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From starters like the Blue Crab Claw Cocktail to entrees that include Stuffed Shrimp and Lobster Mac and Cheese, each dish is perfectly crafted to provide an elevated dining experience ideal for date night or a family gathering.

Ample LGBTQ+-Friendly Entertainment & Nightlife

It can be challenging to find the perfect place to let loose after work or on the weekends when you are new to town, but Chattanooga has a handful of well-established LGBTQ+ entertainment venues. Alan Gold’s Discotheque is a multilevel nightclub that hosts dancing and shows throughout the week.

If you’re looking to take in a show or find a welcoming community, plan a visit to Seed Theatre.

Start your day with a cup of joe and a pastry from Sleepyhead Coffee, a beloved favorite. Seed Theatre also supports the Pennywhistle Project, which provides emergency aid to assist queer and trans people with mental health resources.

Additional groups that provide an abundance of resources for the queer community include the Nooga Diversity Center, the Scenic City Trans Collective and the Chattanooga Queer Community Forum.

Fannie Mae lived by the true principles of Pride: authenticity, courage, compassion, and community.

 

To think of Fannie Mae Charles was to think of Pride itself.

Celebrating Diversity

Chattanooga Pride is dedicated to celebrating, supporting, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community in Chattanooga and surrounding areas. In that case, Chattanooga is worth a second look.

The following are a few reasons why Chattanooga makes an ideal home for those seeking an inclusive community.

Many cities identify certain neighborhoods as queer-friendly spots.

And if you are ready for a new tattoo, Main Line Ink has a reputation for having amazing artists who provide the best service around town. 

Accepting & Affirming Church Communities

If finding a place of worship is high on your list of to-dos after moving, you’ll be pleased with Chattanooga’s large number of affirming churches. Grace Episcopal Church celebrates diversity and strives to create an inclusive and affirming environment by announcing that it embraces all people, including those of every gender identity and sexual orientation.

The day began with the Pride Parade at 1 p.m., starting from the Unum Parking Lot at Ross’s Landing.

“Fantastic turnout at this year’s Chattanooga Pride Parade,” said Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. Find the perfect vintage pieces at Poor Taste. She is the author of "Scarry Stories: Tales from the Healed Side of Brokenness." Camm is a Featured Journalist at the Chronicle Media Group (Chattanooga, Tenn.) ChronicleMediaGroup.com.

2025 Chattanooga Pride

Fannie Mae Charles was more than just a drag mother, auntie, or sister—she was a pillar of the community, a glistening goddess whose presence radiated love, laughter, and light.

Through inclusive events, outreach programs, and partnerships, we strive to create a more vibrant, accepting, and equal society for all individuals, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Festival

Our annual Chattanooga Pride Festival & Parade brings together thousands of individuals, families, and allies to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, honor our history, and embrace the diversity that makes our community strong.

Beyond the celebration, Chattanooga Pride is committed to year-round education, advocacy, and resources to support LGBTQ+ individuals in their personal and professional lives.

The 25th annual Chattanooga Pride Festival drew an enthusiastic crowd to Ross’s Landing on Sunday, October 5, as the city celebrated love, identity, and community during LGBTQ+ History Month.

The festival, which ran from 2 to 8 p.m., featured live music, drag performances, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities.

While Chattanooga’s North Shore district is sometimes referred to as the town’s “gay-friendly neighborhood,” you are likely to find a diverse mix of folks wherever you go.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community report feeling welcome at the majority of the restaurants, bars and shops throughout the town. She was that gift—and she will forever be remembered as such.

Southern Pride: A Guide to Chattanooga, TN’s LGBTQ Scene

Looking for a gorgeous, artsy city with a spirit of LGBTQ inclusiveness?

The menu doesn’t disappoint either, with options like Country-fried Steak and Golden Onion Pork Chops.

chattanooga gay pride

Chattanooga Pride hosts an exceptional annual event and welcomes all queer-owned and affirming businesses, organizations and individuals.

In addition to its performing arts initiatives, Seed Theatre works to support marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC population in Chattanooga. Funny, entertaining, loyal, and brilliantly educated, Fannie Mae had a gift for making everyone feel seen and celebrated.

 

She gave back in every way she could—whether it was through hosting, helping, mentoring, or simply flashing that unforgettable smile.

Every sip takes you back to those sweet childhood days of summer – but with a kick! On their website, they provide religious resources for the queer community.

Similarly, those seeking a church are welcome at New Covenant Church of Chattanooga, St. Elmo United Methodist, St. Mark’s Church and many others.

Plenty of Resources

There is no shortage of groups and organizations available to help LGBTQ+ individuals who are new to town.

“We love our neighbors in Chattanooga, and you could really feel the love today.”

This year’s celebration held special significance as attendees from Knoxville joined the festivities after Knox Pride Fest 2025 was abruptly cancelled just days before it was scheduled to take place on October 3-4.

John Camp, Knox Pride’s president, announced the cancellation in a Facebook video on October 1, explaining that organizers were unable to secure liability insurance at the last minute.

“I know this is disheartening, disappointing and upsetting for a lot of folks,” Camp said, expressing hope that the Knoxville community would travel to support Chattanooga’s celebration.

The Knox Pride cancellation announcement sparked intense online debate, with a Facebook post from local news reporter Kyle Grainger drawing nearly 4,000 comments ranging from supportive messages to expressions of hate and judgment directed at the LGBTQ+ community.

Mayor Kelly emphasized Chattanooga’s welcoming spirit ahead of the festival: “Chattanooga is a kind, welcoming city where we want all our neighbors to know that they belong and are loved.”

The week-long series of events leading up to Sunday’s festival included drag shows, wrestling, drag bingo, outdoor games, and yoga, catering to diverse age groups and interests.

October serves as LGBTQ+ History Month in the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The organization offers a wide range of resources for individuals and their families, including support groups, gender-affirming garments, a hygiene pantry and the Hope Community Fridge, which works to combat food insecurity in the area. Similarly, the queer community’s allies often frequent establishments catering to the LGBTQ+ crowd.

Discover Excellent LGBTQ+-Owned Businesses in Chattanooga

It’s always nice to live where people from your community are thriving.

But what many may not realize is that this cool city is also a Southern oasis for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Suppose you are looking for a city to call home where inclusivity isn’t limited to a single neighborhood or a handful of shops but is instead infused throughout city life.