Special report : Comprehensive gender-affirming care for Metro Nashville employees
The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County is one of the largest local governments in Tennessee. Like many of its peer cities around the country, Metro Nashville has made steady public policy gains for LGBTQ people since 2007, but the city's Benefit Board has failed to offer comprehensive gender-affirming health care benefits.
From Tennessee Equality Project's perspective, this injustice must be addressed. We do not need convincing that transgender people deserve full health care benefits. But we do need to understand why it has been so difficult to achieve the goal. We also need to know what paths are available to provide these vital resources to Metro Nashville government employees.
To that end, we engaged Heather Meshell of Capitol Hill Advocacy to prepare a report that gives us a map of recent efforts to adopt comprehensive gender-affirming care for Metro Nashville employees, the structural and legal issues, and some options to consider over the coming months. You can find the report here.
If you would like to be engaged in efforts to advocate for comprehensive gender-affirming care for Metro Nashville Government employees, be in touch at [email protected] .
Key bills for 2023 special legislative session
The following are some of the bills we are watching closely during the special legislative session.
HB7018 by Rep. A. Davis. Increases penalties for stalking providers of gender-affirming care.
HB7019 by Rep. A. Davis. Increases penalties for acts of mass violence targeting providers of gender-affirming care.
HB7021 by Rep. A. Davis. Increases penalties for threats for violence targeting providers of gender-affirming care.
HB7087 by Rep. G. Johnson. Increases penalties for aggravated stalking when the victim is selected based on a bias factor.
HB7091 by Rep. Harris. "As introduced, creates the Class E felony of knowingly threatening to commit an act of mass violence against another and frightening the other person; classifies the offense as a hate crime, to be punished one classification higher than otherwise provided, if the offense was committed by carrying a firearm into certain venues." Those venues include adult cabaret locations, including places with male or female impersonators.
HB7094 by Rep. Harris. "As introduced, creates the Class E felony of knowingly threatening to commit an act of mass violence against another and frightening the other person; classifies the offense as a hate crime, to be punished one classification higher than otherwise provided, if the offense was committed due to a bias motivation."
Resources for the Special Legislative Session
The Special Legislative Session will begin on August 21 at 4:00 p.m. Central Time. As well as staffing up significantly in order to monitor every part of the legislative process, we are developing a list of resources for the special session in the lead-up to August 21. This page will be updated as needed. Some items are events. Others are things to read for greater understanding. If there are anti-LGBTQ bills or amendments to bills, we will have a strong focus on that legislation. Regardless, we will also be present to support the organizations leading the effort to curtail gun violence in our state.
CALENDAR ITEMS
AUG 15
Murfreesboro: TEP Rutherford County meeting. Facebook event located here.
AUG 16
Zoom: Tennessee Pride Chamber's Classroom Connect on the Special Session Facebook event located here.
AUG 17
Nashville: Drop in orientation to the special session. Facebook event located here.
AUG 18
Athens: LGBTQ+ Ally Workshop. TEP Knox, Anderson, and Blount Counties Chair Aly Chapman will be presenting at this PFLAG event. Facebook event located here.
AUG 21
Nashville: Balcony Brigade First Watch with HRC Nashville. Facebook event located here.
AUG 23
Nashville: AWAKE Day on the Hill. Sign up link located here.
ORGANIZATIONS
NEWS ITEMS
Nashville Scene coverage of the Governor's proclamation.
Tennessee Lookout coverage of the Governor's proclamation.
Coverage of the Governor's proclamation in The Tennessean.
WPLN coverage of the Governor's proclamation.
WPLN on the Speaker of the House focusing on tougher juvenile sentences instead of access to guns.
Tennessee Lookout piece on the special session leading to harsher forms of juvenile justice.
The Tennessean looks at our state's gun theft laws.
Tennessee Lookout coverage of the 2023 Child Fatality Annual Report
The Tennessean on Sen. Haile's proposal on threats of violence
The Nashville Scene previews a special session that holds little hope of gun restrictions.
The Tennessean on the push for gun reform coming from all corners.
REPORTS/ANALYSIS
The Sycamore Institute on firearm-related deaths in Tennessee
Tennessee Lookout story on TN Comptroller's Report on school shootings
Vanderbilt Poll from May 2023 that includes issues of gun violence
Ongoing Campaigns Summer 2023
Pride events around the state are a time to celebrate our lives, even in the face of the horrible backlash our community is facing this year.
Here are some ongoing ways you can be engaged:
Ready For Action campaigns: We are preparing for a possible special legislative session and for the 2024 session. There are lots of ways to be involved from showing up in person, meeting with legislators, helping build regional TEP committees, and monitoring your city or county government for discrimination. Go to this link to learn about all of these opportunities.
Municipal Elections: City government elections are taking place around the state this year. Learn about what the candidates are saying about LGBTQ issues here.
Other ways: If you have another idea of ways you would like to be involved, contact us at [email protected] . We look forward to hearing from you.
Campaigns May 8 through 15
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.
Campaigns May 3 through May 7
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.
Campaigns for week of April 24, 2023
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.
Campaigns for April 21, 2023
The Senate and House both will be meeting on Friday. Use the campaigns below to take action on key bills. More may be added.
FRIDAY, APRIL 21
Anti-trans binary definition of "sex," pronoun discrimination, and anti-implicit bias training bills in the House
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 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.
Anti-trans private school athlete bill
CALL: This bill has been transmitted to the Governor for his action. Leave him a message at 615-741-2001 and urge him to veto SB1237/HB306. People outside Tennessee are welcome to call.
Campaigns for April 20, 2023
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
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.)
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.
Campaigns for April 19 and 20
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
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
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
TRACK: Track the bill at this link.