Like many of you, I stayed up late watching the election returns.  We've faced many tough nights in Tennessee, in this country, and tonight has been one of the toughest. 

Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States.  The country has lurched to the Right, and our Tennessee General Assembly moved further in that direction. 

We need to prepare to defend ourselves and those we love. 

What becomes of the legal and administrative advances that have taken place over the last eight years at the federal level?  It remains to be seen.

What kind of discriminatory legislation will we face in Tennessee?  A possible expansion of the counseling discrimination law, the return of the bathroom bill, regulation of hormone therapies to the detriment of trans youth, and more attacks on marriage equality.

What will we do?

First, I hope you will take care of yourselves.  You may need a break--time alone or time with family and friends.  When you're ready to be engaged, there is work to do.

Today we will be in Chattanooga working with clergy allies.  Next week we'll be in Memphis doing the same, and then in Knoxville at the end of the month.  They will be critical in shoring up support.

We have scheduled 3 days of Advancing Equality Days on the Hill for next year--Feb. 7, March 7, and April 4 so we can fight back in the Legislature.  I hope you will plan to attend one or more of those days.  

We will have to fight harder at the local level by beefing up our TEP regional committees around the state and by adding new ones.

We need you.  If you would like to support our legislative work with a contribution, click here.  If you would like to make a tax deductible contribution to support the educational work of the TEP Foundation, click here. 

Over the coming two months, we will be refining more strategic ways for you to get involved.  If you're in a "we won't back down" frame of mind, you will not be alone.  We will work with you and fight on in Tennessee.

Gratefully yours,

Chris Sanders
Executive Director