We are a public policy/legislative advocacy organization that focuses mainly on state and local government. We don't provide social services or legal aid services, but we may be able to make a referral if someone you know needs assistance.

Most of our focused volunteer opportunities arise from January through April when the Legislature is in session, but we need volunteers throughout the year.  Volunteers can help run outreach tables, monitor their local governments for anti-LGBTQ policies, and help create local events.

One constant need is for volunteers to get involved with existing regional committees or help start a committee in counties around the state. If that interests you, contact us at [email protected] .

To learn about some of our policy work, go to our most recent state legislative report at this link and to our special reports at this link.

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so at this link.

TEP is the only statewide LGBTQ+ organization that has worked on Tennessee legislation affecting our community for over 20 years. You can help us grow for the next 20 years by getting involved in your community.

 

The TEP Gumbo Contest is a favorite annual Memphis event featuring fierce competition, great flavors, and support for LGBTQ+ rights. This page will be updated periodically as more details are available about the 2026 TEP Gumbo Contest.

In the News:  Learn more about the most recent event in this Memphis Flyer article at the link. 

Photos:  You can find additional photos of the event at this link.

Sponsors, Teams, and Tickets:  In the coming weeks, we will have updated information. But you can get a sense of how sponsorships, team registration, and ticketing work at the link for the 2025 TEP Gumbo Contest.

Social Media Updates:  Follow the TEP Shelby County Facebook page for all the latest updates.

About the Cause:  When you support the TEP Gumbo Contest, you are fueling the work of the TEP Foundation. The TEP Foundation offers Tennessee's LGBTQ community expert state legislative monitoring, timely public policy analysis, and vital advocacy education. To learn about the legislation we are monitoring, go to this link. Examples of our policy analysis can be found at this link. Our advocacy education takes us across the state. Below you will find a picture from the January 2025 Advocacy 101 in Memphis. 

We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 TEP Gumbo Contest!

 

All bills that were introduced in the 2025 legislative session affect the LGBTQ community in some way, whether they be tax bills, gun bills, or energy bills. We have put together this list of bills that either directly target the LGBTQ community or could be used for that purpose. No list is comprehensive and definitive. We could engage in further interpretation of many other bills and find a place for them in the discussion. Nevertheless, this list will give anyone interested a starting point for discovering the scope of the attacks and how we fared this year. Note: Because 2025 is the first year of a two-year legislative session, any bill that did not pass or complete its legislative journey could move in 2026.  The language summarizing each bill comes from the Legislature’s website.

Bills directly attacking the LGBTQ community through policy that passed (2)

SB472/HB64 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Bulso. "As introduced, requires all residential educational programs in this state, regardless of type or duration, that allow minors to participate or to access residential facilities to segregate all restrooms, changing areas, and showers by immutable biological sex." See the brief on the bill at this link.

SB937/HB1270 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Cochran. As introduced, specifies that certain individuals are not required to use another's preferred name or pronoun, if the preferred name or pronoun is not consistent with the individual's legal name or sex; insulates certain individuals from civil liability for using, or refusing to use, certain names or pronouns in reference to another; allows a civil action to be filed against certain employers and public schools that implement certain preferred pronoun policies or that allow certain names or pronouns to be used in reference to an unemancipated minor without first obtaining parental consent.

Bills indirectly attacking the LGBTQ community or bills that could be used for that purpose that passed (4)

SB955/HB1044 by Sen. Haile and Rep. Terry. As introduced, enacts the "Medical Ethics Defense Act." See the brief on the bill at this link. Commentary:  While the sponsors made clear that the bill does not directly attack groups, it can be used to empower health care entities to refuse procedures, treatments, etc. that are the concern of particular groups like the LGBTQ community. 

SB1083/HB622 by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Maberry. As introduced, enacts the "Dismantle DEI Act," which prohibits local governments and public institutions of higher education from basing hiring decisions on any metrics that consider an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability, or hiring a particular candidate in order to achieve any goals to increase diversity, equity, or inclusion in the workplace. Commentary:  The DEI programming for most state government and local government entities either does not include or barely includes sexual orientation/gender identity concerns. Nevertheless, it is a discriminatory bill so we were one of the organizations that attempted to stop it.

SB861/HB910 by Sen. Stevens and Rep. Garrett.  As introduced, transfers, from the commission to the attorney general and reporter, the responsibility of identifying state laws, rules, programs, services, and budgetary priorities that conflict with the components, guidelines, and objectives of a comprehensive state policy established by the commission to ensure compliance with Title VI requirements. Commentary:  The Tennessee Human Rights Act does not include sexual orientation and gender identity and there was little to no mention of LGBTQ people or concerns in the Human Rights Commission’s annual reports. So our community has not relied heavily on the Commission for addressing discrimination claims. With that said, progressive groups are rightly alarmed by the Legislature moving the Commission's duties from an entity with some independence to a more politicized office like the Attorney General's office.

SB1084/HB923 by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Maberry. As introduced, enacts the "Dismantling DEI Departments Act." Commentary:  See the note above about SB1084/HB622. 

Bills attacking the LGBTQ community through insult with no real policy implication that passed (1)

SB503/HB327 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Bulso. As introduced, designates the month of June as "Celebration of Life" month, the month of July as "Celebration of Liberty" month, and the month of August as "Celebration of the Pursuit of Happiness" month in Tennessee. Commentary:  It is widely known that June is Pride month celebrating the LGBTQ community. The bill does NOT prevent the celebration of June as Pride month.

Discriminatory bills that directly or indirectly attack the LGBTQ that did not become law (13)

SB226/HB470 by Sen.Taylor and Rep. Rudd. As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Professionals' Freedom of Religion Act."

SB266/HB304 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Bulso. As introduced, prohibits state and local government entities from displaying or allowing display of flags other than Tennessee and U.S. flags on courthouses and public roads and sidewalks; prohibits LEAs and public charter schools from displaying in public schools flags other than the official United States flag and the official Tennessee state flag. See the brief on the bill by TEP and the Human Rights Campaign.

SB737/HB315 by Rep. Bulso. As introduced, enacts the "Tennessee Covenant Marriage Act" to create covenant marriage, which is entered into by one male and one female, who understand and agree that marriage is a lifelong relationship; permits a spouse in a covenant marriage to obtain a judgment of divorce under certain circumstances.

SB1043/HB320 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Bulso.  As introduced, designates the new swimming pool at Henry Horton State Park as the "Riley Gaines Aquatic Center".

SB372/HB551 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Cochran. As introduced, urges the human rights commission to study problems of discrimination against healthcare providers in this state because of their decision to decline to participate in a healthcare service on the basis of religious, moral, or ethical beliefs.

SB468/HB571 by Sen. Bowling and Rep. Barrett. As introduced, enacts the "Women's Safety and Protection Act."

SB674/HB900 by Sen. Taylor and Rep. Todd. As introduced, clarifies that the general assembly preempts and occupies the entire field of regulating the terms and conditions of employment; prohibits local governments from adopting or enforcing any law, rule, or policy that requires a term or condition of employment that exceeds or conflicts with state or federal law.

SB676/HB754 by Sen. Taylor and Rep. Faison. As introduced, requires gender clinics accepting funds from this state to perform gender transition procedures to also perform detransition procedures; requires insurance entities providing coverage of gender transition procedures to also cover detransition procedures; requires certain gender clinics and insurance entities to report information regarding detransition procedures to the department of health.

SB692/HB1119 by Sen. Johnson and Rep. Carringer. As introduced, requires the attorney general to report to the speaker of the senate and the speaker of the house of representatives certain information regarding violations of the prohibition against using medical procedures to enable a minor to identify with, or live as, a purported identity inconsistent with the minor's sex or to treat purported discomfort or distress from discordance between the minor's sex and asserted identity.

SB1424/HB884 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Todd.  As introduced, specifies that a community or municipal center that is being used to offer adult cabaret entertainment is an "adult-oriented establishment" for purposes of regulating its hours of operation, location, and physical characteristics.

SB936/HB1271 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Cochran.  As introduced, declares that the policy of this state is that there are only two sexes, a biological male and a biological female.

SB1126 by Sen. Rose. As introduced, makes various changes to the categories of individuals who are not required to use a preferred pronoun, and for whom a preferred pronoun be disregarded, if the pronoun is inconsistent with the person's biological sex; makes various changes to the civil liability and adverse action protections as it relates to the use of, or the refusal to use, a pronoun or preferred pronoun.

SB1252/HB1262 by Sen. Rose and Rep. Reneau. As introduced, makes various changes to the categories of individuals who are not required to use a preferred pronoun, and for whom a preferred pronoun be disregarded, if the pronoun is inconsistent with the person's biological sex; makes various changes to the civil liability and adverse action protections as it relates to the use of, or the refusal to use, a pronoun or preferred pronoun.

Only a few days remain of this year's state legislative session. Please, look over the calendar below. More items may be added in the coming days.

EMAIL

Emails on SB1084/HB923:  Use the easy form at the link to urge YOUR senator and YOUR representative to defer this bill because of all the unanswered questions about the scope of this anti-DEI bill.

Emails on SB468/HB571:  Use the easy form at the link to urge YOUR senator not to concur with the bill as amended to include public higher education.

SHOW UP

Monday, April 21

10 AM:  HB923 (anti-DEI) is possibly on the House Floor in the House Chamber in the Capitol. Note:  On April 17, it was deferred to the end of the calendar established for April 17. It is not showing up on the calendar for April 21 yet.

12:30 PM:  SB676 (data grab) is in Senate Finance Committee in Senate Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building.

4 PM:  SB1083 (anti-DEI) and SB1084 (anti-DEI) are on the Senate Regular Calendar.  SB468 (endangering trans people in gender-designated spaces) and SB937 (pronouns) on Senate Message Calendar on the Floor in the Senate Chamber in the Capitol.

The number of bills still moving is smaller this week, but it is important that we stay engaged. More campaigns may be added in the coming days.

EMAIL

Emails on HB754, HB923, and HB1270:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House Finance Subcommittee and House Finance Committee to reject bills on a data grab for gender-affirming care, DEI, and pronouns.

Emails on HB571:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell YOUR member of the Tennessee House to vote NO on a bill that endangers trans people in gender-designated spaces.

Emails on SB1084:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell YOUR state senator to vote NO on an anti-DEI bill affecting state and local government departments.

Emails on HB1270:  NEW!  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell YOUR state representative to vote NO on the anti-trans school pronoun bill.

SHOW UP

All times are Central Time. All locations are the Cordell Hull Building unless otherwise indicated.

HHR = House Hearing Room; SHR = Senate Hearing Room.

1Monday, April 14

9:00 AM:  HB754 (gender clinic data grab) in House Finance Subcommittee.  HB923 (anti-DEI) is also in House Finance Subcommittee. HB1270 (pronouns) up in House Finance Committee, which immediately follows the subcommittee meeting that starts at 9:00 a.m. House Hearing Room 1. HB910 on the Human Rights Commission is also up in House Finance.

2:00 PM:  HB571 (endangering trans people in gender-designated spaces) and HB327 (June as NOT Pride month) on the House floor. Takes place in the House chamber in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

2:30 PM:  SB1084 (anti-DEI) on the Senate regular calendar on the floor. SB955 (medical license to discriminate bill) is on the Senate message calendar on the floor. Takes place in the Senate chamber in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

Tuesday, April 15

1:00 PM:  SB861 on the Human Rights Commission is in the Senate Finance Committee. SHR1. The committee actually starts after the completion of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee, which begins at 1:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 16

10:30 AM:  HB1270 (pronoun bill), HB622 (anti-DEI), and HB923 (anti-DEI) and HB327 (June as NOT Pride month) on the House floor in the House Chamber in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

1:00 PM:  SB1083 (anti-DEI) and SB1084 (anti-DEI) are on the Senate floor in the Senate Chamber in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

 

The end of the legislative is fast approaching with bills hitting their final committee meetings, the floor, or a road block. Take action with these campaigns on bills moving the week of April 7. More may be added in the coming days.

EMAIL

Emails on HB571:  Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Judiciary Committee to reject a bill that endangers trans people in dorms, domestic violence shelters, detention facilities, and prisons.

Emails on HB622 and HB923:  Use the easy form at the link to tell the House State & Local Government Committee to reject two anti-DEI bills

Emails on HB1044:  Use the easy form at the link to tell your own state representative to vote NO on a medical license to discriminate bill.

Emails on HB1270:  Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Finance Subcommittee to reject the anti-trans school pronoun bill.

CALL

CALLS on HB571:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for members of the House Judiciary Committee on a bill that endangers trans people in gender-designated spaces. Call on the evening or on the weekend if you wish to leave a message at these office  numbers.

SHOW UP

All times are Central Time and all locations are the Cordell Hull Building unless otherwise noted.

SHR = Senate Hearing Room; HHR = House Hearing Room.

Items for Senate and House floor calendars will be updated as available.

Monday, April 7

2:00 PM:  HB1044 (medical ethics and discrimination) on the House Floor in the House Chamber in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

Wednesday, April 9

11:00 AM: HB1270 (pronoun bill) in House Finance Subcommittee located in HHR3. HB910 on the Human Rights Commission is also in this subcommittee. 

11:00 AM: HB571 (bill endangering trans people in gender-designated spaces) and HB327 (June as NOT Pride month) in House Judiciary Committee located in HHR1. Join PFLAG Nashville, Nashville Pride, Tennessee Pride Chamber, and TEP's Balcony Brigade at the hearing. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link. Note:  The Judiciary Committee is also meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday.

11:30 AM:  SB861 on the Human Rights Commission is in the Senate Government Operations Committee in SHR1.

1:30 PM:  HB622 and HB923 (anti-DEI bills) in House State & Local Government Committee located in HHR1. Note: The State & Local Government Committee is also meeting on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.

The number of bills on notice this week is a bit smaller as legislation either fails or moves to the floor. Take action with these campaigns. More may be added in the coming days.

EMAIL

Emails on SB1424:  Use the easy email campaign at the link to tell the Senate Judiciary Committee to reject a vague drag/adult-oriented establishments bill.

Emails on HB1270:  Use the easy email campaign at the link to tell the House Education Committee to vote NO on an anti-trans pronoun bill.

Emails on HB1271 and HB571: Use the easy email campaign at the link to tell the House Judiciary Committee to reject the binary definition of sex bill and the bill that endangers trans people in a variety of gender-designated spaces.

Emails on HB884:  Use the easy email campaign at the link to tell YOUR member of the Tennessee House of Representative to vote no on the vague drag/adult-oriented establishments.

Emails on SB1083/HB622 and SB1084/HB923:  Use the easy email campaign at the link to tell Senate and House State & Local Government Committees to reject two anti-DEI bills.

Emails on SB937:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell YOUR state senator to vote NO on the anti-trans pronoun bill.

CALL

Calls on HB1271 and HB571:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for the House Judiciary Committee on the binary definition of sex bill and the bill that endangers trans people in a variety of gender-designated spaces. Call in the evening or on weekends to leave a message. If you call on a week day during business hours, you may reach a live person. This campaign expires on April 2 at 10:00 a.m.

SHOW UP

All times are central and all locations are the Cordell Hull Building unless otherwise noted.

SHR = Senate Hearing Room; HHR = House Hearing Room.

Items for Senate and House floor calendars will be updated as they are available.

Monday, March 31

11:00 AM:  HB910 (ending Human Rights Commission) in Government Operations located in HHR1.

NOON:  SB1424 (drag/adult-oriented establishments) in Senate Judiciary Committee located in SHR1. NOTE:  The bill is technically on notice for today, but it is more likely to be heard on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. There is also a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

4:00 PM:  Rally for Trans Visibility in Memphis hosted by My Sistah's House, OUTMemphis, and WeCareTN. Learn more at the Facebook event post.

7:00 PM: Nashville observance of Transgender Day on Visibility at First Unitarian Universalist Church.

Tuesday, April 1

10:30 AM:  SB1083 and SB1084 (anti-DEI bills) in Senate State and Local Committee located in SHR1.

NOON:  HB1270 and HB1262 (pronoun bills) in House Education Committee located in HHR1.

2:30 PM:  SB1424 (drag/adult-oriented establishments) in Senate Judiciary Committee located in SHR1 if the bill is not heard in Monday's Senate Judiciary Committee meeting at Noon on Monday. If the bill is not heard during the Monday or Tuesday meetings, it could be heard on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 2

8:30 AM: HB622 and HB923 (anti-DEI bills) in House State and Local Committee located in HHR1.

11:00 AM:  HB1271 (binary definition of sex), HB327 (June as NOT Pride month), and HB571 (endangering trans people in gender-designated spaces) in House Judiciary located in HHR1.

2:00 PM:  SB1424 (vague drag/adult-oriented establishments) possibly in Senate Judiciary located in SHR1.

Thursday, April 3

8:30 AM:  SB937 (pronoun bill). Senate floor in the Senate Chamber in the Capitol.

9:00 AM:  HB884 (vague drag/adult-oriented establishments). House floor vote in the House Chamber in the Capitol.

 

Bills are hitting their final stops in committee as the legislative session grinds to an end in Tennessee. More campaigns will be added in the coming days.

EMAIL

Emails on SB1424/HB884:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the Senate and House Judiciary Committees to vote NO on a vague drag/adult-oriented establishments bill.

Emails on HB1044:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House Health Committee to vote NO on a sneaky medical license to discriminate bill.

Emails on SB1130/HB1051:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House K-12 Subcommittee and the Senate Education Committee to support a good Freedom to Read bill.

Emails on SB676/HB754:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and the House Finance Subcommittee to vote NO on a massive gender-affirming care data grab.

Emails on SB226/HB470:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell Senate and House Commerce Committees to reject a business license to discriminate bill.

Emails on SB937/HB1270 and SB1252/HB1262:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell Senate and House Education Committees to reject these anti-trans pronoun bills.

Emails on HB1271:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House Judiciary Committee to reject the binary definition of sex bill.

Emails on HB571:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House Judiciary Committee to reject the bill that endangers trans people in a variety of gender designated spaces.

Emails on SB468:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell YOUR senator to reject a bill that endangers trans people in a variety of gender designated spaces.

CALL

HB64:  Call Governor Lee at 615-741-2001 and urge him to veto the anti-trans bathroom for residential educational settings.

HB884, HB571, and HB1271:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for the House Judiciary Committee on a drag/adult-oriented establishment bill, a bill that endangers trans people in gender-designated spaces, and the binary definition of sex bill.

SHOW UP

All locations are the Cordell Hull Building unless otherwise noted. SHR = Senate Hearing Room, HHR = House Hearing Room. All times are Central Time.

MONDAY, MARCH 24

NOON. Senate Judiciary Committee in SHR1. SB1424 (drag/adult-oriented establishments) and SB861 (Human Rights Commission).

6:30PM:  Community Legislative Update and Zoom Phone Bank with Tennessee Pride Chamber. RSVP and learn more at the link.

TUESDAY, MARCH 25

9:00AM:  House K-12 Subcommittee in HHR1. HB1051 (Freedom to Read).

10:30AM:  House Departments & Agencies Subcommittee in HHR2. HB923 (anti-DEI).

NOON: House Education Committee in HHR1. HB1270 and HB1262 (anti-trans pronoun).

1:30PM:  House Health Committee in HHR1. HB1044 (medical license to discriminate).

3:00PM:  Senate Commerce & Labor in SHR1. SB226 (business professional license to discriminate), SB674 (preemption), and SB676 (gender clinic data grab).

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26

9:00AM:  House Commerce Committee in HHR1. HB470 (business professional license to discriminate).

10:30AM:  House Finance Subcommittee in HHR3. HB754 (gender clinic data grab).

NOON:  House Judiciary Committee in HHR1. HB327 (June as NOT Pride month), HB884 (drag/adult-oriented establishments), HB1271 (binary definition of sex), and HB571 (endangering trans people in gender designated spaces).

1:30PM: House State & Local Committee in HHR1. HB622 (anti-DEI) and HB910 (Human Rights Commission).

3:00PM:  Senate Education Committee in SHR1. SB936 and SB1252 (anti-trans pronouns) and SB1130 (Freedom to Read).

THURSDAY, MARCH 27

8:30AM:  Senate Chamber inside the Capitol.  SB468 (endangering trans people in gender-designated spaces).

Even more bills are moving the week of March 17. Additional campaigns will be added over the coming days.

EMAIL

Emails on HB64:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell your member of the Tennessee House of Representatives to vote NO on the anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings.

Emails on SB468/HB571:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Civil Justice Committee to vote NO on a bill endangers trans people in a variety of gendered spaces.

Emails on SB701/HB715 and SB1130/HB1051:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House K-12 Subcommittee, the House Departments & Agencies Subcommittee, and the Senate Education Committee to support the Freedom to Read.

Emails on SB676/HB754:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee and the House Health Committee to vote NO on a gender clinic data grab bill.

Emails on SB936/HB1271:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Civil Justice Subcommittee to vote NO on the binary definition of sex bill.

Emails on SB937/HB1270 and SB1252/HB1262: Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the Senate Education Committee and the House Education Administration Subcommittee to reject two anti-pronoun bills.

Emails on HB884 and HB327:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House Judiciary Committee on the adult-oriented establishments/drag bill and the bill designating June as "Celebration of Life" month instead of Pride month.

Emails on HB622:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House Cities and Counties Subcommittee your views on an anti-DEI bill for state and local government and public higher education.

Emails on SB226/HB470:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee and the House Business & Utilities Subcommittee your views on a bill that lets professionals insult and discriminate against customers without consequences.

Emails on HB1044:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell the House Health Committee your views on a sneaky bill that facilitates medical discrimination.

Emails on SB472:  Use the easy campaign at the link to tell YOUR senator to vote NO on the anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings.

CALL

CALLS on SB468 and SB936:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave phone messages for the Senate Judiciary Committee that will consider a bill that endangers trans people in gendered spaces and a bill that imposes a binary definition of sex on the state. Call in the evening or on the weekend if you prefer to leave a message.

CALLS on SB701, SB1130, SB1252, and SB937:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave phone messages for the Senate Education Committee that will consider two Freedom to Read bills and two anti-trans pronoun bills. Call in the evening or on the weekend if you prefer to leave a message.

SHOW UP

All locations are Cordell Hull Building unless otherwise noted. HHR = House Hearing Room and SHR = Senate Hearing Room.

MONDAY, MARCH 17

NOON:  The Senate Judiciary Committee is meeting and could hear SB936 (binary definition of sex bill).

2:00.  House Chambers in the Capitol. HB64 (anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings). Join us inside the Capitol as we rally for trans students. Start showing up at 1:30. The House floor session begins at 2:00. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event.

TUESDAY, MARCH 18

9:00 AM.  House K-12 Subcommittee. HHR2. HB1051 (freedom to read bill by Rep. McKenzie).

10:30 AM. Departments & Agencies Subcommittee. HHR2. HB715 (freedom to read bill by Rep. J. Jones) and HB910 (undoing Human Rights Commission). Here is a link to a face sheet on HB910 from A Better Balance.

10:30 AM. Senate State and Local Government Committee. SHR1. SB503 (June as NOT Pride month).

1:00 PM. Senate Commerce & Labor Committee. SHR1. SB674 (preemption) and SB676 (gender clinic data collection) and SB226 (business professional license to discriminate).

1:30 PM. House Health Committee. HHR1. HB1044 (medical ethics defense) and HB754 (gender clinic data collection).

3:00 PM. Senate Judiciary Committee. SHR1. SB468 (endangering trans people in gendered spaces) and SB936 (binary definition of sex).

3:00 PM. House Education Administration Subcommittee.  HHR3. HB1270 (pronoun bill by Rep. Cochran) and HB1262 (pronoun bill by Rep. Reneau).

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19

Noon. House Judiciary Committee. HHR1. HB884 (adult-oriented establishments/drag) and HB327 (June as NOT Pride month).

1:30 PM. House Civil Justice Subcommittee. HHR3. HB571 (endangering trans people in gendered spaces) and HB1271 (binary definition of sex).

3:00PM. Senate Education Committee. SHR1. SB701 (freedom to read by Sen. Kyle) and SB1130 (freedom to read by Sen. Yarbro) and SB1252 (pronoun bill) and SB937 (pronoun bill).

3:00 PM. House Business & Utilities Subcommittee. HHR1. HB470 (business professional license to discriminate).

3:00 PM. House Cities & Counties Subcommittee. HHR2. HB622 (anti-DEI).

THURSDAY, MARCH 20

8:30AM.  Senate Chamber in the Capitol. SB472 (anti-trans student bathroom bill).

Several bills are moving again this week. Take action with as many of the campaigns as you can. More campaigns will be added in the coming days.

EMAIL

Emails on HB1051:  Use the easy campaign at the link to generate messages to members of the K-12 Subcommittee on a good Freedom to Read bill.

Emails on SB472/HB64:  Use the easy campaign at the link  to generate messages to members of the Senate and House Education Committees on an anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings.

Emails on HB754:  Use the easy campaign at the link to generate messages to the members of the Population Health Subcommittee on a bill that is a massive data grab related to gender clinics.

Emails on HB1262:  Use the easy campaign at the link to generate messages to members of the Education Administration Subcommittee on a bill that lets teachers, school employees, and students ignore one another's pronouns.

Emails on HB884 and HB327:  Use the easy campaign at the link to generate messages to members of the House Judiciary Committee on a bill related to drag/adult-oriented establishments and a bill designating June "Celebration of Life month instead of recognizing it as Pride month.

Emails on HB470: Use the easy campaign at the link to generate messages to members of the Business & Utilities Subcommittee on a bill that shields professionals when they discriminate under the guise of religious freedom.

Emails on HB622:  Use the easy campaign at the link to generate messages to members of the Cities and Counties Subcommittee on a bill that attacks diversity, equity, and inclusion in local government and public higher education.

Emails on HB1044:  Use the easy campaign at the link to generate messages to members of the Health Subcommittee on a bill that is a sneaky way for healthcare providers to discriminate.

CALL

HB64 Calls:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for members of the House Education Committee on the anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings.

SB472 Calls:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for members of the Senate Education Committee on the anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings.

HB1262 Calls:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for members of the House Education Administration Subcommittee on the anti-trans school pronoun bill.

HB884 Calls:  Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for members of the House Judiciary Committee on the drag/adult-oriented establishment bill.

SHOW UP

All times are Central Time

MONDAY, MARCH 10

6:30 PM:  Community Legislative Update and Zoom Phone Bank with Tennessee Pride Chamber. RSVP and learn more at the link.

TUESDAY, MARCH 11

9:00 AM:  HB1051, a good freedom to read bill, is up in the K-12 Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 3 of the Cordell Hull Building.

NOON:  HB64, the anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings, is back in the Education Committee in House Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building. We have a unified Facebook event for this bill and the HB754 at Noon and HB1262 at 3:00 p.m.  Learn more at the event link.

NOON:  HB754, a bill related to gathering data on gender clinics, is up in the Population Health Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 2 of the Cordell Hull Building.

3:00 PM: HB1262, a bill related to pronouns at school, is up in Education Administration Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 3 of the Cordell Hull Building.

6:30 PM:  TEP Montgomery County Committee meeting at the public library in Clarksville. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

9:00 AM:  HB1106, a bill related to HIV criminalization, is up in the Criminal Justice Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 2 of the Cordell Hull Building.

NOON: HB884, a bill related to adult-oriented establishments and drag, and HB327, a bill calling June "Celebration of Life" month, are up in the Judiciary Committee in House Hearing Room 1.

NOON:  HB1044, a bill related to religious freedom and health providers, is up in the Health Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 3 of the Cordell Hull Building.

3:00PM:  SB472, an anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings, is up in Senate Education in Senate Hearing Room 1.

3:00 PM:  HB470, a bill related to religious freedom of professionals, is up in the Business & Utilities Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 1.

3:00 PM:  HB622, an anti-DEI bill, is up in the Cities & Counties Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 2.

Several anti-LGBTQ bills are on the calendar for the week of March 2. Find information about them below. More campaigns will be added over the coming days. All event times are Central Time. All locations, unless otherwise noted, are the Cordell Hull Building in Nashville.

CALL

Calls on HB64:  Use the scripts and numbers provided at the link. These calls are for the anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings.

Calls on HB1262:  Use the scripts and numbers provided at the link.  These calls are for the new anti-pronoun bill.

Calls on HB884:  Use the scripts and numbers provided at the link. These calls are for the new anti-drag bill.

Calls on HB315:  Use the scripts and numbers provided at the link. These calls are for the Covenant Marriage bill for man/woman couples.

Calls on HB571:  Use the scripts and numbers provided at the link. This bill endangers trans people in a variety of gender-segregated spaces.

EMAIL

Emails on HB327:  Use the easy form at the link to generate messages to the committee members who will vote on a bill to name June "Celebration of Life" month instead of Pride month.

Emails on HB64:  Use the easy form at the link to generate messages to the committee members who will vote on the anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings.

Emails on SB676:  Use the easy form at the link to generate messages to the committee members who will vote on this bill that recklessly gathers and publishes data on gender-affirming care.

Emails on HB315:  Use this easy form at the link to generate messages to the subcommittee members who will vote on the covenant marriage bill for man/woman couples.

Emails on HB1262:  Use the easy form at the link to generate messages to the committee members who will vote on a school pronoun bill affecting teachers, school, employees, and students.

Emails on HB884:  Use the easy form at the link to generate messages to the subcommittee members who will vote on this bill classifies any venue that hosts drag performance as an adult-oriented establishment.

Emails on HB571:  Use the easy form at the link to generate messages to the subcommittee members who will vote on this bill that endangers trans people in a variety of gender-segregated spaces.

Emails on HB470:  Use the easy form at the link to generate messages to the subcommittee members who will vote on this bill that fails to protect customers from discrimination and takes rights away from associations to discipline their members when someone claims freedom of speech or religion.

SHOW UP

Monday, March 3

NOON:  HB327, an anti-Pride month bill, in the House Naming and Designating Committee. House Hearing Room 1.

6:30 PM:  Weekly Community Legislative Update and Zoom Phone Bank with Tennessee Pride Chamber and TEP. RSVP and learn more at Facebook event link.

Tuesday, March 4

NOON:  HB64, an anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings, in the House Education Committee in House Hearing Room 1. RSVP and learn more at Facebook event link. Show up with PFLAG Nashville and TEP.

1:00 PM:  SB676, a bill that collects data on gender clinics and boosts de-transition, in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee in Senate Hearing Room 1.

1:30 PM:  HB315, a covenant marriage bill for man/woman couples, in House Family & Children Affairs Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 3. RSVP and learn more at Facebook event link.

3:00 PM:  HB1262, a bill on pronouns in schools, in House Education Administration Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 3.

5:00 PM:  Mardi Gras Party benefiting TEP at Frankie J's. RSVP and learn more at Facebook event link.

Wednesday, March 5

9:00 AM:  HB884, a bill having the effect of regulating venues where drag performance takes place, in House Criminal Justice Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 2.

1:30 PM:  HB571, a bill causing danger to trans people in gender-segregated spaces, in House Civil Justice Subcommittee in House Hearing Room 3.

3:00 PM: HB470, on business professionals and religious freedom, in House Hearing Room 1.

One of the bills on notice for the week of Feb. 23 is HB64, a dangerous anti-trans bathroom bill for residential educational settings. Please, use the campaigns below. We have also added campaigns on SB955, a bill that protects healthcare providers if they have an objection to certain medical procedures. We worry it will lead to protecting animus against certain kinds of patients.

CALL

Calls on HB64:  Use the numbers and scripts at the link to leave messages for members of the House Education Committee.

EMAIL

Email campaign for HB64:  Use the easy form at the link to send a message to the members of the committee.  You can edit the existing message and even include a short video.

Email campaign for SB955:  Use the easy form at the link to send a message to the members of the committee. You can edit the existing message and even include a short video.

SHOW UP

February 24 at 6:30 PM Central Time.  Zoom community phone bank and legislative update with the Tennessee Pride Chamber. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

February 25 at Noon Central Time. House Education Hearing on HB64 in House Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building in Nashville.  RSVP and learn more at the the Facebook event link.

February 26 at 1:00 PM Central Time. Senate Health & Welfare Committee hearing on SB955 in Senate Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building in Nashville.

There are at least two bills on notice the week of February 16. HB315, which is a covenant marriage bill for man/woman couples, is up in the House Children & Family Affairs Subcommittee on February 18. On February 19 the Public Service Subcommittee will consider HB304, which bans Pride flags and other flags from government buildings and public schools.

Take action with these campaigns. More may be added in the coming days.

CALL

HB315 Calls:  Leave phone messages with legislators by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on February 18 using the numbers and suggested script at the link. If you do not wish to speak to a live person, call on the weekend or in the evening.

HB304 Calls:  Leave phone messages with legislators by 10:00 a.m. Central Time on February 19 using the numbers and suggested script at the link. If you do not wish to speak to a live person, call on the weekend or in the evening.

EMAIL

HB315 Email:  Use the easy form at the link to send a message to the members of the subcommittee. You can edit the existing message and even include a short video.

HB304 Email:  Use the easy form at the link to send a message to the members of the subcommittee.  You can edit the existing message and even include a short video.

SHOW UP

February 17 at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Zoom Community Legislative Update and Phone Bank with the Tennessee Pride Chamber.  RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

February 18 at 1:30 p.m. Central Time. Hearing on HB315 with PFLAG Nashville in House Hearing Room 3. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

February 19 at 10:30 a.m. Central Time.  Hearing on HB304 with Nashville Pride in House Hearing Room 2. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link. POSTPONED BECAUSE OF SNOW. DO NOT SHOW UP.

There are at least two bills on notice the week of February 9. HB64, which is an anti-trans bill relative to residential educational settings, is in the House Education Administration Subcommittee on Feb. 11. Second, HB571, which endangers trans people in gender-segregated spaces, is in the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on Feb. 12.

Take action with these campaigns. More may be added in the coming days.

CALL

HB64 Calls:  Leave messages with legislators by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on February 11 using the numbers and suggested script at the link. If you do not wish to speak to a live person, call in the evening or on the weekend.

HB571 Calls:  Leave messages with legislators by 1:00 p.m. Central Time on February 12 using the numbers and suggested script at the link. If you do not wish to speak to a live person, call in the evening or on the weekend.

EMAIL

HB64 Email:  Use the easy form at the link to send a message to all members of the House Education Administration Subcommittee. You can edit the existing message and even include a short video.

HB571 Email:  Use the easy form at the link to send a message to all members of the House Civil Justice Subcommittee. You can edit the existing message and even include a short video.

SHOW UP

Feb. 10 at 6:30 pm Central Time.  Zoom Community Legislative Update and Phone Bank with the Tennessee Pride Chamber. RSVP and learn more at the link.

Feb. 11 at 3 pm Central Time in House Hearing Room 3:  Hearing on HB64 with PFLAG Nashville. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

Feb. 12 at 1:30 pm Central Time in House Hearing Room 3:  Hearing on HB571 with PFLAG Nashville. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

The Legislature will not be meeting the week of January 19. There will be no Zoom Community Update and Phone Bank this week. Legislators will continue to file bills and we will continue to prepare for the legislative session.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20

Today marks the federal holiday commemorating the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  TEP will be closed.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 21

Chattanooga:  What you can do in Chattanooga to advocate for LGBTQ people during the legislative session. RSVP and learn more at the link.

Nashville:  TEP will provide a legislative update at the PFLAG Nashville meeting.  Learn more at the link.

ANY TIME

SHOW UP:  If you would like to be involved with the Balcony Brigade, contact Brian Sullivan at [email protected] .

LEARN:  Read about HB64, an anti-trans bathroom bill relative to residential educational facilities.

The Tennessee General Assembly reconvenes at Noon Central Time on Tuesday, January 14. Please, use the following campaigns for the week of January 12. More may be added in the coming days. Campaigns will be updated weekly as key bills move.

MONDAY, JANUARY 13

6:30 p.m. Central Time:  Community Legislative Update and Zoom Phone Bank. The Tennessee Pride Chamber and TEP will provide a quick legislative update most Monday evenings of the legislative sessions. We will also use this time to phone bank on  Zoom if there are key bills moving.  RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 14

10:30 a.m. Central Time:  First Watch of the Balcony Brigade. Gather with us inside the Capitol as the legislative session kicks off. Wear your Balcony Brigade shirt if you have one. We will have Balcony Brigade stickers and signs for you to hold. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

ANY TIME

CALL: Leave a phone message for the Governor using the number and suggested script at this link.

 

If you would like to volunteer with us, contact us at [email protected] . Our busiest time of year is the state legislative session. We need district captains for legislator meetings, people to help monitor local government agendas, and volunteers for special events. When you email us, let us know in what city you live.

If your organization would like to learn more and sign the statement, go to the form at this link. For questions, email us at [email protected] .

 

Organizations, Congregations, and Small Businesses Signing

PFLAG Chattanooga

East Nashville Doulas

Hamblen County Federation of Democratic Women

Nashville in Harmony

Replenish Therapy LLC

The Makeup Lounge

Doggie Doos Inc

Seed Theatre

Katz Media

PFLAG Nashville

Spangler Strategies

Love Doesn't Hurt

Nashville Musicians For Change

Tn Mom PAC

Richlynn Group

InDo Nashville

Riverwood House OUTINGS

Three J's Hospitality

Moms for Social Justice

Prosperity Mental Wellness Center

Pickert Learning Solutions

Wink

Aunt Flo Initiative

Tangled Cords Sound Services

Podkit Productions

Grace Episcopal Church, Chattanooga

PFLAG Hendersonville

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

Anne-Marie Zanzal Coaching, LLC

Southern Progressives

Tonda McKay Photography

Friends For All

Graceful Aging Legal Services PLLC

Covenant of the Cross

The Lipstick Lounge

The Write Choice, LLC

Nashville Grief

Bare Body & Skincare

Appalachian Equality Chorus

Nashville Pride

Connect Media Group

Danielle Tipping PSYD PLLC

Bryant's Bridge

Brookmeade United Church of Christ (UCC)

Foothills Unitarian Universalist Fellowship

EXIT Real Estate Experts

Wilson County Democratic Women

Mountain Mobile Massage LLC

Southminster Presbyterian Church

Nashville Jews for Social Justice

Tennessee Fair Housing Council

Scenic City Neurotherapy

Americans United for Separation of Church and State

Inclusive Health

First Congregational Church of Memphis

Blakemore United Methodist Church

Dan and Margaret Maddox Fund

Talk and Thrive Education, LLC

Garden Buddy

Knox Pride

Indivisible Tennessee

Focus LGBT+ Magazine

Wilco Iris

Empowered Heart Integrative Mental Health Care, PLLC

East Nashville Queer Parents

Southern Christian Coalition

Gaia Center for Embodied Healing

Studio Strange

Tennessee Playwrights Studio

Nashville Shakespeare Festival

soulskiwoman llc

The Loyal Opposition

Encircle Acupuncture

Psychotherapy & Forensic Services

Appalachian OUTreach

Indian Lake Animal Clinic

Whitewood Counseling & Consultation

Rodney Mitchell Salon

Welty Law Office

Hiestand Psychological Services

East Nashtivists

Richlynn Group

Beth Sholom Synagogue

Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church

Chinkapin Craftstead

Cryptid Cafe

Baker Bros BBQ

Cookeville Theatre Company

AWAKE TN

Tioga Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Hands and Heart Reiki

Redfern Glamping Experience

Margot Cafe and Bar

GracePointe Church

Silent No Longer TN

Nashville Queer History

Tennessee Hispanic Action Network

Selena Haynes, REALTOR®

Voce Speech Therapy, PLLC

Glendale United Methodist Church, Nashville

Hemp Building Institute

Halupka Studio LLC

Planned Parenthood of TN and North Mississippi

OUTMemphis

Everbloom Design

Cookeville Inclusive

Nashville Launch Pad

Diskin Cider

PFLAG Franklin

Open Door Counseling

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Murfreesboro

The Silver Fern, LLC

Arden Lynde Counseling

Rouffe Co

Aligned Counseling LLC

Renew Exterior Lighting

Forward TN

Pride Construction

Inclusify Me!

Greater Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation

WeKnoNow

California Smothered Burrito food truck of Chattanooa

Franklin Pride

The Seed Theatre

Tennessee Equality Project

 

Write a letter this week about a recent story in a newspaper

Your letter could shape the views of your neighbors and key decision makers and it provides a record that people are speaking out for the values of justice, equal protection of the law, and inclusion. You can increase engagement by sharing the link to your letter on social media. 

If you submit a letter and it is published, send us the link at [email protected] . Here are some stories in recent papers to which you could respond with a letter to the editor. Not every paper will have a relevant story every week. We simply provide some suggested stories for your focus. Inclusion of a story or opinion piece does not imply a TEP endorsement of it.  NOTE:  Beside the name of each paper is information about how to submit your letter.

USA Today (nationwide):   https://static.usatoday.com/submitletter/  .

1. Coverage of US v Skrmetti. https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/news/nation/2024/12/04/trans-youth-supreme-court-case/76764741007/ 
2. Target shareholder lawsuit over Pride merchandise backlash can proceed. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/12/05/target-pride-2023-lawsuit/76799419007/?tbref=hp 

The Tennessean (Nashville area):  https://static.tennessean.com/letter-editor/ 

1. Tennessee legislators offer their views of US v Skrmetti.  https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

The Commercial Appeal (Memphis area):  https://static.commercialappeal.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Coverage of US v Skrmetti.  https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/politics/2024/12/04/us-supreme-court-transgender-health-case-tennessee-ban/76592694007/ 

The Daily Memphian (Memphis area):  "The Daily Memphian welcomes a diverse range of views and invites readers to submit Letters to the Editor at [email protected]. Submissions should be fewer than 250 words in length. Preference will be given to letters addressing local issues. Writers must provide their name, city where they reside, email address and phone number. Letters that are published will include the writer’s name and city. Anonymous submissions will not be considered."

1. Profile of Dr. Susan Lacy, who offers gender-affirming care. https://dailymemphian.com/section/metrostate-government/article/48439/memphis-doctor-susan-lacy-transgender-supreme-court 

The Knoxville News Sentinel (Knoxville area):  https://static.knoxnews.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Knox County Schools pulling books from library shelves.  https://www.knoxnews.com/story/news/education/2024/12/05/knox-county-schools-pulls-48-books-in-accordance-with-tennessee-law/76770330007/ 

Chattanooga Times Free Press (Chattanooga area):  https://www.pressreader.com/usa/chattanooga-times-free-press/20190217/282926681663332 

1. Tennessee Democrats push IVF, contraception guarantees. https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2024/dec/07/tennessee-democrats-push-in-vitro-fertilization/ 

Clarksville Leaf Chronicle (Clarksville area):  https://static.theleafchronicle.com/submitletter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti.  https://www.theleafchronicle.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Daily News Journal (Murfreesboro area):  https://static.dnj.com/submitaletter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti.  https://www.dnj.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Johnson City Press (Northeast TN):  https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/site/forms/online_services/letter_editor/ 

1. A letter might explore and question the lack of coverage of US v Skrmetti in the paper or simply use the recent oral arguments in the case to write a letter supporting the trans community.

The Jackson Sun (West TN):  https://static.jacksonsun.com/submit-letter/ 

1. Tennessee legislators comment on US v Skrmetti. https://www.jacksonsun.com/story/news/local/2024/12/06/tennessee-legislators-talk-gender-affirming-care-scotus-hears-case/76734457007/ 

Cookeville Herald-Citizen (Upper Cumberland):  [email protected] . Read previous letters to get a sense of the typical word count of letters.

1. A letter might explore and question the lack of coverage of US v Skrmett in the paper or simply use the recent oral arguments in the case to write a letter supporting the trans community.

The 12th Tennessee Equality Project Gumbo Contest will be held on Sunday, February 16th, 2025 from 4:30 to 7 PM at the Memphis Sports and Events Center. TEP's annual celebration brings together teams from near and far to compete for the best gumbo in Memphis. Gumbo contestants will be awarded prizes by an appointed panel of judges and by individual tasters like you in the People’s Choice competition. You can purchase individual tickets at this link.

TEP's annual gumbo competition draws large crowds who support the LGBTQ community of the Mid-South and draws many public and elected officials. 

You can support this year’s event and the work of TEP to advance and protect equality in Tennessee as a host or in-kind sponsor. Here are the steps:

1. Review the sponsor information below and select the right level for you on the webpage. If you prefer to write a check for your sponsorship, please email [email protected] to coordinate.  
2. If you choose a Habanero or Serrano sponsorship, you will be assigned a VIP Table in the event space with a dedicated open bar.
3. Sponsors will receive tickets to the event, provided in coordination with the Gumbo Planning Committee (e.g., by mail, delivered in-person, will-call, etc.).
4. We ask that sponsors that do not need or wish to use all their tickets to let the gumbo planning committee know, so they may offer those tickets to attendees who otherwise could not attend the event: Contact us at [email protected]
5. VIP Table recipients are encouraged to decorate their tables! Mardi Gras and Pride themes are welcome to celebrate the season and diversity of our community. Additionally, you may incorporate donatable items into your decorations like toiletries, clothing, or non-perishable food that will be provided to local pantries that support our community.
6. Sponsors must submit event program ads and organizational logos for the sponsor reel (300+ dpi image) to the Gumbo Planning Committee at [email protected] by January 26, 2025 to guarantee ad placement. Ad specifications are listed below; please contact us with additional questions.

HOST SPONSORSHIPS

How spicy do you like your gumbo? Gumbo contest sponsors may contribute as hosts for this event at the Habanero, Serrano, or Sweet Bell level as individuals, organizations or businesses:

🔥HABANERO SPONSOR🔥

Flaming sponsors giving $1,500 will receive:

• VIP Table (6 seats) with 6 gumbo tasting tickets for the People’s Choice competition which includes live music and dedicated open bar. 
• Promotional advertisement of your business on the event web page. 
• Promotion of your business or organization on the TEP Gumbo contest website and in the event program (full page ad - 5.5 x 8.5”), event announcements, event advertising, and individual slides on the sponsor reel display.*
• Will be thanked from the main stage during event announcements

SERRANO SPONSOR

Medium sponsors giving $750 will receive:

• VIP Table (6 seats) with 6 gumbo tasting tickets for the People’s Choice competition which includes live music and dedicated open bar.
• Promotional advertisement of your business on the event web page. 
• Promotion of your business or organization on the TEP Gumbo contest website and in the event program (full page ad - 5.5 x 8.5”), and on the sponsor reel display.*

SWEET BELL SPONSOR

Mild sponsors giving $250 will receive:

• 2 gumbo tasting tickets for the People’s Choice competition which includes live music and dedicated open bar.
• Promotion of your business, organization, or an honor in the event program (half page ad - 5.5 x 4.25” or 2.75 x 8.5”) and on a shared slide on the sponsor reel display.*

*Sponsors must submit event program ads and organizational logos for the sponsor reel (300+ dpi image) to [email protected] by January 26, 2025 to guarantee ad placement.

Click the "Continue" button on the left to contribute your desired sponsorship level based on the above table. 

IN-KIND SPONSORS

In-kind gifts for the event may be donated. In-kind sponsors will receive event admission tickets and promotion of your business in the event program. In-kind gifts of $750 or greater will receive a VIP Table with 6 seats. In-kind gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

To donate, volunteer, or for more information, contact the Gumbo Planning Committee at [email protected]

Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Why should your business or organization sponsor the TEP Gumbo Contest?

Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides educational projects and programs which advance the well-being of LGBTQ people and their families here at home in Tennessee. Unlike many other organizations that advance equality, every dollar contributed to TEP Foundation is spent here in Tennessee.

A diverse group of over 500 LGBTQ people and their allies attend the TEP Gumbo Contest each year. Attendees receive a program with sponsor ads and information, and will see the event sponsor reel on the projection screen during the event. Our PRESENTING sponsor and HABANERO sponsors will be thanked from the main stage during event announcements.  

Your sponsorship will be advertised through the TEP Gumbo Contest Event web page, social media, and email list (20,000+ contacts). Tennessee Equality Project social media reach extends deeply in the Mid-South and the State of Tennessee:

• Facebook Page: 18,000+ followers
• Facebook Group: 8000+ members
• Instagram @TNEquality: 11,000+ followers

Donate