An anonymous donor has offered us a $2000 challenge.  Make your tax deductible investment in any amount to help us meet the challenge for National Coming Out Day.  We will run the challenge until October 18. 

Regardless of whether you can give, consider posting a National Coming Out Day video and tag us on Facebook or on Twitter.  Let's show Tennessee the vibrancy and diversity of our community and allies.

Your contribution helps fund educational programs around the state.  For example, in November we are offering training sessions for clergy throughout Tennessee to help them advocate more effectively for the LGBT community.

On the evening of May 17, The Tennessean and The Commercial Appeal reported that legislators are considering a special legislative session to take up a new effort to pass a statewide anti-transgender bathroom discrimination law.  Sign YOUR name to the statement below and we'll deliver your signatures to legislative leaders:

Please, add your voice and urge Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to veto this discriminatory bill.

Please, join us in encouraging Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to fight against this attack on transgender students.

UPDATE:  Minister Ben Bailey of the Central Church of Christ called us this morning and talked about his views.  He is not pro-equality, but he wants to make absolutely clear that he does NOT support the stoning of LGBT people.  You can read his response at the link. 

The New Civil Rights Movement has reported on the teachings of Minister Ben Bailey of the Central Church of Christ in McMinnville in which the pastor tries to justify the stoning of LGBT people as biblical. 

People of faith and people of no particular faith alike reject the dangerous extremism of Pastor Bailey.  At a time when hate crimes are up against LGBT people in Tennessee and at a time when the nationwide murders of transgender people in particular have reached crisis levels, such hate has no rightful place in religion or in civil society. 

Despite the pastor's notoriety, hate will NOT define McMinnville or the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.  We were in McMinnville recently for the Summer of Love tour with a strong showing of equality advocates.  Read the report if you doubt there are many great people in the area living their hopes for full equality.  Upper Cumberland Pride, which serves the region, is an organization that is growing again and now reunited to TEP.  We know they will continue to raise awareness for the safety and equality of LGBT people in the area.

We urge people of good will across the state and nation to stand with those in McMinnville and the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee and against the hateful rhetoric of Pastor Bailey.  Add your name as a show of solidarity!

Are you legally able to celebrate weddings and are you willing to do so on DAY ONE and the following days of marriage equality after the Supreme Court makes its ruling?  If so, let us know.  We may be contacting you to perform ceremonies. 

NOTE:  Do not fill out the form if you require counseling before marrying a couple.  And do not volunteer if you will only preside at the wedding but not sign the marriage license.  We respect your views, but what couples who are getting married on DAY ONE need is help quickly to get their marriage finalized. 

If you have questions about who may solemnize a marriage in Tennessee, the answers are here.