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Frances M Bledsoe, LCSW endorsed 2016-04-27 17:09:02 -0500
Counseling Unconditionally
The map shown above represents mental health providers in Tennessee who provide affirmative services, especially in regards to sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. Please click on the top right of the map to make it larger so you can search your address/location to find counselors close to you and more information about them (e.g., website, e-mail address, insurance options, etc.).
The "Counseling Discrimination Law" (formerly HB1840) passed in 2016 highlights the need for counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and other mental health providers to speak out for inclusive and affirmative practices. We urge any mental health provider to endorse the statement at the bottom of the page.
As counselors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers serving clients in Tennessee, we affirm that we do not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity and we will not use our own sincerely held principles as a reason to turn clients away.
Note: The Tennessee Equality Project and the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation reserve the right to refuse membership to any provider or revoke a provider's listing.
If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please reach out to [email protected].
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Frances M Bledsoe signed Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912 2016-04-25 14:14:18 -0500We all still need lots of attention to diversity issues because most all of us have some biases whether we want to or not.
Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912
The Legislature passed SB1912/HB2248 that removes funding from the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Sign this petition that we will deliver to Governor Haslam asking him to veto the bill.
Governor Haslam, we call on you to veto SB1912/HB2248 and protect the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Office for Diversity and Inclusion. The office plays a vital role in making the university competitive for the best students, faculty, and staff and it makes campus life welcoming for all. Thank you for considering our views.
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Frances M Bledsoe endorsed 2016-04-25 14:12:30 -0500I am a psychotherapist and think this bill goes against our ethical values of “unconditional positive regard”
I asked Governor Haslam to veto HB1840, the counseling discrimination bill
Take a minute to contact Governor Bill Haslam by phone message or on Twitter and then let us know you did it using this form. Let's get to 500 or more!
I called or Tweeted Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and urged him to veto HB1840, the counseling discrimination bill. I'm asking you to do the same this week.
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Frances M Bledsoe signed VETO Hate Bill 1840, the Counseling Discrimination bill 2016-04-06 13:53:42 -0500I think this bill makes a mockery of religion, hurts everyone, and makes Tennessee look like we are a terrible place to live.
VETO Hate Bill 1840, the Counseling Discrimination bill
Please, add your voice and urge Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to veto this discriminatory bill.
Dear Governor Haslam,
We urge you to veto HB1840, which allows counselors to turn away clients based on the counselor's biases and values. This bill puts the focus on the desires of counselors rather than on the needs of clients, damaging the counseling profession and putting clients at risk.
An anti-bullying amendment was stripped from the bill in the House Health Committee leaving youth vulnerable in areas where mental health services are not widely available.
Thank you for considering our views.
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Frances M Bledsoe signed Governor Haslam, Fight for trans students and against SB2387/HB2414 2016-04-04 16:19:18 -0500
Governor Haslam, Fight for trans students and against SB2387/HB2414
Please, join us in encouraging Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to fight against this attack on transgender students.
Dear Governor Haslam,
We call on you to do everything in your power to lobby against passage of SB2387/HB2414, the anti-transgender student bathroom bill. We also ask that you VETO the bill if it reaches your desk.
The bill endangers vulnerable students and it risks significant U.S. Department of Education funds to Tennessee. If this bill became law, the enforcement would be a nightmare for school districts across the state.
Show the world that Tennessee is a welcoming state. Thank you for considering our views.
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Monthly Support of Tennessee Equality Project. Make sure you want to donate MONTHLY before proceeding with this link.
As a monthly supporter of Tennessee Equality Project, your contribution funds the advancement of policies through direct and grass roots lobbying which protect the rights of LGBT people and their families here at home in Tennessee. Contributions to TEP (a 501(c)(4) organization) are not tax deductible.
If you prefer to make a ONE-TIME donation to Tennessee Equality Project, click here.
If you would prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution to Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, click here.
Other Giving Options
Some supporters prefer to write a check or make monthly donations to Tennessee Equality Project through automatic bank drafts. Consider creating “Tennessee Equality Project” as a regular payee with your bank’s online service.
Checks and automated bank drafts may be mailed to the following address:
Tennessee Equality Project | P.O. Box 330875 | Nashville, TN 37203
Thank you for supporting Tennessee Equality Project.
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Frances M Bledsoe, LCSW endorsed 2014-12-15 12:23:05 -0600
Tennessee Open For Business
Tennessee Open For Business is a free program for Tennessee small businesses that pledge not to discriminate against their employees or customers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. That means that member businesses do not discriminate against gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender individuals or couples or do harm to the LGBTQ community. Members will get a listing on our website, a post on Facebook, and a window cling suitable for display in their storefront. The program is made possible through generous support of the Brooks Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.
The Tennessee Equality Project reserves the right to refuse membership in this program to any applicant and to revoke the membership of any business.
You can see a list of some of the current members of Tennessee Open For Business at this link.
For questions, contact us at [email protected].
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