Many cities will hold elections in 2023. To find a calendar of these elections, go to this link at the Secretary of State's website. TEP plans to survey candidates in Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis. Presentation of candidate answers does not constitute endorsement of their campaigns or their positions.

MEMPHIS

To find basic information on October 5 Memphis municipal election, go to this link from the Shelby County Election Commission. We are surveying candidates for Mayor and City Council. Candidates are listed in the order in which they respond for their particular office. We are grateful to OUTMemphis, Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, Love Doesn't Hurt, Mid-South Pride, MidSouth LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and other organizations for helping shape the questions.

Mayor

City Council Districts 1-7

City Council Super Districts 8 and 9

NASHVILLE

To find basic information on the August 3 Metro Nashville general election, go to this link from the Davidson County Election Commission. TEP has surveyed candidates for Mayor, Vice Mayor, and Metro Council. The survey responses for those candidates who replied are linked below. Candidates are listed in the order in which they responded for their particular office.

Mayor

Vice Mayor

Council at-large

Council Districts 1-7

Council Districts 8-14

Council Districts 15-21

Council Districts 22-28

Council Districts 29-35

KNOXVILLE

To find basic information on this year's City of Knoxville elections, go to this page by the Knox County Election Commission. The primary election takes place on August 29. The regular (general) election takes place on November 3. We surveyed every candidate for whom we could obtain an email address.

Mayor

City Council

Municipal Judge

We are still waiting for Governor Lee's action on some key bills. The Governor has called for a special session of the Legislature for August 21. You can submit comment about that at this link. These causes and events need your attention and they will give you the chance to extend your advocacy. Learn how we are preparing for the special session and the 2024 regular legislation session at this link. A video version of the campaign information can be found at this link.

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Veto calls to the Governor

CALL: Call Governor Lee and urge him to veto discriminatory bills. Call 615-741-2001 and say: "Governor Lee, my name is ____________ and I live in ___________. Please, veto the following bills:  Senate Bill 1440, Senate Bill 466, and Senate Bill 102. Thank you."

Notes:

1. Feel free to add other bills that are important to you that have been transmitted to the Governor or may be soon.

2. About the legislation. SB1237, the anti-trans private school athlete bill, was recently signed into law. SB1443, the parent opt-in bill was recently signed into law. It hampers student access to and choice of school clubs like GSAs and stigmatizes LGBTQ issues in the curriculum. SB1440 is the anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill. SB466 is the student pronoun discrimination bill. SB102 bans requiring implicit bias training in public education. 

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

SHOW UP: At 1:00 p.m. Central Time at Legislative Plaza in Nashville, the Southern Christian Coalition is holding a "Protect Kids Not Guns Rally." Learn more at the Facebook link.

THURSDAY, MAY 11

SHOW UP: At 4:00 p.m. Central Time in Nashville, Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition holds their May open house. Learn more on Facebook.

MONDAY, MAY 15

SHOW UP: At 4:15 p.m. Eastern Time, LGBTQIA2s+ & Allies Sevier Appalachian OUTreach are holding "Come Together Rally" to support a Pride proclamation in Sevier County before the County Commission meeting. Learn more on Facebook.

A special legislative session on public safety is coming on August 21, 2023 and the 2024 legislative session begins in January. We are already preparing comprehensive campaign efforts for these critical moments. There are many opportunities for partner organizations to participate and individuals to volunteer.

STATE LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Consultation for Partner Organizations: This year over 350 organizations, small businesses, and congregations signed our statement against discriminatory bills. If your organization, small business, or congregation would like to find ways to engage in legislative advocacy, we can consult with you and provide options that fit your mission, time, and specialties. Contact us at [email protected] .

Legislative Roundtable: During the legislative session, we will offer a roundtable discussion every two weeks for community organizations so we that we can hear from national partners, get insight from people affected by state legislation, and discuss ways organizations can engage with legislative advocacy. If you are interested in helping build this resource, contact us at [email protected] .

Balcony Brigade and Committee Caucus: We need more people to attend key legislative committee meetings and to be in the Senate and House galleries when important votes are taking place. Being present allows people to LEARN the process, WITNESS what is happening to our Democracy, and ENGAGE in deeper advocacy. If you would like to sign up, go to this link. For a quick video on the initiative, go to this link. This initiative offers many opportunities for partner organizations to co-host individual events in the Capitol or in the Cordell Hull Building. If your organization is interested, contact TEP Nashville Co-Chairs Dahron Johnson and Brian Sullivan at [email protected] and [email protected] or fill out the form linked above.

Media Engagement: News media outlets are frequently interested in talking to people affected by discriminatory state legislation. If you would like to be available to speak to the media, contact Brian Sullivan at [email protected] . In addition, we are exploring media training courses as we get closer to the fall. If you are interested in getting on the list for training, contact Brian.

Regional Committee Expansion: To protect the LGBTQ community in Tennessee, we need to grow our existing regional committees and form new ones throughout the state. To connect with an existing regional committee near you or help form one, contact us at [email protected] so we can help get you matched.

2024 Advancing Equality Day on the Hill: Advancing Equality Day on the Hill - Part 1 will take place on February 13, 2024 in the Cordell Hull Building in Nashville. RSVP at the link. TEP Knox, Anderson, and Blount County Chair Aly Chapman and TEP Shelby County Chair Shahin Samiei will be considering modifications to the event to accommodate those traveling from great distances. We are also working with partner organizations on events surrounding Advancing Equality Day on the Hill. There are opportunities for partner organizations to produce connected events. If your organization is interested in proposing an event, reach out at [email protected] .

District Captain Recruitment: District Captains are Tennessee residents who meet with their own state legislators to advocate for the LGBTQ community. Those meetings might take place at legislative offices in the Cordell Hull Building or closer to home at a local coffee shop or other convenient place. TEP will help you learn how to set up for the meeting and help you prepare for the meeting with a brief. If you feel called to this role, contact us at [email protected] .

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADVOCACY

Local Government Discrimination Watch: With authoritarianism and anti-LGBTQ policymaking growing at the state level, it will spill over into local governments (city councils, city commissions, boards of aldermen, county commissions, and school boards) around the state. We need volunteers who can monitor the meeting agenda of local government bodies around the state and help us develop responses to discriminatory proposals. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, fill out the quick form at this link.

Speak Out For Democracy: Democracy is under threat in Tennessee. The expulsion of Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson struck at representation, which is the very foundation of democracy. In addition, the Legislature continues to usurp the authority of local governments in ways that disadvantage the diverse communities of our state. We invite you to speak out for democracy during the public comment period at a meeting of your local government. More information on this project will be available soon, but if you are interested, contact us at [email protected] .

Bills continue to make their way slowly to the Governor. It now appears that any special legislative session on gun violence will be delayed until August or September. Here are additional ways for you to continue your advocacy.

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Veto calls to the Governor

CALL: Call Governor Lee and urge him to veto discriminatory bills. Call 615-741-2001 and say: "Governor Lee, my name is ____________ and I live in ___________. Please, veto the following bills:  Senate Bill 1440, Senate Bill 466, and Senate Bill 102. Thank you."

Notes:

1. Feel free to add other bills that are important to you that have been transmitted to the Governor or may be soon.

2. About the legislation. SB1237, the anti-trans private school athlete bill, was recently signed into law. SB1443, the parent opt-in bill was recently signed into law. It hampers student access to and choice of school clubs like GSAs and stigmatizes LGBTQ issues in the curriculum. SB1440 is the anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill. SB466 is the student pronoun discrimination bill. SB102 bans requiring implicit bias training in public education. 

THURSDAY, MAY 4

SHOW UP: At 6:00 p.m. Central Time, Tennessee For All is having their virtual "Statewide Assembly." RSVP and learn more at the link.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

SHOW UP: From 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Central Time, Raven Beauty Bar and Devil's Tower Records are holding "We Ain't Fools: A Celebration of Self Expression" at Raven Beauty Bar located at 917 Gallatin Avenue in Nashville. Learn more at the link.TEP will be speaking at 6:00 p.m.

SUNDAY, MAY 7

SHOW UP: Starting at Noon Central Time in Nashville at Pearl Diver in Nashville, Hawthorne Heights presents a "Tennessee Is For Lovers" pop up. TEP will have a table. Learn more at the link. TEP will have a table from Noon to about 2:00 p.m. Central Time.

SHOW UP: At 4:00 p.m. Central Time in Nashville, Portara Ensemble presents "Dangerous - Soundtrack of Social Transformation." Ticket information is located here.

THINK AHEAD

SHOW UP: Advancing Equality Day on the Hill - Part 1 takes places on February 13, 2024. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

MISC: Help us prepare for the special legislative session and the 2024 regular legislative session with options at the link.

The Tennessee General Assembly adjourned on April 21, but bills are still headed to the Governor for his action. In addition, various groups are preparing for a special legislative session that will be focused on gun violence. Read more about that at the link.

Here are ways for you to continue your advocacy this week.

ANY DAY OF THE WEEK

Veto calls to the Governor

CALL: Call Governor Lee and urge him to veto discriminatory bills. Call 615-741-2001 and say:

"Governor Lee, my name is ____________ and I live in ___________. Please, veto the following bills: Senate Bill 1237, Senate Bill 1443, Senate Bill 1440, Senate Bill 466, and Senate Bill 102. Thank you."

Notes:

1. Feel free to add other bills that are important to you that have been transmitted to the Governor or may be soon.

2. About the legislation. SB1237 is the anti-trans private school athlete bill. SB1443 is the discriminatory parent opt-in bill for education. It hampers student access to and choice of school clubs like GSAs and stigmatizes LGBTQ issues in the curriculum. SB1237 is the anti-trans private school athlete bill. SB1440 is the anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill. SB466 is the student pronoun discrimination bill. SB102 bans requiring implicit bias training in public education. As of April 22, only SB1237 on the list has been transmitted to the Governor. That will change soon.

MONDAY, APRIL 24

SHOW UP: At 11:30 a.m., the Southern Christian Coalition is hosting "Lament of 2023 Legislative Session" at Legislative Plaza. Learn more at the link.

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

SHOW UP: At 4:45 p.m. Central Time, SOCM is urging people to attend their press conference and then the Rutherford County School Board meeting in Murfreesboro. The press conference is to oppose American Classical Academy's charter application. Learn more and RSVP at the link.

APRIL 25 and 26

CALL: CivicTN is recruiting phone banking volunteers to turn out voters in the City of Jackson election. You can learn more and volunteer at the link. You do not have to live in Jackson, TN to volunteer. You can do it from home wherever you live.

There are also April 28 through May 1 opportunities at this link.

We don't know when the legislative session will end. Legislators will be at work on Thursday. The Senate has scheduled a floor session on Friday, but the House so far has not. That said, they have several bills to go through. Use the campaigns below to take action on key bills. More may be added.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Anti-trans definition of "sex," pronoun discrimination, and anti-implicit bias training bills in the House

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell your own member of the House of Representatives to vote NO on these three bills.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in the House chamber. You can attend by finding a seat in the House gallery or by standing outside the House chamber. Note: This event is in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Anti-implicit bias training bill in Senate Finance (Note: It passed. Skip down to Friday for next step.)

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the Senate Finance Committee to vote NO on the anti-implicit bias training bill.

CALL: Use the numbers and scripts at the link to leave messages for the members of the Finance Committee.

SHOW UP: The Senate Finance Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in Senate Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building.  Note: If the bill passes Senate Finance, it could go to the Senate floor at 10:00 a.m. That event takes place in the Capitol, not in the  Cordell Hull Building.

Federal anti-trans youth sports ban

EMAIL: Use this form from HRC to contact your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose the bill. (Note: It passed.)

TRACK: Track the bill at this link.

FRIDAY, APRIL 21

Anti-implicit bias training bill on Senate floor

EMAIL: Use this easy form to urge your own senator to vote NO on the bill when it reaches the Senate floor.

SHOW UP: The Senate floor session begins at 10:30 a.m. You can attend if you can find a seat in the Senate gallery or you can stand outside the Senate chamber. The event takes place in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

We don't know when the legislative session will end. Legislators will be at work on Thursday. The Senate has scheduled a floor session on Friday, but the House so far has not. That said, they have several bills to go through. Use the campaigns below to take action on key bills.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

Parent opt-in bill in the House

EMAIL: The House did not get to the bill on Monday. Use this easy form to tell your own member of the House to vote NO.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time. You can attend by finding a seat in the House gallery or standing outside the House chamber. Note: This event takes place in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

NOTE: Per a motion on the House floor on April 17, this bill should be on the House regular calendar for April 19. But it does not yet appear. Regardless, please, use the email campaign above in case it pops up. The House may be waiting for the Senate to transmit the companion bill.

Flag restriction bill in the Senate

EMAIL: The Senate did not get to the flag restriction bill on Monday. So they will take it up on April 19. Use this easy form to email your own Senator urging a NO vote.

SHOW UP: The Senate floor session begins at 1:30 p.m. Central Time. You can attend by finding a seat in the gallery or standing outside the Senate chamber. Note: This event takes place in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Anti-trans definition of "sex," pronoun discrimination, and anti-implicit bias training bills in the House

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell your own member of the House of Representatives to vote NO on these three bills.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in the House chamber. You can attend by finding a seat in the House gallery or by standing outside the House chamber. Note: This event is in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Anti-implicit bias training bill in the Senate

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the Senate Finance Committee to vote NO on the anti-implicit bias training bill.

CALL: Use the numbers and scripts at the link to leave messages for the members of the Finance Committee.

SHOW UP: The Senate Finance Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in Senate Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building. Note: If the bill passes Senate Finance, it could go to the Senate floor at 10:00 a.m. That event takes place in the Capitol, not in the  Cordell Hull Building.

THIS WEEK

Federal anti-trans youth sports ban

EMAIL: Use this form from HRC to contact your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose the bill.

TRACK: Track the bill at this link.

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

Several bills in House Finance Subcommittee and Committee

EMAIL: Use this easy form to contact members of the House Finance Subcommittee and Committee on the binary definition of "sex" bill, the pronoun bill, the implicit bias bill, and the anti-trans TennCare contracting bill.

CALL: Use the numbers and scripts at the link to leave messages with the members of the Finance committees in the House.

SHOW UP: At 9:00 a.m. Central Time, House Finance Subcommittee will take up several bills on five calendars. The event takes place in House Hearing Room 1 in the Cordell Hull Building.

Linking Arms for Change

SHOW UP: At 6:15 p.m. Eastern Time in Knoxville and at 5:15 p.m. Central Time in Nashville, there are marches organized by Voices for a Safer Tennessee. Learn more at the link.

All-purpose activity

CALL: At 6:30 p.m. Central Time, HRC holds their weekly virtual phone bank on discriminatory bills. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

Parent opt-in bill in the House

EMAIL: The House did not get to the bill on Monday. Use this easy form to tell your own member of the House to vote NO.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time. You can attend by finding a seat in the House gallery or standing outside the House chamber. Note: This event takes place in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Flag restriction bill in the Senate

EMAIL: The Senate did not get to the flag restriction bill on Monday. So they will take it up on April 19. Use this easy form to email your own Senator urging a NO vote.

SHOW UP: The Senate floor session begins at 1:30 p.m. Central Time. You can attend by finding a seat in the gallery or standing outside the Senate chamber. Note: This event takes place in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Anti-trans definition of "sex," pronoun discrimination, and anti-implicit bias training bills in the House

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell your own member of the House of Representatives to vote NO on these three bills.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in the House chamber. You can attend by finding a seat in the House gallery or by standing outside the House chamber. Note: This event is in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Anti-implicit bias training bill in the Senate

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the Senate Finance Committee to vote NO on the anti-implicit bias training bill.

CALL: Use the numbers and scripts at the link to leave messages for the members of the Finance Committee.

SHOW UP: The Senate Finance Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in Senate Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building.

We are getting to the point in the legislative session where the fate of many bills hangs on the budget. This could be the last legislative week. Take action with the campaigns in this week's post. More campaigns may be added as the legislative calendar changes throughout the week.

MONDAY, APRIL 17

Moral Monday Against Gun Violence in Nashville

SHOW UP: Starting at 2:00 p.m. Central Time in Nashville, Repairers of the Breach and Red Letter Christians are organizing a march from McKendree United Methodist Church to the Capitol for a rally at 4:00 p.m. Learn more at the link.

Parent opt-in bill and flag limitation bill in the Senate

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell your own senator to vote NO on the parent opt-in bill.

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell your own senator to vote NO on the flag limitation bill.

SHOW UP: The Senate did not get to SB1443, the parent opt-in bill, last Thursday, so it is on the calendar for April 17. Also up is SB918, which is a bill that privileges the U.S. and Tennessee flags and limits the flying of other flags on public buildings with some exceptions. That will lead to arbitrary enforcement and First Amendment violations. The Senate floor session begins at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. You can show up and watch the proceedings. You may be able to find a seat in the Senate gallery or you can stand outside the Senate Chamber. Note: This event is in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Anti-trans private school sports bill and opt-in bill in the House

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to email your own member of the House of Representatives to oppose the sports bill.

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to email your own member of the House of Representative to oppose the opt-in bill.

SHOW UP: At 4:00 p.m.  Central Time, HB306, the anti-trans private school sports bill, is on the House floor. So is HB727, the amended parent opt-in bill. You can show up and watch the proceedings. You may be able to find a seat in the House gallery or you can stand outside the House chamber. Note: This event is in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Pride Proclamation in Sevier County

SHOW UP: At 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time, a group of Sevier County residents are urging the Sevier County Commission to pass a Pride resolution. Doors are open 40 minutes prior to the meeting. Seating is limited. The event takes place at the Sevier County Courthouse located at 125 Court Avenue in Sevierville. The meeting specifically is in Courtroom 306W. Buttons for supporters will be available. Facebook event linked here.

All-purpose activity

CALL: At 6:30 p.m., join inclusion tennessee, TEP, and other organizations for a virtual phone bank against discriminatory bills. Register for the event at this link.

TUESDAY, APRIL 18

Several bills in House Finance Subcommittee and Committee

EMAIL: Use this easy form to contact members of the House Finance Subcommittee and Committee on the binary definition of "sex" bill, the pronoun bill, the implicit bias bill, and the anti-trans TennCare contracting bill.

CALL: Use the numbers and scripts at the link to leave messages with the members of the Finance committees in the House.

SHOW UP: At 9:00 a.m. Central Time, House Finance Subcommittee will take up several bills on five calendars. The event takes place in House Hearing Room 1 in the Cordell Hull Building.

Linking Arms for Change

SHOW UP: At 6:15 p.m. Eastern Time in Knoxville and at 5:15 p.m. Central Time in Nashville, there are marches organized by Voices for a Safer Tennessee. Learn more at the link.

All-purpose activity

CALL: At 6:30 p.m. Central Time, HRC holds their weekly virtual phone bank on discriminatory bills. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19

Parent opt-in bill in the House

EMAIL: The House did not get to the bill on Monday. Use this easy form to tell your own member of the House to vote NO.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time. You can attend by finding a seat in the House gallery or standing outside the House chamber. Note: This event takes place in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Flag restriction bill in the Senate

EMAIL: The Senate did not get to the flag restriction bill on Monday. So they will take it up on April 19. Use this easy form to email your own Senator urging a NO vote.

SHOW UP: The Senate floor session begins at 1:30 p.m. Central Time. You can attend by finding a seat in the gallery or standing outside the Senate chamber. Note: This event takes place in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building.

THURSDAY, APRIL 20

Anti-trans definition of "sex," pronoun discrimination, and anti-implicit bias training bills in the House

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to tell your own member of the House of Representatives to vote NO on these three bills.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in the House chamber. You can attend by finding a seat in the House gallery or by standing outside the House chamber. Note: This event is in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Anti-implicit bias training bill in the Senate

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the Senate Finance Committee to vote NO on the anti-implicit bias training bill.

CALL: Use the numbers and scripts at the link to leave messages for the members of the Finance Committee.

SHOW UP: The Senate Finance Committee meets at 8:30 a.m. Central Time in Senate Hearing Room 1 of the Cordell Hull Building.

WEDNESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY

SCHEDULE NOTE: As of April 16, there are no specific bills scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday in House. But there will be floor sessions in the Senate and House on Wednesday, Thursday, and possibly Friday and Saturday. There are House floor sessions scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday. It is possible that Finance committees will meet on these days and other committees may temporarily reopen. We will watch for daily schedule changes and for the updated calendar status of key bills. Update: The Senate is adding more Finance committee meetings throughout the week. See in particular the Thursday campaigns.

With the House in chaos because of the efforts to expel Representatives Justin Jones, Gloria Johnson, and Justin Pearson and with the end of session approaching, we see bills taking unusual paths to their destiny. Take action with these campaigns. More may be added in the coming days.

MONDAY, APRIL 10

Parent opt-in bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell YOUR member of the Senate to vote NO.

SHOW UP: At 4:00 p.m. Central Time, the full Senate takes up SB1443, the parent opt-in bill.

General-purpose opportunity

CALL: At 6:30 p.m. Central Time, join inclusion tennessee and TEP for a Zoom phone bank on discriminatory bills. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

Here are some calls anyone can make this week about the crisis in democracy in Tennessee.

TUESDAY, APRIL 11

General-purpose opportunity

CALL: At 6:30 p.m. Central Time, join HRC for a virtual phone bank. Register at this link.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 12

Anti-implicit bias training bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to contact the members of the House Finance Subcommittee asking them to vote NO.

CALL:  Leave messages with the committee members on this bill using the scripts and the numbers at the link.

SHOW UP: At 10:30 a.m. in House Hearing Room 3, the House Finance Subcommittee takes up HB158, a bill that bans any requirement for implicit bias training in public education.

Anti-trans private school athlete and parent opt-in bills

EMAIL: Use the easy form to send a message to all the members of the House Education Administration opposing these bills.

CALL:  Leave messages with the committee members on these bills using the scripts and numbers at the link.

SHOW UP: At 1:00 p.m. Central Time in House Hearing Room 1, the House Education Administration Committee takes up HB306 and HB727.

THURSDAY, APRIL 13

Discriminatory education bills on the Senate floor

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell your own Senator to vote NO on SB1443, which is the parent opt-in bill, and SB1237, which is the anti-trans private school athlete bill.

SHOW UP: The Senate floor session begins at 8:30 a.m. Central Time. You can attend the session. You may be able to find seating in the gallery or you can stand outside the Senate chamber. This event takes place in the Capitol,  not in the Cordell Hull Building.

The Tennessee House of Representatives is set to hold votes on the expulsion of Representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson on Thursday morning (April 6). Please, use the items in this campaign and reach out to your local media asking them to ask your area's state representatives how they are going to vote on the expulsion. The people need answers and the media can help get them!

1. A sample letter that you can adapt to email to local media outlets serving your county is linked here. Just copy and paste it into the body of your email. Feel free to edit, but definitely include the request that media outlets reach out to local representatives BEFORE THEY VOTE ON THURSDAY MORNING.

2. Go to this list of media contacts and find the outlets serving your county. Use the email addresses you find to send messages to these outlets asking them to find out how your local state representatives are going to vote before Thursday morning.  Let us know if you reached out to a news outlet and whether you got a response at [email protected] .

3. For campaigns on other legislative issues for this week, go to this link.

Thank you for taking action to defend Democracy!

**Counties already covered include: Blount, Cannon, Cumberland, Hamblen, Hamilton, Montgomery, Knox, Rutherford, Shelby, Smith, Washington and Wilson. If you live in those counties, it's all right to reach out again to media. You can also help us recruit people in counties near you.

There are just a few bills moving this week. But don't be deceived. In the coming weeks, more could be put on notice in committees or scheduled for floor votes. More information may added in the coming days.

MONDAY, APRIL 3

All-purpose opportunity

CALL: At 6:30 p.m. Central Time, join inclusion tennessee, TEP, and other organizations for a Zoom phone bank on discriminatory bills. Register at the link.

TUESDAY, APRIL 4

All-purpose opportunity

CALL: At 6:30 p.m. Central Time, the Human Rights Campaign hosts their virtual phone bank on discriminatory bills. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5

Parent opt-in bill and anti-implicit bias training bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to contact the members of the House Education Administration Committee and urge them to vote NO.

CALL: Use the scripts and the numbers at the link to leave messages for the members.

CALL: Use the script and number at the link to make a general call to the Governor.

SHOW UP: At 9:00 a.m. Central Time and at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, the House Education Administration Committee meets. At one of these meetings, it will likely take up HB727, a parent opt-in bill. Both events are in House Hearing Room 1.The bill is 4th on the calendar of bills, so that points to the bill being heard at the 9:00 a.m. meeting. But committees skip around on their calendars for a variety of reasons. So they may not get to it until the 1:00 p.m. meeting. HB158, the anti-implicit bias training bill, is also on the calendar.

CALL: There is a special Zoom phone bank with inclusion tennessee and TEP on the expulsion resolutions. Register at the link.

THURSDAY, APRIL 6

Anti-trans private school athlete bill

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to contact your own member of the Tennessee House of Representatives and urge a NO vote.

SHOW UP:  At 9:00 a.m. Central Time, the House convenes for its floor session. You can attend. You may be able to get a seat in the balcony or stand outside the House chamber. This event takes place in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building.

Expulsion resolutions

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to tell your own State Representative to vote NO on the resolutions expelling Representatives Johnson, Jones, and Pearson.

Anti-trans student pronoun bill

EMAIL: Tell your senator to vote NO on the pronoun bill using the easy form at the link.

SHOW UP: The Senate floor session begins at 8:00 a.m. in the Capitol, not the Cordell Hull Building. You can show up. There may be some seating in the balcony or you can stand in the hallway outside the chamber.

Some discriminatory bills are failing, but some are still advancing. Take action with these campaigns. More will be added in the coming days.

SUNDAY, MARCH 26

SHOW UP: At 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time, TEP is offering a legislative advocacy training at the Knox Pride Center. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

MONDAY, MARCH 27

CALL: At 6:30 p.m., join inclusion tennessee and other organizations for a Zoom phone bank. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

TUESDAY, MARCH 28

Parent opt-in bill

EMAIL: Use the easy form to contact the House K-12 Subcommittee and urge them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: At Noon Central Time in House Hearing Room 4, the House K-12 Subcommittee will take up HB727, a parent opt-in bill.

Sneaky, anti-trans camp bathroom amendment

EMAIL: SB1044/HB1379 is being amended to provide an accommodation for parents who don't want their kids sharing space with transgender kids at camp. It is a camp version of the bathroom bill. It is up in Senate Judiciary Committee and the House Health Committee at 1:30 on March 28. Use the easy form at this link to contact both committees.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Note: Calls for the House Health Subcommittee are listed under the HIV program funding bill since we have two bills of interest in that subcommittee.

SHOW UP: Go to either the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting or the House Health Subcommittee meeting at 1:30 p.m. Central Time. Senate Judiciary meets in Senate Hearing Room 1 and House Health Subcommittee meets in House Hearing Room 4. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

HIV program funding bill

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to contact the members of the House Health Subcommittee and urge them to vote YES.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to call the members of the House Health Subcommittee about the HIV program funding bill AND the sneaky anti-trans bathroom amendment to the camping bill.

SHOW UP: At 1:30 p.m. Central Time in House Hearing Room 4, the House Health Subcommittee may take up HB370, a good HIV program funding bill. The Senate companion bill was deferred to next year in the Senate Health & Welfare Committee. The subcommittee will also take up anti-trans bathroom amendment to a camping bill. We have combined Facebook events for this committee and Senate Judiciary Committee since both meet at the same time and will both consider this discriminatory amendment. The Facebook event is linked here.

All-purpose opportunity

CALL: At 6:30, the Human Rights Campaign hosts their virtual phone bank. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29

Anti-trans student pronoun bill and other education bills in Senate and House Committees

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to contact the Senate Education Committee and urge them to vote NO on discriminatory bills.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages with the members of the Senate Education Committee.

SHOW UP: At 1:00 p.m. Central Time in Senate Hearing Room 1, the Senate Education Committee takes up the anti-trans student pronoun bill and other legislation. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

EMAIL: Even though the two parent opt-in bills are being combined on the Senate side, HB1411 is still on the House Education Administration calendar. If you did the email campaign for the parent opt-in bill up for a vote on Tuesday in the House K-12 subcommittee, you have addressed this bill with some of the committee members. If you missed it in the list of campaigns, here it is again.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages with the members of the House Education Administration Committee on discriminatory bills.

SHOW UP: At 1:30 p.m. Central Time in House Hearing Room 1, the House Education Administration Committee takes up bills with discriminatory implications. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

THURSDAY, MARCH 30

Anti-trans private school athlete bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to send a message to your own member of the Tennessee House of Representatives urging a NO vote.

SHOW UP: At 9:00 a.m. Central Time, HB306, the anti-trans private school athlete bill is on the House floor. This event takes place in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Hull Building. You can attend. There is some seating in the gallery or you can be in the hallway outside the House chamber.

FRIDAY, MARCH 31

SHOW UP:  At 4:00 p.m. Central Time at Legislative Plaza in Nashville, Queer Youth Assemble, inclusion tennessee, and TEP present "Rally for Queer & Trans Youth Autonomy." Legislative Plaza is located at 301 6th Avenue North.  THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

SHOW UP (virtually): 6:00 p.m. Central Time. Co-hosted with inclusion tennessee, TEP presents a Transgender Day of Visibility program on Zoom called "Visible, Vocal, Vibrant:  A Conversation with Transgender and Gender-expansive Persons About Being Present, Speaking Out, & Growing Hope in the Halls of the Tennessee Legislature." Facilitated by Dahron Johnson, the panel will include Eli Givens, Vaniel Simmons, Jacen Wilder, and C.J. Desai, who have prepared testimony on state legislation this year. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link where you will find the Zoom link.

SATURDAY, APRIL 1

SHOW UP: "March for LGBTQ+ Lives" coordinated by inclusion tennessee and Nashville Pride. 10:30 a.m. East Park in Nashville. THIS EVENT IS NOW BEING POSTPONED.

More bills are stalling and being amended, but some are still advancing. Take action with these campaigns on key bills moving the week of March 20. More will be added in the coming days.

MONDAY, MARCH 20

SHOW UP: At 1:00 p.m. Central Time, the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee takes up SB138, a bill that involves protecting minors from pornography on electronic devices. The bill could be used to block general LGBTQ content. Go to Senate Hearing Room 1 in the Cordell Hull Building.

The Big Party!

SHOW UP: LOVE RISING: Let Freedom Sing (and Dance), A Celebration of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness takes place at 7:30 p.m. Central Time at Bridgestone Arena. Get tickets and learn more at the link.

TUESDAY, MARCH 21

Drag licensing bill

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to tell the Senate State & Local Government Committee to vote NO.

CALL: Leave messages with the committee using the scripts and numbers at the link.

SHOW UP: At 10:30 a.m. Central Time, the Senate State & Local Government Committee takes up the License to Drag bill. RSVP at the Facebook event.

HIV program funding bill in the House

EMAIL: Use this easy form to urge the House Health Subcommittee and the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to vote YES on the bill.

CALL: Leave messages with the committee members using the scripts and numbers at the link.

SHOW UP: At 1:30 p.m. Central Time, the House Health Subcommittee has HB370, a good HIV program funding bill, on the calendar. It may run in the Senate first. If you want to show up, go to House Hearing Room 4 in the  Cordell Hull Building.

Various discriminatory bills

SHOW UP: At 1:30 p.m. Central Time, the House Banking and Consumer Affairs  Subcommittee takes up HB761, a bill that involves protecting minors from pornography on electronic devices. The bill could be used to block general LGBTQ content. Go to House Hearing Room 2 in the Cordell Hull Building.

SHOW UP: At 4:30 p.m. Central Time, the House K-12 Subcommittee takes up three bills of concern. HB158 bans requiring implicit bias training in public school district and public higher education settings. HB727 is another parent opt-in bill. HB1377 is a bill that establishes a process by which "certain individuals may file a complaint with an LEA or public charter school for the LEA's or public charter school's including or promoting certain prohibited concepts as part of a course of instruction, in a curriculum or instructional program, or by allowing teachers or other employees to use supplemental materials that include or promote certain prohibited concepts." (from the official summary). Go to House Hearing Room 2  in the Cordell Hull Building.

All-purpose opportunity

CALL: Join HRC for their weekly virtual phone bank against discriminatory bills at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22

HIV program funding bill in the Senate

EMAIL: This campaign is combined with the one for the bill under the Tuesday hearing in the House Health Subcommittee above. If you missed it, use the same form linked here.

CALL: Leave messages with the committee using the scripts and numbers at the link.

SHOW UP: At 1:00 p.m. Central Time, the Senate Health & Welfare Committee takes up SB290, a good HIV program funding bill. It may run in the House Health Subcommittee first on Tuesday. If you want to show up, go to Senate Hearing Room 1.

Anti-trans private school athlete and parent opt-in bills in the House

EMAIL: Use this easy form to the tell the House Education Administration Committee to vote NO.

CALL: Leave messages for members of the committee with the scripts and numbers at the link.

SHOW UP: At 1:30 p.m. Central Time, the House Education Administration Committee takes up the anti-trans private school athlete bill and a parent opt-in bill. RSVP at the Facebook event.

Anti-trans private school athlete, pronoun, and parent opt-in bills in the Senate

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the Senate Education Committee to vote NO on these bills.

SHOW UP: At 3:00 p.m. Central Time, the Senate Education Committee takes up several discriminatory bills. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23

We are holding this date in case bills pop up on the Senate or House floor.

As legislators face imminent committee deadlines, many bills that have not moved will be put on notice. It does not mean they will get to all the bills this week, but we should be prepared. Take action with these campaigns. More will be added in the coming days.

MONDAY, MARCH 13

Amended wedding officiant refusal bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and urge them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: At 1:00 p.m. Central Time, the Senate Judiciary Committee is taking up SB596, a bill that originally allowed wedding officiants to refuse to marry couples based on the officiants beliefs. The bill has been significantly amended. Go to Senate Hearing Room 1.

Discriminatory education bills in the House

SHOW UP: At 3:00 p.m. Central Time, the House Higher Education Subcommittee takes up HB571 and HB1376, two discriminatory bills. Go to House Hearing Room 2.

Anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill in the Senate

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to contact your own state senator and urge a NO vote.

SHOW UP: At 4;00 p.m. Central Time, the full Senate takes up SB1440. You can attend floor sessions if you can get a seat in the  Senate gallery. You can also be in the hallway outside the Senate Chamber. Note that you will be going to the Capitol and not the Cordell Hull Building for this event.

All-purpose opportunity

CALL: Join inclusion tennessee and other organizations for a Zoom phone bank at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Learn more at the Facebook event link.

TUESDAY, MARCH 14

Drag licensing bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to contact the Senate State & Local Government Committee to urge them to vote NO.

CALL: Leave messages for the members of the committee with the scripts and numbers at the link.

SHOW UP: At 10:30 a.m. Central Time, the drag licensing bill is up in the Senate State & Local Government Committee. Show up to oppose the bill. Details are at the Facebook event link.

Additional discriminatory bills

SHOW UP: At 1:00 p.m. Central Time, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee takes up SB138, a bill that seems to be about regulating the ability of minors to access pornography on electronic devices, but it could affect general LGBTQ content as well. Go to Senate Hearing Room 1.

SHOW UP: At 3:00 p.m. Central Time, the Senate Judiciary Committee could take up SB596, the amended wedding officiant refusal bill. It was on the calendar for Monday, but the Chair announced that for the Monday meeting they would only consider bills sponsored by members of the committee. Go to Senate Hearing Room 1.

SHOW UP: At 4:30 p.m. Central Time, the House K-12 Subcommittee takes up HB158, a bill that prohibits public education institutions including local school districts and higher education institutions from requiring implicit bias training. Go to House Hearing Room 2.

All-purpose opportunity

CALL: HRC hosts a weekly virtual phone bank at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15

Anti-trans TennCare and Student pronoun bills

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to contact the members of the House Finance Subcommittee and urge them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: At 10:30 a.m. Central Time, the House Finance Subcommittee takes up HB1215, the anti-trans TennCare bill, and HB1269, the student pronoun discrimination bill, in House Hearing Room 3. Finance meetings typically move fast and focus mainly on financial impact issues.

Student pronoun, parent opt-in, and other bills in the Senate

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the Senate Education to vote NO on some of the early bills in the long committee calendar.

SHOW UP: At Noon Central Time, the Senate Education Committee has several anti-LGBTQ bills on the calendar. With 120 bills total on the agenda, the committee won't be able to take up all of them during this meeting. We are watching seven bills that are now on notice in this committee, but the first of them is all the way down at position 23 on the calendar. Details are at the Facebook event link.

Anti-trans private school sports bill and parent opt-in bill in the House

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to contact the members of the House Education Administration Committee and urge them to vote NO.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages for the House Education Administration Committee members urging them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: At 1:30 p.m. Central Time, the House Education Administration Committee takes up the anti-trans private school sports bill and the parent opt-in bill. Details are at the Facebook event link.

Bill to require TN to apply for federal HIV program funds

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to contact the members of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee and urge them to vote YES.

CALL: Leave messages with the committee using the numbers and the scripts at the link.

SHOW UP: At 3:00 p.m. Central Time, attend the Senate Health and Welfare Committee meeting as they take up SB290, the bill to require Tennessee to apply for and accept federal HIV program funding. Details are provided at the Facebook event link.

THURSDAY, MARCH 16

We are holding this date in case bills pop up on the Senate or House floor calendars.

Some bills have stalled thanks to your efforts while others continue to moved ahead. Take action with the campaigns below. More will be added as the calendar fills out.

ANY DAY

CALL: Call the Governor and tell him signing SB1 and SB3 was a mistake.

MONDAY, MARCH 6

Drag licensing bill and wedding officiant refusal bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell your own member of the TN House of Representatives to vote NO on HB30 and HB878.

SHOW UP: You can show up for House floor sessions. HB30 and HB878 are on the House floor on Monday, March 6 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time. You can be in the gallery if you can find a seat or in the hallway outside the House Chamber. The event takes place in the Capitol, not in the Cordell Building.

All-purpose opportunity

CALL: Join inclusion tennessee and other organizations for the weekly phone bank against discriminatory bills at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Here's a registration for it.

TUESDAY, MARCH 7

Bill requiring TN to apply for federal HIV funding

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Health Subcommittee to vote YES on HB370.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers to leave messages for legislators.

SHOW UP: HB370 is a good bill that requires Tennessee to apply for federal HIV program funding. It is up in the House Health Subcommittee at 1:30 p.m. Central Time in House Hearing Room 4. RSVP and learn more at the Facebook event link.

All-purpose opportunities

SHOW UP: The Mid-South LGBT Chamber of Commerce is holding an online Advocacy 101 session at 6:00 p.m. RSVP at the link.

CALL: The Human Rights Campaign hosts a virtual phone bank against discriminatory bills at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8

Anti-trans TennCare bill

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Finance subcommittee to vote NO on the anti-trans TennCare bill.

CALL: Call members of the Finance Committee and Subcommittee with the numbers and scripts at the link.

SHOW UP:  The House Finance Committee will take up HB1215, the anti-trans TennCare bill at 10:30 a.m. in House Hearing Room 3. The discussion typically moves fast and focuses on cost and revenue issues of bills.

Anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to tell the House Finance Subcommittee to vote NO on the bill.

SHOW UP: The House Finance Subcommittee will also consider HB239, the anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill at 10:30 a.m. in House Hearing Room 3. The discussion typically moves fast and will be focused on cost and revenue issues of bills.

Anti-trans private school sports bill and parental opt-in bill

EMAIL: Use the easy form at the link to the House Education Administration Committee to vote NO on both bills.

CALL: Use the numbers and scripts to leave messages with members of the committee.

SHOW UP: The House Education Administration Committee takes up the anti-trans private school sports bill and the bill requiring opt-in parental permission for parts of the curriculum, school surveys, and school clubs. Show up at 1:30 p.m. in House Hearing Room 1. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

THURSDAY, MARCH 9

EMAIL: Use the easy form to tell your own senator to vote NO on the binary sex bill.

More bills are now moving in the Senate as well as the House. Take action with the campaigns below. More will be added as the calendar fills out.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27

CALL: Join inclusion tennessee and other organizations in a Zoom phone bank against discriminatory bills at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Learn more at the Facebook event link.

CALL: New calls added on February 27.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28

Drag licensing bill

EMAIL: Email the Senate State & Local Government Committee members with this easy form and urge them to vote NO.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave messages with members of the committee and urge them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: The drag performer licensing bill is up for a vote in the Senate State & Local Government Committee at 10:30 a.m. Central Time. Learn more at the Facebook event link.

SHOW UP: The House Finance Committee is also considering the bill at 3:00 p.m. in House Hearing Room 2. The committee typically moves quickly through bill since they are only considering the financial impact of the bill and not the kinds of issues addressed in a subject-matter committee like Local Government.

Anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill

EMAIL: Email the Senate Judiciary Committee with the easy form at the link and urge them to vote NO.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to call some members of the committee and urge them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: The anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill is up in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. Learn more at the Facebook event link.

Anti-school survey, sex ed, and GSA bill

EMAIL: Email the House K-12 subcommittee with the easy form at the link and urge them to vote NO.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to call some members of the subcommittee and urge them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: A bill that would require parental consent for participation in school surveys, sex education, and school clubs like GSAs is up for a vote in the House K-12 subcommittee at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Learn more at the Facebook event link.

CALL: Join the weekly HRC virtual phone bank and make calls against discriminatory bills at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1

Anti-trans TennCare bill

EMAIL: Email the House Finance Subcommittee members with the easy form at the link urging them to vote NO.

SHOW UP: The House Finance Subcommittee will take up HB1215, the anti-trans TennCare bill. This subcommittee typically moves quickly through bills. But if you want to attend, go to House Hearing Room 3 in the Cordell Hull Building at 10:30 a.m.

Anti-trans binary definition of "sex" & wedding officiant license to discriminate bills

EMAIL: Email the House Civil Justice Committee members with the easy form at the link and tell them to vote no on the anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill and the wedding officiant license to discriminate bill.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to call members of the committee to express your opposition to the bills.

SHOW UP: The House Civil Justice Committee will consider the anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill and the wedding officiant license to discriminate bill at Noon Central Time. Learn more at the Facebook event link.

Anti-trans private school sports bill & anti-trans pronoun bill

EMAIL: Tell the House Education Administration Committee to vote NO on the anti-trans private school sports bill and the pronoun bill using the easy form at the link.

CALL: Use the scripts and numbers at the link to leave phone messages with members of the committee to express opposition to the bills.

SHOW UP: The anti-trans pronouns and private school sports bills are up for votes in the House Education Administration Committee at 1:30 p.m. Learn more at the Facebook event link.

THURSDAY, MARCH 2

EMAIL: SB3/HB9, the drag restriction bill goes back to the Senate for a floor vote. Use this easy form to email your own senator.

Hate and discrimination are flying fast, but we are resisting at every step. Take action with these campaigns. More campaigns will be added as we make them and as we get a fuller picture of the legislative calendar.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

CALL: Join the next Zoom phone bank with inclusion tennessee at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Learn more at the Facebook event.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

SHOW UP: We're having a Pink & Purple Day on the Hill. From 9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. we will have a check-in time in the Cordell Hull Building cafeteria with information about the bills, committee hearings, and what you can do. RSVP at the Facebook event page.

Anti-trans TennCare bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the House Insurance Committee to vote NO on the anti-trans TennCare bill.

CALL: Call the members of the Insurance Committee about the anti-trans TennCare bill with the numbers and scripts at the link.

SHOW UP: Attend the House Insurance Committee meeting at 10:30 a.m. as they vote on the anti-trans TennCare bill. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

Wedding refusal bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to tell the House Children & Family Affairs subcommittee to oppose the Wedding refusal bill.

CALL: Call the members of the Children & Family Affairs subcommittee with the numbers and scripts at the link.

SHOW UP: Attend the House Children & Family Affairs subcommittee meeting at Noon as they vote on a bill that gives anti-marriage equality officiants special rights. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

Anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to urge the House Civil Justice Subcommittee to vote NO on the anti-trans binary sex bill.

CALL: Call the members of the Civil Justice subcommittee about the binary sex bill that would hurt trans people in the Tennessee Code with the numbers and scripts at the link.

SHOW UP: Attend the House Civil Justice subcommittee meeting in the Cordell Hull Building at 1:30 p.m. as they consider the anti-trans binary definition of "sex" bill. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

Anti-trans private school athlete and pronoun bills

EMAIL: Tell the members of the House K-12 subcommittee to oppose the anti-trans private school athlete bill and the pronoun bill with this easy form.

CALL: Call the members of the House K-12 subcommittee about the anti-trans private school athlete bill and the pronoun bill with the numbers and scripts at the link.

SHOW UP: Attend the House K-12 subcommittee meeting in the Cordell Hull Building at 4:30 p.m. Both the anti-trans pronoun bill and the anti-trans student athlete bill are up for votes. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

CALL: HRC's weekly virtual phone bank takes place at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Register at the link.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22

Drag licensing bill

EMAIL: HB30, the drag licensing bill, is up for a vote in the House Finance subcommittee. Use this easy form to the tell the members to vote NO.

SHOW UP: You can attend the House Finance subcommittee. Unlike subject matter committees such as Local Government, there will not be much issue-oriented discussion. The discussion will be quick and focus on the financial impact of the bill as found in the fiscal note. But if you would like to attend, be at House Hearing Room 3 of the Cordell Hull Building at 10:30 a.m.

Anti-implicit bias training bill

EMAIL: Use this easy form to urge the Senate Education Committee to vote NO on the anti-implicit bias training bill.

CALL: Call the Senate Education Committee and urge them to vote NO on the bill banning implicit bias training in public schools and public colleges and universities with the phone numbers and scripts at the link.

SHOW UP: A bill banning mandatory implicit bias training in public schools and public colleges and universities is up for a vote in the Senate Education Committee at 3:00 p.m. Central Time. RSVP at the Facebook event link.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23

EMAIL: HB1, the ban on youth gender-affirming care, will hit the House floor. That will be its last stop before it reaches the Governor. Use this easy form to contact your own member of the Tennessee House of Representatives. The House floor session begins at 9:00 a.m.

EMAIL: HB9, the anti-drag bill, will hit the House floor for a vote. That will be its last stop before it reaches the Governor. Use this easy form to contact your own member of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

CALL: Call your own member of the Tennessee House of Representatives with the information and script at the link.

SHOW UP: The House floor session begins at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. You can attend meetings of the full House of Representatives or of the Senate. You can watch from the gallery if you can get a seat. Or you can be in the hallway outside the House chamber. To be absolutely clear, it's important to know that you will be going to the Capitol building, NOT the Cordell Hull Building for a floor session.