Tennessee's LGBTQ community is on the far Right's agenda as the race for governor heats up. 

This weekend, according to The Tennessean's online story and video, Sen. Mae Beavers attacked marriage equality and brought up anti-transgender bathroom policies when she announced her bid for governor.

A few days before at a party event, The Nashville Ledger reports that Diane Black, who represents Tennessee's 6th congressional district and may be considering a gubernatorial bid, said, "They try to say there are other things such as gay rights that we have to accept in our schools, a bathroom that should be used just to go in and do whatever you do in the bathroom and leave."

The anti-equality faction in this state is becoming more brazen, though perhaps less eloquent. 

One thing we can do is build power in state legislative districts.  The day may actually come when we need the Legislature to be a check on a governor with an anti-LGBTQ agenda.  So we need everyone who lives in Tennessee who receives this email to let us know your state legislative districts--your one state senator and your one state representative.  You can do so at this link.  We are grateful to those who have already let us know. 

Wherever you live, you can invest in TEP's Pride outreach with a $5+ contribution at the link. We are working hard at Pride celebrations around the state to help organize the community to resist discriminatory rhetoric and actions.  We made a wonderful start of it at Upper Cumberland Pride in Cookeville this past weekend.  On June 17, we'll be in Knoxville for PrideFest and many more throughout the summer and fall.

Your support of any amount at this link helps us confront the hate and organize throughout Tennessee. 

Gratefully yours,

Chris Sanders
Executive Director