Who We Are
Our Mission
The mission of The Seed Theatre is to support marginalized communities (particularly LGBTQ+, BIPOC and their families) in Chattanooga, TN by providing resources, education, support and community while celebrating differences through arts and culture.
Our Vision & Values
At Seed Theatre, diversity is our strength, equity is our goal, and inclusion is our promise.
Our History
Since its founding in 2019, the Seed Theatre is one of the only designated LGBTQIA+ safe and sober spaces in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We serve LGBTQIA+ persons with a specific focus on queer youth. We facilitate support groups, provide free gender affirming garments, coordinate mutual aid efforts and create critical inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the greater Chattanooga, Tennessee area. The Seed Theatre operates as a hub of networks, resources, programs and mutual aid, focused on supporting LGBTQIA+ folks.
We believe that in a state like Tennessee, that is actively stripping away the fundamental human rights of our queer community, our activist efforts to support individuals finding authenticity, peace & acceptance in spite of the hate of our state is a critical mission in the current political landscape
What We Do
B4CK - Providing gender affirming garments like chest compression binders free of charge to trans and non binary folks who cannot afford them.
Hope Community Fridge - Fighting food insecurity through mutual aid. We host 4 different fridge/pantries across the city to provide food for around 45,000 people per year.
Hygiene Pantry Project - Offering essential hygiene items with dignity. Our pantry is located centrally in Chattanooga where some of the worst income inefficiencies exist - near HUD housing and several homeless camps.
Pennywhistle Project - Providing emergency aid to assist with mental health and win the fight against the odds that queer and trans people face.
Support Groups - Social and therapeutic groups offering support and community to people living in the south.
Markets & Pop Ups - Creating safe spaces for queer vendors to grow their small businesses and provide for their families
Performing Arts - Leveraging art as a tool to create social change through education and visibility, and providing opportunities for marginalized people
How You Can Help
Fiscal Donations
By donating money to The Seed Theatre, purchasing from our booth, helping us find (and get!) grant funds, or hosting a fundraiser for us, you support our crucial work and give us the money we need to make this keep happening!
Volunteer Time
By volunteering your time, you fill the gap so that our board and staff don’t have to do it all (because we can’t!) and you give us the capacity to serve more people. Sometimes this means cleaning or watching our door, it might mean cooking or serving food, or even creating materials for our booths.
Gather Resources
Food drives and hygiene drives, crafting nights, pride merch to sell in our booth or online, t shirt designs, and more are great ways to give back to Seed without giving cash.
Spread the Word
Sharing our social media posts, events, fliers and more help us to get the word out and reach more LGBTQ people who need us as well as more people who can help us!
If something here sparks interest in you, please talk to a member of our board! We can only bring systemic change if we work together!
In the Press
An organization serving queer youth in the south tends to be written about a good bit!! Read what others have to say about Seed
https://www.mlsnextpro.com/chattanoogafc/news/elizabeth-haley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=M3mOhMmfIyA
https://newschannel9.com/the-daily-refresh/chattanoogas-seed-theatre-is-sowing-the-seeds-of-pride
Events:
https://www.cha.guide/events/mothers-day-brunch-with-the-golden-gays