We are working on a referrals and recommendations list for businesses, services and resources that are not only safe but also affirming and supportive of the queer community. Help us by adding your suggestions (preferably based on personal experience rather than hearsay) so that members of community, as well as those who are considering moving to our area, will have a better understanding of their options.
Your suggestions do not have to be in East Nashville, but they should be in the greater Nashville area. Some of these categories are less about queer-affirming experiences and more about general cool stuff in our area. The categories are:
- Building Your Family
- Health and Wellness
- Childcare
- Education
- Classes and Services
- Community Resources
- Household Services
- Fun in the Neighborhood
The form is long, so fill out as much or as little as you want! Thank you for your contributions!
Referrals List
Building Your Family
Being queer means that sometimes you have to get a little creative when making your family.
- Fertility Services: Tennessee Fertility
- Adoption Services: Miriam’s Promise
- Attorney: Abby Rubenfeld, Rachel Welty, Jessica Doyle
- Foster Care Services:
- Doula: Arielle Fears (Music City Doulas), Village Birth Service
- Midwife: Kin Midwifery
- OBGYN: Dr. Sharon Norman
- Lactation Specialist: Realistically Fed
Health & Wellness
Finding queer-affirming healthcare providers and wellness services can be an overwhelming task, and can be a roadblock for preventative (and emergency) care.
- Pediatrician: Dr. Lustre (East Nashville Pediatrics)
- Primary Care Physician (for parents): Dr. Monica Jimenez (Heritage Medical Associates)
- Dentist:
- Gender Affirming Care (adult):
- Gender Affirming Care (pediatric): East Nashville Pediatric
- Gynecologist or OBGYN:
- Urgent Care:
- Other Medical Specialist:
- Mental Health Services: Hampton House, Christina Lafferty, Nat Nigro, Gold Peer Counseling, Healing Umbrella Psychotherapy
- Gym:
- Yoga: Hola Yoga, Lindsey Rhodes
- Acupuncture, Reiki or Other Holistic Wellness: Encircle Acupuncture
Childcare
We all need childcare at some point, whether it’s full-time care or a rare night out.
- Daycare: Montessori East
- Parent’s Day Out (part-time toddler program): Eastwood Christian Children’s Center
- Babysitter: Nat Nigro
- Summer Day Camp: Adventure Science Center, Nashville Zoo, Nashville Children’s Theatre, YEAH! Rock Camp
Education
We have some awesome schools in our area with incredibly supportive faculty and staff!
- Preschool: Montessori East, Rosebank Pre-K, Iris Montessori
- Elementary School: Montessori East, Rosebank Elementary
- Middle School:
- High School:
- Tutor:
Classes & Activities
- Baby Groups or Parenting Classes: Mr. Andrew’s Babies and Books story time at the Inglewood Library, Musical Parenting at Tenn Little Birds, Parenting and Play with Mel’s Friends
- Music, Art, Dance or Gymnastics Classes: Tenn Little Birds, Little Art House, DancEast
- Sports Teams or Athletic Groups:
- Swimming Instruction:
- Other Extra-curricular Activities or Classes:
- Family-friendly Museums, etc.: Nashville Zoo, Frist Art Museum, Cheekwood, Nashville Children’s Theatre, Adventure Science Center, Tennessee State Museum
- Free Activities: Nashville Public Library (all locations), Shelby Park Community Center Tot Time, Tennessee State Museum Children’s Gallery
Community Resources
- Queer Advocacy:
- Neighborhood Group: MAEVE Eastside Neighbors or MAEVE Cumberland North (for those who identify as mothers)
- Parent Group:
- Church: First Unitarian Universalist Church of Nashville, Eastwood Christian Church
- Photographer: Emily April Allen, Laura Schneider
- Other Resources:
Household Services
When you welcome someone into your home for repairs or other services, it’s important to know that they’re going to be accepting of your family.
- Realtor: Marcie Nash, Grace Wagenman
- Financial Services:
- Handyperson:
- Lawncare:
- Plumber: Ron Gomez (East Nashville Plumbing)
- Electrician:
- HVAC:
- Other Recommendations:
Fun in the Neighborhood
- Kid-friendly Restaurants:
- Date Night Spots:
- Bakery: Lillian Street Bread
- Coffee Shop:
- Food Truck:
- Bar or Nightlife: Lipstick Lounge, Rosemary and Beauty Queen, QDP
- Party or Event: East Nashville Farmer’s Market, Shops at Porter East First Sunday
- Festival: Tomato Art Fest, Nashville Pride
- Bookstore: Fairytales, Novelette
- Library: Madison branch, Inglewood branch
- Record Shop: The Groove, Vinyl Tap, Grimey’s
- Toy Store: Tabla Rasa, Fairytales
- Kids Clothes: Kids Stuff
- Grown-up Clothes:
- Clothing Alterations:
- Make-up, Hair, Tattoo, etc.: Scout’s Barbershop, The Hideout
- Gifts and Home Stuff: Welcome Home, Gift Horse
- Thrift Store, Consignment, Vintage: Kids Stuff
- Plants and Flowers: Flora
- Anything Else:
East Nashville Queer Parents 