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The Memphis Gaydar is also a fun way to stay apprised with gay news, events, and more in the city and surrounding areas.
This historic city has one of the most prominent LGBT community theater organizations, Friends of George’s.
However, Clarksville is headed in the right direction.
Clarksville has its own Pride Fest and an active group of advocates that run Equality Clarksville. In order to create our list of the most friendly, inclusive, and open places for LGBT individuals to live, we looked at pride events, gay-friendly businesses, LGBT non-profits, and LGBT organizations.
We looked at:
- Percentage of all households that are unmarried, same sex partners
We limited the analysis to non-CDPs that have over 1,000 households.
We ranked each place from 1 to 139 with the city containing the highest percentage of unmarried, same sex partners households being the most gay.
In the end, ended up being the the most gay place with 3.77% gay households.
Skip to the end to see the list of all the places in the state from gayest to straighest.
We updated this report for 2025.
Nashville and Memphis, in particular, are known for their inclusive atmosphere and diverse range of lgbtq+Q+ events.
- Nashville Pride: Nashville Pride is an annual event held in June, commemorating lgbtq+Q+ Pride Month. We’ve put together a list of the 9 most LGBT-friendly places to live in Tennessee. The Edge and Club XYZ are two local favorites when it comes to letting your hair down and having a drink in a gay-friendly bar.
Other highlights that make Knoxville a great place to be out and proud include that it was one of the first cities in the south and the first in Tennessee to have an LGBT liaison for the Knoxville Police Department and the Mayor’s administration.
As far as nightlife, many gay Clarksville residents make the trek to Nashville where there are plenty of gay bars to choose from.
In response to a recent national survey that rated cities based on their LGBTQ equality, Clarksville has recommitted energy and funds to improve the city for queer people. Out Jackson is an organization that has encouraged LGBT people to be open about their identities to reduce the stigma and normalize being gay.
As far as community atmosphere, most people would describe living in Jackson as like living in Mayberry.
In fact, Knoxville’s 2018 Pride Festival helped the city set the record for the largest Pride Fest in Tennessee.
This medium-sized city has a sizable queer population with businesses to boot. It features a parade, live performances, food vendors, exhibitors, and a variety of entertainment options. The event seeks to promote acceptance, equality, and understanding within the community.
While many people drive through Chattanooga on their way from Atlanta to Nashville, few stop. Just a stone’s throw from Dollywood and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these relaxed and hippie-like towns are known for prioritizing creating an inviting atmosphere for all.
While you won’t find many gay nightclubs or bars in the area, you will find many gay-friendly accommodations and businesses galore.
They also assist LGBT people in crisis, help connect LGBT people with gay-friendly churches, and organize events. The event aims to promote inclusivity, celebrate diversity, and foster a sense of community.
As for gay nightlife, the New Beginnings and The Crow Bar are two local favorites.
Throughout the state in big cities, smaller towns, and everything in between, you will find a welcoming place to call “home” or looking to meet like-minded people in your area. These cities among others in Tennessee host various gatherings throughout the year that promote a sense of unity and inclusiveness. In Memphis famous for its blues and soul music roots there is also a gay scene in areas like Midtown that are home to lgbtq+Q friendly establishments.
For some nightlife, many local LGBT people head to Alan’s Gold Discotheque or Backstage Bar.
What about those crosses? And far fewer LGBT people stop.
9 LGBT Friendly Places To Live In Tennessee
Whether you’re looking for your next place to call “home” or wanting to experience an LGBT-inclusive neighborhood through renting, you will want to soak in all that living in Tennessee has to offer.
While Tennessee may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of LGBT culture, this vibrant state is home to many towns and cities that are LGTB-friendly with unending pride.