Memphis to Rally Against Desecrated Gay Rights Billboard

A billboard alongside a highway in Memphis Tennessee featuring a former Marine kicked out under the Don't Ask Don't Tell Policy has been desecrated. The billboard which said "I'm gay and I protected you're freedom" was an advertisement for the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center. The sign was torn down a mere 10 days after it was placed.


A rally is planned for 1 pm on Sunday at First Congregational Church at 1000 S. Cooper Street in Memphis.

Nashville to Take Up BL2009-502 Non-Discrimination Ordinance Tonight

The Metropolitan Nashville Council is scheduled to vote tonight on the second reading of a nondiscrimination ordinance (BL2009-502) that would prohibit the Nashville Metro government from discriminating in its employment practices on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity after having been deferred earlier this month. If the ordinance passes tonight, it will face a final vote before becoming law on Sept 1st.

Please use the council member feedback form to contact ALL the members and urge them to pass this bill.

Crossposted via Lez Get Real.

Organization Spotlight: Tennessee Equality Project

The Tennessee Equality Project is a statewide organization dedicated to promote and sustain the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons in the State of Tennessee through the establishment of fair and equitable laws protecting these rights and the elimination of laws that would seek to counter this effort.

Tennessee Hate Crimes Bill Moves Forward

Last week the Tennessee House Criminal Practice Subcommittee passed a bill that would add gender identity or expression to the states hate crimes legislation.

The bill now moves forward to the full House Judiciary Committee, please urge the following members to vote in favor of HB 0335:

Kent Coleman (D-Murfreesboro), Chair, rep.kent.coleman@capitol.tn.gov
Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol), Vice-Chair, rep.jon.lundberg@capitol.tn.gov
Janis Sontany (D-Nashville), Secretary, rep.janis.sontany@capitol.tn.gov

Eddie Bass (D-Prospect), rep.eddie.bass@capitol.tn.gov
Karen Camper (D-Memphis), Bill Co-sponsor, rep.karen.camper@capitol.tn.gov
Vance Dennis (R-Savannah), rep.vance.dennis@capitol.tn.gov
Chad Faulkner (R-Luttrell), rep.chad.faulkner@capitol.tn.gov
Henry Fincher (D-Cookeville), rep.henry.fincher@capitol.tn.gov
Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown), rep.brian.kelsey@capitol.tn.gov
Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma), rep.judd.matheny@capitol.tn.gov
Mike Stewart (D-Nashville), Bill Co-sponsor, rep.mike.stewart@capitol.tn.gov
Eric Watson (R-Cleveland), rep.eric.watson@capitol.tn.gov

The House Judiciary Committee will vote on HB0335 next Wednesday, April 29.

H/T to Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition

Urge TN Reps to Vote Down Initiative to Ban All Mention of Homosexuality in Schools

The K-12 sub-committee in the Tennessee General Assembly is going to decide this Wednesday 3/11 whether to advance bill HB0821 which would ban all mention of homosexuality in schools. Many schools implement diversity training at age appropriate levels to teach kids respect for same-sex headed families, and educate about tolerance towards LGBT people.

This bill would ensure curriculum prohibits the teaching of or furnishing of materials on human sexuality other than heterosexuality in public school grades K-8.

Please act swiftly to urge legislators to vote down this effort. Our children need to be taught diversity, tolerance and respect for all kinds of people and families at age-appropriate levels.

Click here to send one email to ALL of the legislators on the committee.

Profiles with contact info for each member of the house K-12 sub-committee.