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LGBTQ open letter to our fellow Tennesseans
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An open letter from Tennessee's LGBTQ community to our fellow Tennesseans
As members of the LGBTQ community, we write to our fellow Tennesseans a month after the election and a month before the upcoming state legislative session.
In recent weeks members of our community have experienced grave assaults on our safety and dignity. A gay, gender nonconforming man was murdered. A transgender woman’s car was burned. The signs and doors of a church that affirms our community have been vandalized. A gay couple received a package with a knife sticking out and a message attached urging them to leave the state.
These attacks upon individuals and institutions have put our lives and safety at even greater risk than usual. They contravene the welcoming traditions of hospitality for which Tennessee is known.
The time we have entered is critical. Many are calling for healing in the wake of a divisive election. Healing is difficult while fresh wounds are being inflicted such as discriminatory state legislation.
So we are speaking out for our safety, dignity, and equal rights under the law.
Our struggle is not against your values, unless you value discrimination. LGBTQ Tennesseans are your neighbors, your family members, your health care providers, firefighters, grocery clerks, teachers, elected officials, and we fill many other roles vital to the life of small towns and large cities. Many of us grew up and continue to be active in the same faith communities as you.
In the long story of our community’s struggles, we have relied on our own strength to sustain us. We have also experienced the joy of working with countless allies. Now is a time for allies to speak out with us and we invite people of good will throughout the state to build a stronger, inclusive, welcoming Tennessee to meet our state’s common challenges together.
If you share these values and priorities, we invite you to add your name to this letter.
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Stop using religion to discriminate in Tennessee
On April 18, 2016 about 30 pastors shamefully stood in Legislative Plaza and spoke in favor of the anti-transgender student bathroom bill. And religion was used to advance the counseling discrimination bill. Many more clergy across Tennessee publicly opposed both bills.
Whether you're religious or not, aren't you tired of religion being used to support discrimination in our laws? If so, endorse this statement:
We oppose the use of religion to justify discrimination in Tennessee law. To use religion to divide us in our public life violates the spirit of the U.S. and Tennessee Constitutions, does harm to the people of Tennessee, and brings scandal to religion.
Endorse
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Wedding Officiants/Celebrants for DAY ONE in Tennessee
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.
Become a volunteer
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Support the Work of TEP Foundation
As a supporter of Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, your contribution funds much needed educational projects and programs which advance the well being of LGBT people and their families here at home in Tennessee. Unlike other organizations that advance equality, every dollar contributed to TEP Foundation is spent here in Tennessee.
If you prefer to make contributions to TEP Foundation without using PayPal, click this link.
Other Giving Options
Some supporters prefer to write a check or make monthly donations to TEP Foundation through automatic bank drafts. Consider creating “TEP Foundation” as a regular payee with your bank’s online service.
Checks and automated bank drafts may be mailed to the following address:
TEP Foundation | P.O. Box 330875 | Nashville, TN 37203
Thank you for supporting TEP Foundation.
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