Misfit Concepts Does Nashville Pride 2023

At Misfit Concepts, we believe in celebrating love in all its forms, and what better way to do that than by spreading glittery joy to the local LBGTQ+ and allies right here in our back yards? I want to take a moment to document my salon Misfit Concepts participation in Nashville Pride 2023.

Pictured left to right: Victoria Doughtie, Kayty Nochowicz, Ariana Word, Kaila Coon, Addison Hildenbrand

Picture this: A dazzling booth adorned with rainbows and sparkles, where our team of five volunteer Glitter Technicians worked tirelessly all weekend long, transforming Nashville Pride attendees into shimmering works of art. From glitter beards to rainbow hair streaks and cheeks, we offered a kaleidoscope of options for self-expression and celebration. We were lucky enough to have best friends and family come along for this weekend of sparkly activism and volunteer their time to give back to the community. Each of these women made our booth a success. They contributed to planning, set up, tear down, scheduling, and then spent two long days giving sparkles, smiles, and hugs to any human who visited our tent. More than 100,000 people attended the festival in 2023!

The heart of Pride is celebrating LGBTQ+ identities

Nashville Pride isn't just another event – it's a vital celebration of LGBTQ+ identities, history, and resilience. It's a time when the community comes together to honor our past struggles, celebrate our progress, and reaffirm our commitment to equality and acceptance. To be unapologetically authentic, present, and true to ourselves in what ever way you choose.

Pride events like Nashville Pride play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among LGBTQ+ individuals. They provide a safe space where people can express themselves authentically, surrounded by peers, queers, and allies offering love and acceptance. Moreover, Pride events serve as a platform for advocacy, raising awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and issues that still need attention.

With love, please do better, Tennessee.

In 2023, LGBTQ+ individuals in Tennessee faced a challenging landscape as lawmakers introduced and passed legislation that threatened their rights and dignity. From proposed bills targeting transgender youth's access to healthcare and participation in sports to attempts to restrict LGBTQ+ inclusive education in schools, the community found itself under siege by discriminatory policies. Despite these obstacles, LGBTQ+ advocates and allies rallied together, using their voices to resist and push back against discrimination, standing firm in the belief that love and equality will ultimately prevail. This was really a frightening time, and served as a wake up call that there is still work to be done. That Pride events are more important than ever, and we needed to be present.

On June 2, 2023, Judge Thomas Parker, a Trump-appointed federal district court judge in western Tennessee, ruled that Tennessee's “Adult Entertainment Act” violated the First Amendment's free speech protection. The act had been passed by the Tennessee Legislature and signed into law by Tennessee Gov.

There is definitely a big sigh of relief when you curve a major injustice, but the community was in pain and rightfully so. We felt the call to give our time and support openly and proudly this year and give what we could to a community that was/is hurting. One of our main goals was to make our glitter booth as accessible as possible. Whether you were a seasoned Pride-goer or attending for the first time, our services were free of charge, ensuring that everyone could participate in the festivities without any barriers.

here is me :)

As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community and a business owner, participating in Nashville Pride 2023 was a profound experience. It reminded me of the power of love, unity, and solidarity – values that we embrace wholeheartedly at Misfit Concepts. We make every effort to create an inclusive and welcoming salon environment and are always learning and growing to do better by our fellow humans. This year we also made a point to join the TN Pride Chamber- a business organization that aims to support, promote, and advocate for the interests of LGBTQ+ businesses and professionals. We also make a point to share information and resources from Inclusion TN- a group with the intention to connect people, opportunities, and resources to enrich and enhance the multi-faceted lgbtqia+ community. Every year when June comes around it serves as a reminder to reflect on how far this community has come and how we have been able to literally help society progress in acceptance, and I really think that is pretty damn cool.

Nashville Pride is a celebration of love, diversity, and the unbreakable spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. From the colorful parade winding through the streets of downtown Nashville to the electrifying performances by LGBTQ+ artists, every moment is infused with love, pride, and a sense of belonging. Through our adorable glitter booth, we had the honor of spreading joy, love, and glitter to hundreds of locals, reminding them that they are seen, valued, and celebrated.

As we reflect on this unforgettable display of equality and self expression, let's carry the spirit of Pride with us throughout the year and into our daily lives – uplifting and supporting one another, championing equality and acceptance, and always shining brightly with love. You don’t have to be perfect at it, you just have to try.

With love and glitter,

Ariana Word//Misfit Concepts

All Photos by Victoria Doughtie//Retrospect Nashville