptance overcomes prejudice, and where every member of the LGBTQ+ community can thrive and live their lives authentically. (Groups offers both in person and online activities Dine OUT, Virtual Movie Night, Chess Club, Support Group, Game Nights (every other week on Friday) and CommUNITY Meeting. Activities may change with the seasons. -Beau Feb 2025) PO Box 6854, Sevierville, TN, Email sevierlgbtqneighbors.org

ROANE COUNTY TN
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Roane Co. LGBTQ & Allies! This group is intended to allow Roane County (and surrounding counties) members and allies of the LGBTQ community a safe place to meet each other and form friendships. ​

LOCAL RESOURCES

KNOX COUNTY TN
Free Mom Hugs- Tennessee This is the Tennessee State Chapter of Free Mom Hugs. Our Mission Statement: Empowering the world to Celebrate the LBGTQIA+ Community through visibility, education, and conversation. And yes, we still give hugs. Nonprofit Organization @FreeMomHugs

Gyrlgroove We support female artists, civic organizations that provide support services to women, and any organization that seeks to enhance the strength of womynhood in today's social, political and economic environment. Email

Knoxville LGBTQ Friendly Business Community Promotes LGBTQ businesses and those friendly to our community. We offer free listing space for nonprofits geared to or accepting of the lgbtq community. These listing are shared with other organizations so that all groups and individuals have the same information. Owner Beau says "by sharing resources we are Creating Community Highlighting on UNITY". Businesses are offered support and sponsorship opportunities on our web page. 865-236-0521 PO Box 22081 Knoxville TN 37933 @Knoxlgbtbusinesses Email

Knoxville Gay Men's Discussion Group Over 25 yrs together. We meet each Monday from 7:30pm to 9:00 pm at TVUUC 2931 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN

Appalachian Equality Chorus A group of individuals joining voices to support the gay community and to build bridges between the LGBTQ+ community and everyone else in East Tennessee. 865.255.5623 Facebook @KnoxvilleGayMensChorus Email

Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) Founded in 2004, engages state and local governments in Tennessee on behalf of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. We fight negative legislation at the state level such as the Don't Say Gay, License to Bully, and Turn the Gays Away bills. Leave a voice mail or text us at (615) 212-3947. Facebook #TennesseeEqualityProject Email

Knox Pride The East Tennessee Equality Council’s (ETEC) d.b.a. Knox Pride's mission is to provide and conduct educational, cultural, and informational programs supporting the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community throughout East TN@knoxpridefest [email protected]

Knox Pride Vocation Center Knox Pride is a 501c3 non-profit organization in Knoxville, TN. Our vocation suite is a learning facility for meetings, activities, and group gatherings. 4028 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville, TN 37920

Knoxville Cares GLBT & HIV+ Community. Hosts Knoxville’s World Aid’s Day 3115 Delrose Dr. Knoxville, TN 37914 865.621.1943 Email

Knoxville Queer History Voices Out Loud: East Tennessee LGBTQ History Project Voices Out Loud works to collect, share, and preserve East Tennessee’s LGBTQ+ history and culture. Let’s #MakeHistoryTogether. #VoicesOutLoudTN Email

Knoxville Rainbow Library The little free LGBTQ+ library of Knoxville is a place to find yourself in the pages of books. Free to all, Library is currently mobile, you may see it at a festival in the near future. Sponsored by Voices Out Loud: The LGBTQ+ History Project of East TN.Email

LGBT Liaison to the Mayor works closely with LGBTQ+ groups and individuals to hear concerns and to share information through outreach and public education. The Liaison advises the Mayor on LGBTQ+ policy and other issues on the local, state and national levels. If you have suggestions or concerns about LGBTQ+ issues in Knoxville, please contact the Mayor’s LGBT Liaison. 500 Main Street Room 352 865-215-3966 Email

Knoxville Police Department LGBT Liaison The purpose of the Knoxville Police Department’s LGBTQ Liaison is to strengthen the relationship between the LGBTQ+ community and the Police Department. By establishing an ongoing dialogue, the Liaison hears directly from community members about concerns, works collaboratively with the community to identify solutions, and educates about recommended safety measures and available resources. The LGBTQ Liaison also serves as an internal resource for KPD on issues of inclusiveness. Officer Phyllis Tonkin Knoxville Police Department LGBTQ Liaison 1650 Huron Street Knoxville, TN 37917 865-215-1308 Email

SURROUNDING AREAS
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Metro Knoxville Pride Center A collective initiative to open a Pride Center for Knox County and surrounding areas. We have created a needs assessment to figure out how we can best help our LGBTQIA+ community. Please join us! Our google form is available on our facebook page or visit https://forms.gle/s7iCuw8YqUmsPnmx7 Email

BLOUNT COUNTY TN

Appalachian OUTReach is a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to empower, connect, and support the East Tennessee lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people through the provision of safe and healthy, inclusively welcoming, OUR MISSION Empower, Connect, & Support East TN LGBTQ+ communities. @appalachianoutreach

SEVIER COUNTY TN
Sevier Community Outreach This group is for the members of the Sevier Community Outreach group meeting at at the King Family Library to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and programs for the community.

CHATTANOOGA TN
Chattanooga Pride is the LGBTQ+ Pride Festival for the greater Chattanooga area. Managed by the 501(c)3 non-profit Tennessee Valley Pride. Our volunteer board works year-round to bring the LGBTQ+ community and our allies together for events, various causes, and to build networks of support which benefit all of us (423) 402-0408 PO BOX 8116 Chattanooga, TN 37414-0116 @TennesseeValleyPride
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Sanctuary Cafe and Performing Arts Sanctuary is a Non-religious Community Café and Performing Arts Venue for the Chattanooga region providing: Safety, Acceptance, Fellowship, Expression. Resources. (423) 305-9679 4707 12th Ave, Chattanooga, TN @sanctuarychattanooga Email

JOHNSON CITY TN

Pride Community & Education Center We are a non-profit Gay & Lesbian community center in the Tri-Cities of NE TN, dedicated to creating a space to nurture and empower the LGBTQ people here. @PrideTriCities [email protected] http://www.pridetricities.com/

ASHEVILLE NC
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Blue Ridge Pride Center We seek to foster an inclusive community, where people are embraced for who they are and feel welcomed to engage and contribute. We focus on LGBTQ and allied communities in WNC. 828) 423-0655 @blueridgepridecenter [email protected] http://www.blueridgepride.org/ ​

NATIONAL

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SPIRITUAL

SPIRITUAL RESOURCES This link goes to the Knoxville LGBTQ Friendly Business Directory Spiritual/Church List with over 35 churches on it.  There are many spiritual organizations in Knoxville to help you center your soul. Please click on the link to learn more about these great organizations. 

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Transgender Resources

Click link to the Transgender resources that are available under the lgbtq resources for Knoxlgbtbusinesses website. 

ADD INFO

ADD INFORMATION Please contact me if I need to change or add information. I do not add articles or resources that are relevant to my readers. Thanks. Beau ​

YOUTH

​Acceptance Association Acceptance Association in a grassroots effort to provide resources to lgbtqia youth & their supporters. Our focus is the youth of Appalachian states beginning in Tennessee. We are currently targeting areas that have less lgbtqia youth resources, specifically the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, and Georgia. Areas typically known as Southern Appalachia. Please follow our facebook page to learn how to help.

Bryant's Bridge LGBT Youth Transition Home When a young person comes out to their family most often they are not met with complete acceptance. They are met with a range of responses. Sometimes the family completely abandons the youth, often for years. This gap of time is when LGBT youth find themselves with no one to turn to. Sometimes they have nowhere to live and nowhere to go. We lose so many in that gap to addiction, disruptive behavior and suicide. Bryant's Bridge has a place for you to fit in and receive help. We will provide you with housing, healthcare referral, mental health and substance abuse counseling referral, college support, and mentoring programs. Bryant's Bridge is a 501c3 nonprofit. We are opening our first house January in 2021. Email us for information or to learn how you can be a partner of Bryant's Bridge. 865-300-1584 Email @bryantsbridge

GLSEN Tennessee GLSEN Middle Tennessee envisions a world in which every child learns to accept and respect all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. 615-669-6744


Knoxville Queer Youth + Allies (KQYA) Hosting events and building community. By youth. For youth. Email
Voices for LGBTQ+ Youth The mission of this group is to make Knox County Schools safer and more supportive for LGBTQ students. Issues that need support are: 1. Changes to KCS district policy to combat anti-LGBT bullying, and to require gender-affirming treatment & restroom access for transgender students. 2. Teacher outreach & education on LGBT issues/needs. 3. Visibility for issues related to trans youth, including community engagement & education. 4. General awesomeness.

Youth Pride Fest is a day to celebrate the diversity of all youth. Our goal is to celebrate and support LGBTQ Youth and their Friends and Allies. All middle and high school age youth are invited. No registration necessary. Come ready to have fun and make new friends! First Presbyterian Church of Oak Ridge, TN Email

Youth WINS (When In Need of Support) is a multi-funded program working with unaccompanied youth between the ages of l8 – 22 (age extended to 24) who are struggling with housing insecurities or homelessness. Our Youth Advisors work diligently to assist youth (including those who are still in High School) to find stable housing and connect them to community resources for education, employment, and job training. These services help youth achieve stability and safety as they move on a path to self-sufficiency and sustainable life style. (When speaking to the director of this program recently, she explained that many lgbtq youth are homeless.) Call for assistance or to learn more. Monday-Friday 8am-4:45pm Call 865-546-3500
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Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Youth WINS sponsors a Youth Advisory Board (YAB). YAB is a youth-driven advisory board that educates and advises community leaders on challenges homeless youth face while creating pathways to eliminate youth homelessness through leadership and empowerment. Monday-Friday 8am-4:45pm Call 865-546-3500

MARYVILLE TN
Appalachian OUTReach has a youth meetup online every Saturday. The purpose of Appalachian OUTreach is to reduce the impact that isolation, discrimination, and oppression has on the East Tennessee LGBTQ+ community. (865) 268-9098 Email ​
GLSEN Tennessee GLSEN Middle Tennessee envisions a world in which every child learns to accept and respect all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. 615.669.6744 Facebook.com/GLSENTN

Gay-Straight Alliances are student clubs that work to make schools safe for all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. https://www.facebook.com/gaystraightalliances

The Trevor Project Teen Depression Help For LGBTQ+ A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth.(866) 488-7386 www.thetrevorproject.org

Talkline GLBT National Help Center Toll-free 1-800-246-PRIDE (1-800-246-7743) HOURS: M-F 4pm -12amSaturday from 12pm- 5pm [email protected] glbthotline.org/talkline

COLAGE unites people with one or more lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and/or asexual parent into a network of peers and supports them as they nurture and empower each other to be skilled, self-confident, and just leaders in our collective communities. [email protected] https://www.colage.org


FAMILY
PFLAG Oakridge TN is the extended family of the LGBTQ+ community. We're made up of LGBTQ+ individuals, family members and allies. 865.556.3099 Email
Knox Parents of LGBTQ Youth Group UT Psychological Clinic therapists will be running a support and psychoeducational group serving parents of youth (K-12th grade) who identify as LGBTQ. (865) 974-2161 Email Website

Families Together Academy The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC) is proud to announce the kick-off of our Families Together Academy. The FTA will provide free education to empower families to thrive. We welcome all families and individuals to come together to learn in a relaxed, informal setting. Class topics will include Financial Stabilization, Cooking, Anger Management and Conflict Resolution, How to Save Energy, Parenting, Building Healthy Relationships, Opioid Education, Managing Holiday Stress, Job Preparation, Resume Building, etc. Partnering community banks will also provide classes such as Second Chance Banking, Home Ownership, Credit Counseling and Predatory Lending. Classes will be held throughout the year both at our main location at the Ross Building as well as our Neighborhood Centers. Refreshments and opportunities to win door prizes will be provided. (In speaking to the organizer of this program she assured me it is lgbtq accepting. -Beau )
Email Susan to sign up for classes or to request a specific class.


COLLEGE
MC Pride Following a vision of diversity for the 21st century, the Gay-Straight Alliance is a student organization that comes together to provide a welcoming, supportive, and respectful environment that encourages dialogue about issues of gender and human sexuality among the Maryville College community.

Maryville University Online This college guide for LGBTQ Students from Maryville University Online covers a variety of topics, ranging from LGBTQ+ statistics to financial resources as well as information on legal rights and mental health concerns the community may have.

Pellissippi Pride is a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, curious, open-minded and accepting student organization for Pellissippi State Technical Community College in Knoxville, Tennessee. The club's current mission is to offer unity, resources and support in educational, political and social events. Our participation policy is mutual respect. Club for the LGBTQ+/Ally community. Spring 2020 meetings have been cancelled through the end of this semester. Email

UTK Pride Center As a physical symbol of UT's commitment to diversity, Pride Center provides support, resources, and a community space for UT's LGBTQIA and ally students, faculty, and staff, as well as anyone who seeks to learn. 865-974-7803 @UTKpridecenter Email
oSTEM Empowering LGBTQ+ students and allies. We are the chapter of oSTEM at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Our mission is to empower LGBTQ+ STEM students and allies through advocacy, support, and community at UTK. Email


OUTgrads is an organization for LGBTQ+ and ally graduate students at the University of Tennessee. The group aims to support friendships and networking among graduate students while maintaining an active roll in the education and advancement of UT's LGBTQ+ community, promoting unity, acceptance, and visibility . @utkoutgrads Email


Roane State LGBT Club The purpose of this organization is to facilitate networking between LGBT and allied members of Roane State and to educate the Roane State community regarding issues relevant to LGBT students and families. This club will sponsor workshops, disseminate research and materials on LGBT issues, hold networking and social events and participate in service projects geared towards the LGBT community. Email

NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
Campus Pride represents the only national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization for student leaders and campus groups working to create a safer college environment for LGBT students. The organization is a volunteer-driven network "for" and "by" student leaders. The primary objective of Campus Pride is to develop necessary resources, programs and services to support LGBT and ally students on college campuses across the United States. https://www.campuspride.org/ ​

SPORTS​

The Hard Knox Roller Girls (HKRG) is an all female flat track roller derby league located in Knoxville, TN. We are a competitive sports organization who strives to improve individual athleticism, self-discipline, and character while promoting team unity.
Fun with Friends Sports Knoxville We are a coed recreational sports league who pride ourselves in fun, growth, community and good sportsmanship! We are based in Knoxville, TN and hold hands with our social group, Fun with Friends Knoxville Social. (865) 279-8250 Email

IWFL (Independent Women's Football League) Knoxville Tennessee Women's Tackle Football Team 338 Sunrise Dr Kingston, Tennessee 865.399.1325 Email


K-Town Softball League We provide East Tennessee’s LGBTQ+ community and allies the opportunity to experience recreational softball in a welcoming, fun, and competitive environment. Email


The Litas Knoxville The Litas is focused on building local communities of women who share the LOVE for two and three wheels, welcoming women from all walks of life. We are inclusive and celebrate our differences as we come together over our shared passion for motorcycles.


Pride Sports Knoxville is part of the Pride Sports USA, founded in 2020 is a sports organization for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies! Our goal is to provide a fun, organized and affordable league to all. Located in several cities around the country and 20,000+ players! The Knoxville group currently has Kick ball events but would like to make teams for many sports. Please go to their facebook page to learn how to get involved. @PrideSportsKnoxville


Knoxville Women's Rugby Knoxville Minx - Women's Rugby Empowering you. Join a family that emphasizes competition, fitness, and camaraderie. All athletic abilities are welcome. No experience is necessary. The Minx compete in the D2 True South union. We are the current (3-time) True South champions. The Minx hold practices and fun fitness weekly. Email #Knoxminx​

Marble City Mayhem We are the Marble City Mayhem roller derby team from Knoxville, Tennessee. We are an open-gender team who come together to perform our passion, our #1 goal is to have fun doing it! Email

TN Car Craze Women’s Car Club We love to talk about cars and the crazy things Tennessean’s do to their cars. We go to car shows, plan activities and may even work on our cars.
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MENTAL HEALTH

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HELP LINES 
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