As homelessness continues increasing in Nashville, so does the cruel criminalization of our neighbors. This summer, NPR reported on the arrest of two of our unhoused neighbors who were charged under the most severe anti-camping law in the country. The city we promote as welcoming to visitors and new businesses was exposed for cruelly punishing our most vulnerable residents for the crime of escaping record-breaking heat and threatening storms in a public picnic shelter. Sadly,

Steve’s motivation ran deep and was driven by a kind of contemplative spirituality that understood that his liberation was intertwined with the liberation of everyone who was struggling. Instead of numbing out, disconnecting, or becoming cynical or apathetic, he acted. Even though he had the privilege to sit back, he leaned in.

As we honor Pride, the unfortunate truth is that it’s becoming even more dangerous to be out in Tennessee — especially for our friends on the streets. National data show us that LGBTQIA+ youth and adults are much more likely to experience homelessness and discrimination. Recent state legislation and the federal proposal to eliminate housing discrimination protections are making normal living as a queer or trans person in Tennessee more difficult and dangerous. National Allian