Why Inclusion Matters

Here’s one thing I know about life...inclusion matters. Representation matters. Love is love.

I think it’s important to share the values that led me to start this agency. As one of the L’s in LGBTQ+, it’s crucial to me that my agency serve all people and all families. And to say it proudly & loudly.

When I first jumped into birth work, I worried for a bit that I wouldn’t be hired as a doula because I am a lesbian. I live in Tennessee, and while Nashville is a pretty progressive place, Tennessee is most definitely not. In my first few years working as a doula, I saw the discrimination first hand. Doulas who told me point blank that they refused to work with gay couples. Midwives who would take a meeting for a consult, but when they realized the family was not straight, they’d leave the consult.

But I also saw something else. I saw my business flourish. I was out & open about my relationship with my partner—now my wife—on my website because I wanted potential client families to know up front where I stood. And I just got busier & busier. This is how I know living your authentic truth is the only way to go. This is why inclusive care for all is the only way for  me to run a business. This is why you will never be turned away at East Nashville Doulas simply because of who you love & how you make a family.

Thank you for supporting this LGBTQ+-owned business. I’m in awe every day of the trust our client families put in us to walk with them at their most vulnerable time. We see you, we honor you, and we support you.  All of you.