July 17 in Progressive Nashville

Early voting in the 2015 Metro Nashville General Election kicks off Friday, and we will speak to that and present details Friday morning, but voting is not all that is going on in our fair city.

As Caitlyn Jenner noted in her eloquent acceptance speech for the ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award July 15, transgender citizens generally have a tougher time than the general population when it comes to finding gainful employment. Nashville’s OutCentral LGBT Center addresses that by hosting a TransForce Work Fair, a job fair specifically for our trans* brothers and sisters (though everyone is invited to take part). Many employers will be on hand to accept resumes and interview potential candidates. The fair, co-sponsored by OutCentral,  Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition, and Tennessee Vals, takes place from 11 am-4 pm Friday at its offices at 1709 Church St. For details, contact OutCentral at 615-864-8182.

Learn all about the agricultural wonder that is hemp: The Tennessee Hemp Seminar, taking place July 17 at the Murfreesboro Embassy Suites, will present what organizers call “the most in-depth and detailed discussion on hemp farming techniques, processing, and venture avenues.” Sponsored by the Tennessee Hemp Industries Association, the event will offer a Q&A panel discussion on hemp’s future in the Volunteer State featuring representatives from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Crop Improvement Association, Organic Growers Association, and Ag Extension departments on this year’s harvest and hemp’s future in our state. Guest speakers will include researchers, scientists, hemp farmers, and leaders from the hemp movement. Also on hand will be representatives from Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, University of Tennessee – Martin, and Middle Tennessee State University. Tickets are $50 for non-members of TNHIA; the venue is at 1200 Conference Center Drive, Murfreesboro, 37219. The seminar runs from 1-5 pm. For more info, check the Facebook events page.