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Phyliss Shey signed Censure Commissioner Hurst, make Sevier County policies inclusive 2019-10-28 14:38:11 -0500
Censure Commissioner Hurst, make Sevier County policies inclusive
The racist and homophobic comments of Sevier County Commissioner Warren Hurst have shocked people across the country. Please, add your name to protest his divisive words and call for policy change in Sevier County, Tennessee. We will deliver your signatures to the Sevier County Government in November at the next county commission meeting.
To the Honorable Larry Waters, Mayor of Sevier County, and to the honorable members of the Sevier County Commission:
Calls have gone out across the country for Commissioner Warren Hurst to resign over his racist and homophobic comments. While that decision is in his hands, we call on you to censure him by resolution of the Sevier County Commission and to update the employment non-discrimination policy of Sevier County Government to protect county employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. We urge you to make this policy change by executive order immediately, to be followed by a confirming ordinance or resolution of the County Commission.
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Phyliss Shey signed Urge Gov. Haslam to protect LGBTQ state government employees 2018-12-22 06:01:13 -0600
Urge Gov. Haslam to protect LGBTQ state government employees
Outgoing Ohio Governor John Kasich recently signed an executive order barring discrimination against state government employees on the basis of gender identity. Discrimination based on sexual orientation was already banned.
Outgoing Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam could do the same for our state government employees. Sign the petition and urge him to protect LGBTQ state government employees by executive order. If we get 1000+ signatures, we will deliver them to the Governor's office.
Dear Governor Haslam,
We urge you to sign an executive order protecting Tennessee state government employees from job discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, the same protections that Ohio state government employees enjoy thanks to the recent executive order signed by outgoing Ohio Governor John Kasich.
Employees of our public colleges and universities already enjoy these projections as do the public employees in Metro Nashville, Knoxville, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Knox County. Everyone deserves the opportunity to work without the fear of discrimination.
Thank you for considering our views.
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Phyliss Shey posted about Urge Senators Alexander and Corker to speak up for LGBTQ people when the next Supreme Court justice is appointed on Facebook 2018-07-15 21:22:33 -0500Sign the petition: Urge Senators Alexander and Corker to speak up for LGBTQ people when the next Supreme Court justice is appointed
Urge Senators Alexander and Corker to speak up for LGBTQ people when the next Supreme Court justice is appointed
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy is retiring so the President will name a successor who must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Sign to urge Senator Alexander and Senator Corker to speak up for the LGBTQ community during the confirmation process. TEP will deliver a hard copy of the signatures to their offices.
Senator Alexander and Senator Corker:
When the President announces his choice to replace Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, we urge you to speak up for the rights of LGBTQ people. It is vitally important that members of the Supreme Court support the principle of "equal protection" and that Justice Kennedy's successor uphold the existing rights of LGBTQ people and oppose discrimination against LGBTQ people. We respectfully ask you to raise these concerns publicly and not to vote for any nominee who supports discrimination.
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Phyliss Shey signed No special legislative session for bathroom discrimination! 2016-05-17 23:14:22 -0500
No special legislative session for bathroom discrimination!
On the evening of May 17, The Tennessean and The Commercial Appeal reported that legislators are considering a special legislative session to take up a new effort to pass a statewide anti-transgender bathroom discrimination law. Sign YOUR name to the statement below and we'll deliver your signatures to legislative leaders:
Dear Speaker Ramsey and Speaker Harwell:
We oppose a special legislative session to consider an anti-transgender bathroom discrimination law. It is never justified to spend the state's time and money to advance discrimination. Thank you for considering our views.
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Phyliss Shey posted about No Discrimination in Federal Contracts! on Facebook 2016-05-07 14:19:48 -0500The U.S. House of Representatives is trying to gut President Obama's non-discrimination executive order. Fight back!
No Discrimination in Federal Contracts!
In late April the U.S. House Armed Services Committee voted to undo President Obama's non-discrimination executive orders for federal contracts via the Russell amendment. This amendment is part of the National Defense Authorization Act.
Removal of the President's executive orders on non-discrimination would be a disaster for LGBT people in states like Tennessee that lack employment protections covering sexual orientation and gender identity.
Please, sign this petition to Tennessee's two U.S. Senators and nine members of the U.S. House of Representatives and we will make sure copies are sent to their offices.
Dear Senators Alexander and Corker and Representatives Roe, Duncan, Fleischmann, Desjarlais, Cooper, Black, Blackburn, Fincher, and Cohen:
We oppose the Russell amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act and similar efforts to reverse President Obama's executive orders on employment non-discrimination for federal contractors. Protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is important to Tennesseans. Thank you for considering our views.
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Phyliss Shey posted about Tennessee Loves Target on Facebook 2016-05-03 14:42:30 -0500Join Ellyahnna in signing the petition: Tennessee Loves Target
Tennessee Loves Target
Target's trans-inclusive policies are under attack in Tennessee. A Mt Juliet pastor's rant went viral and this week at a Hendersonville Target, protesters shouted religious wrath at employees and customers. But we know that Tennessee loves Target and it's time to show it!
As former TEP Board member Ellyahnna Hall (pictured) notes:
"I support Target for trying to provide a safe space for all people. I'm a trans woman and I've faced the dangers of not having access to restrooms that corespond to my gender identity. If opponents are really concerned with safety then let's focus on tougher rape laws and enforcing those, not creating a fake danger that doesn't exist."
Sign the petition statement and show Target some love. We'll deliver hard copies of the petition to select Target locations in Tennessee.
Tennessee loves Target. I support the company's transgender-inclusive policies and I will continue to shop at their stores.
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Phyliss Shey posted about Outworking Discrimination on Facebook 2016-04-29 16:39:51 -0500Outworking Discrimination takes all of us in Tennessee. I'm all in. Are you?
Outworking Discrimination
The forces of discrimination aren't just hanging on; they're actually working harder after marriage equality was won in all 50 states. New attacks on transgender people, efforts to give counselors the ability to turn away LGBT people, increasingly hateful rhetoric from the religious Right, and more are just a few of the challenges.
We can win by OUTWORKING DISCRIMINATION! When you make a tax deductible contribution to this TEP Foundation campaign, we can invest in new, innovative efforts to engage the faith community including those in socially conservative denominations. We can develop a business network in Tennessee that can be a counterbalancing voice when attacks come. We can do more to shape a media message for equality.
YOU make it possible. Put us to work.
Donate
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Phyliss Shey posted about I asked Governor Haslam to veto SB1912 and defend diversity at UT-Knoxville on Facebook 2016-04-29 16:38:20 -0500I'm endorsing Tennessee Equality Project. Please join me!
I asked Governor Haslam to veto SB1912 and defend diversity at UT-Knoxville
Please, take action about Senate Bill 1912 that defunds the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Office for Diversity and Inclusion.
Call Governor Haslam at 615-741-2001 and ask him to Veto Senate Bill 1912 and defend diversity. It's fine to leave a message.
OR
Tweet him @BillHaslam with #VetoSB1912 .
When you have called or tweeted, let us know you did it with this form. NOTE: You don't have to live in Tennessee to participate.
Endorse
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Phyliss Shey posted about Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912 on Facebook 2016-04-22 00:23:54 -0500Sign the petition: Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912
Defend Diversity at UT-Knoxville: Veto SB1912
The Legislature passed SB1912/HB2248 that removes funding from the Office for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Sign this petition that we will deliver to Governor Haslam asking him to veto the bill.
Governor Haslam, we call on you to veto SB1912/HB2248 and protect the University of Tennessee-Knoxville's Office for Diversity and Inclusion. The office plays a vital role in making the university competitive for the best students, faculty, and staff and it makes campus life welcoming for all. Thank you for considering our views.
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Phyliss Shey posted about Governor Haslam, Keep listening and oppose HB2414 on Facebook 2016-04-14 17:43:22 -0500Sign the petition: Governor Haslam, Keep listening and oppose HB2414. Will you help us get more signatures?
Governor Haslam, Keep listening and oppose HB2414
Sign this NEW petition urging Governor Bill Haslam to keep listening to the voices opposed to the anti-transgender student bathroom bill!
Governor Haslam, please continue to oppose HB2414 and listen to the voices of transgender students and the business community speaking out against the bill. Thank you for considering our views.
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Phyliss Shey posted about Moving the Message Fundraiser on Facebook 2016-03-24 07:54:49 -0500I am Moving the Message of equality in Tennessee.
Moving the Message Fundraiser
Moving the Message--it's a critical part of fighting back against hateful legislation in Tennessee. When we reach more people, more voices rise against discrimination. That means we have a fighting chance of winning.
Help TEP invest in new communication tools to bring more allies into the fight so we can win more battles!
Let's see how much we can raise by April 15.
Donate
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Phyliss Shey posted about One-time Donation on Facebook 2016-01-22 18:19:40 -0600Just made a donation to Tennessee Equality Project
Support the Work of Tennessee Equality Project with a One Time Donation
As a supporter of Tennessee Equality Project, your contribution funds the advancement of policies through direct and grass roots lobbying which protect the rights of LGBT people and their families here at home in Tennessee. Contributions to TEP (a 501(c)(4) organization) are not tax deductible.
If you would prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution to Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, click here.Click here to see who is supporting the work of equality in Tennessee.
Other Giving Options
Some supporters prefer to write a check or make monthly donations to Tennessee Equality Project through automatic bank drafts. Consider creating “Tennessee Equality Project” as a regular payee with your bank’s online service.
Checks and automated bank drafts may be mailed to the following address:
Tennessee Equality Project | P.O. Box 330875 | Nashville, TN 37203
Thank you for supporting Tennessee Equality Project.
Donate
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Phyliss Shey posted about The People's Resolution Opposing Tennessee House Joint Resolution 529 on Marriage Equality on Facebook 2016-01-22 18:17:58 -0600I'm endorsing Tennessee Equality Project. Please join me!
The People's Resolution Opposing Tennessee House Joint Resolution 529 on Marriage Equality
Sign on as a co-sponsor of the People's Resolution Opposing Tennessee House Joint Resolution 529 on Marriage Equality.
WHEREAS, Rep. Susan Lynn has introduced a resolution urging the members of the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee to express their disagreement with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges; and
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Constitution affirms "That the citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble together, for their common good, to instruct their representatives, and to apply to those invested with the powers of government for redress of grievances or other proper purposes, by address or remonstrance;" and
WHEREAS, the State of Tennessee ought to be focused on the legal equality of all its people rather than attacking the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community; and
WHEREAS, "the equal protection of the laws" is a cherished principle in American jurisprudence; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, that we oppose House Joint Resolution 529 and urge the members of the 109th General Assembly of the State of Tennessee to uphold the entire Constitution of the United States, including the Fourteenth Amendment, and cease their legislative attacks on gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people.
Endorse
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Phyliss Shey posted about Donate MONTHLY on Facebook 2015-10-30 08:17:26 -0500Just made a donation to Tennessee Equality Project
Monthly Support of Tennessee Equality Project. Make sure you want to donate MONTHLY before proceeding with this link.
As a monthly supporter of Tennessee Equality Project, your contribution funds the advancement of policies through direct and grass roots lobbying which protect the rights of LGBT people and their families here at home in Tennessee. Contributions to TEP (a 501(c)(4) organization) are not tax deductible.
If you prefer to make a ONE-TIME donation to Tennessee Equality Project, click here.
If you would prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution to Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, click here.
Other Giving Options
Some supporters prefer to write a check or make monthly donations to Tennessee Equality Project through automatic bank drafts. Consider creating “Tennessee Equality Project” as a regular payee with your bank’s online service.
Checks and automated bank drafts may be mailed to the following address:
Tennessee Equality Project | P.O. Box 330875 | Nashville, TN 37203
Thank you for supporting Tennessee Equality Project.
Donate
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Phyliss Shey posted about Marriage PLUS Pledge on Facebook 2015-05-03 08:16:37 -0500I'm endorsing Tennessee Equality Project. Please join me!
Marriage PLUS Pledge
MARRIAGE PLUS PLEDGE
I pledge to continue to work for full
Endorse
legal and lived equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
people in Tennessee after we achieve marriage equality.
I recognize that we have more work to do on job discrimination, public
accommodations discrimination, housing discrimination, safe
schools/anti-bullying, bisexual erasure and visibility, health disparities,
domestic violence, senior care, HIV/AIDS, hate crimes, documents for
transgender people, and other issues.
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$15 for '15--A New Burst of Advocacy
Let's make 2015 the year that Tennessee invests in great advocacy at the state level. If we can find 30 more people who make $15 or more per month in recurring donations to the Tennessee Equality Project, we can cover the lobbying contract that protects us all when the Legislature is in session. Having a professional, experienced lobbyist on the Hill defends us from negative legislation like the Don't Say Gay and License to Bully bills. It also helps us move the Dignity for All Students Act forward.
While your contribution to Tennessee Equality Project's lobbying efforts is not deductible for purposes of federal income tax, it is an inexpensive way to hold the line on discrimination and advance equality in our own state.
Past investments in professional lobbying have paid off significantly in Tennessee. We have gone 4 and 0 against the Don't Say Gay bill. We beat the Turn the Gays Away bill last year. Results matter and with your $15/month in 2015, we can continue to work together to achieve them.
SPECIAL OFFER: Through Thursday, February 5, 2015, TEP is offering one free General Admission Tasting Ticket to the TEP Gumbo Contest in Memphis on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015 to new sustaining donors of $15 or more per month. Don't miss out on this offer. After completing your transaction, call 901-301-3306 to obtain the discount code number for your free ticket.
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Matching our Moment
Generous anonymous donors have come forward and offered to match all donations to the TEP Foundation between NOW and 11:59 p.m. Central Time on December 31! That means that your gift is doubled and your impact for advancing equality in Tennessee is doubled.
C A N W E M A T C H O U R M O M E N T ?
Matching Our Moment...Marriage equality is on its way to Tennessee, but what happens when a lesbian working at a company with no non-discrimination policy puts a picture of her wife on her desk? We've made progress in our cities, but too often hate violence erupts in the very cities where we've passed non-discrimination ordinances and partner benefits. And while the adults start to get legal protections, LGBT students in Tennessee are left behind--bullied at schools and in some cases driven out of their homes by parents who refuse to accept them because their minds have taken in hateful messages.
Our Moment is one of opposition, one of need, and most of all, one of opportunity. Can we match our moment?
Your tax deductible contribution to the TEP Foundation by December 31 helps us do just that. You can give online or send your dated check in a post-marked envelope to P.O. Box 330895 Nashville, TN 37203.
Matching Our Opposition: We face two kinds of opposition in Tennessee. There is the very well-funded public arm of opposition in the form of far Right lobbying groups that seek to promote a culture of fear and intolerance in congregations, in the media, and in our Legislature. And then there is more diffused kind of opposition--a sermon that seems to come from out of nowhere, an outrageous remark by a county commissioner, or a store that refuses to serve a transgender person. The TEP Foundation's programs through diversity training, media engagement, and Equality Means Business help shape Tennessee's culture with the values of equality and inclusion. When you invest in equality in Tennessee, you give us a fighting chance against the opposition.
Matching Our Need: The data on bullying in our schools tells the story. The Tennessee Department of Education revealed there were over 5400 confirmed cases of bullying in Tennessee schools in 2012. National data consistently shows Southern states are underfunded by significant percentages. LGBT people and our allies need victories, however small, and we need hope so that victories can grow. TEP Foundation programs like SAFE (Schools Are For Everyone) Tennessee assist GSAs, help communities deal with bullying, and help citizens engage their school boards with solutions.
Matching Our Opportunity: Potential allies are all around us. Meaningful victories are within reach. How we handle the first days of marriage equality in Tennessee can set the stage for a safer, more inclusive Tennessee for all of us. When you support TEP Foundation programs like Tennessee Ready for Marriage on DAY ONE and Equality Means Business you give allies concrete ways to show their support and grow the movement. We are grateful for your support.
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