Pamela Hawkins

  • Calling on Councilman Travis Holleman to resign

    Clarksville City Councilman Travis Holleman has used his platform to demean the LGBTQ community during public meetings. Incidents are recounted at this link and at this link. Public officials must represent all their constituents and should never disparage groups of people based on race, sex, religion, creed, color, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic.

    If you agree with the statement below, please add your name to this petition.

    513 signatures

    In solidarity with the LGBTQ community in Clarksville, we join their call for Councilman Travis Holleman to resign his office immediately.

    Add signature

  • donated via 2024-11-05 05:30:50 -0600

    Monthly Support of Tennessee Equality Project. Make sure you really want to donate MONTHLY before proceeding with this link.

    Governor.jpgAs 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 ActBlue at this link.

    Checks 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

  • donated via 2019-12-03 09:33:59 -0600

    TEP Giving Tuesday 2019

    $2,310.00 raised
    GOAL: $2,000.00

    Giving Tuesday, an annual international day of giving, is December 3. Please, include Tennessee Equality Project in your giving plans.  When you support TEP, you make it possible for us to fight back against adoption discrimination bills, anti-transgender student bathroom bills, and attacks on marriage equality.  You give us the capacity to organize throughout Tennessee, and that allows us to defend the LGBTQ community.  We are grateful for your support.

    If you prefer to make a tax-deductible contribution to the TEP Foundation, you can do so at this link.

    Donate

  • The People's Petition Against the Slate of Hate

    The people of Tennessee are speaking out against bills that result in discrimination against LGBTQ people in our state.  Here is our statement with a summary of the bills.

    2,020 signatures

    "As residents of Tennessee, we oppose these bills in the Tennessee General Assembly. They promote discrimination rather than justice and demean the worth of LGBTQ people in our state.  We call on people of good will to join us in speaking out for basic fairness."

    The bills are:

    SB848/HB1152 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Ragan and SB1304/HB836 by Sen. Pody and Rep. Rudd.   These bills promote state-sanctioned discrimination by private adoption agencies against prospective parents on the basis of religious and moral objection.

    SB364/HB563 by Sen. Gardenhire and Rep. Zachary.  The Business License to Discriminate bill.  The bill casts businesses rather than the LGBTQ community as possible victims of discrimination and opens the door to taxpayer funded discrimination.

    SB1297/HB1151 by Sen. Pody and Rep. Ragan.  While the bill seems to be about indecent exposure, its original text is a devious attempt to criminalize transgender and gender nonconforming people in restrooms and locker rooms.  The bill has been amended in a House subcommittee to remove the portions targeting the transgender community.  We want to make sure the amendment remains on the bill.

    SB1499/HB1274 by Sen. Hensley and Rep. Holt. This bill requires the Attorney General to defend school districts that engage in anti-transgender bathroom discrimination.  

    SB1282/HB1369 by Sen. Pody and Rep. J. Sexton.  The Tennessee Natural Marriage Defense Act is an attack on marriage equality.

    Add signature

  • signed up on Join our action alert email list 2022-01-17 19:31:52 -0600

  • donated via 2019-03-18 18:11:37 -0500

    Homegrown Victory

    $3,790.00 raised
    GOAL: $2,500.00

    Victories in the legislative arena are homegrown in Tennessee.  Local professionals, volunteers, LGBTQ people, and allies make them happen.  In 2018, TEP received no national financial support for our legislative efforts, but we beat all the discriminatory bills in that legislative session because Tennesseans took action.  We welcome your support again in 2019 because Tennessee is one of the top states for the number of discriminatory bills filed every year.  While your contribution to our legislative lobbying efforts through this portal is not tax deductible, it allows us to invest in professional, experienced lobbying and statewide organizing to bolster our defenses.  We are grateful for your support. 

    If you want to set up a MONTHLY donation, you can do so at this link.

    Donate

  • donated via 2018-12-31 08:51:48 -0600

    Year-end giving, New-year power

    $2,185.00 raised
    GOAL: $2,500.00

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    Make your year-end tax deductible contribution to the TEP Foundation to put us in a strong position to advance the values of equality and inclusion in Tennessee in the new year.  Your contribution helps us expand the work of our regional committees to address discrimination throughout Tennessee.  Your contribution helps us register voters and engage the media.  Your contribution helps us raise the profile of the issue of state preemption of local solutions for equality.  Your contribution helps us monitor discriminatory legislation.  We are grateful for your support.

    Donate

  • donated via 2018-12-07 18:31:22 -0600

    Invest in our defenses during urgent times

    $2,285.00 raised
    GOAL: $3,000.00

    We face new challenges every week--from Supreme Court rulings and important vacancies in the courts to discriminatory state legislation.  We can expect new attacks on marriage equality, transgender rights and safety, and job and public accommodations access.  Help us bolster our defenses in Tennessee with your contribution.  Note:  Contributions given through this portal are to Tennessee Equality Project and are not deductible for purposes of federal income tax.

    Donate

  • NO to Adoption Discrimination in Congress

    A foster care and adoption license to discriminate measure was recently put into a health and human services funding bill in the House Appropriations Committee.

    The “Aderholt Amendment” allows foster care and adoption service providers across the country to discriminate against children and prospective parents based on sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and marital status.

    We need your help to tell Senators Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker:  NO ADOPTION DISCRIMINATION in the 2019 Appropriations bill!  We will deliver hard copies to their offices.

    1,052 signatures

    Dear Senators Alexander and Corker:

    We urge you to act to oppose the Aderholt amendment allowing discrimination in foster care and adoption services in the FY19 House Labor-HHS appropriations bill and ensure that the measure is NOT included in any Senate or final appropriations bill.

    It would allow taxpayer-funded foster care and adoption service providers to discriminate against children in care and against prospective parents, based on sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, and marital status.

    The measure breaks the cardinal rule of child welfare services: to act in the best interest of the child. This amendment would actually HARM CHILDREN.

    This amendment would greatly harm the 440,000 children in foster care, particularly the 117,000 who are waiting to be adopted into loving, forever homes.  There is a crisis in foster care due to the huge shortage of available families for children. Each year, over half the children waiting to be adopted do not find a loving home, and most devastatingly, over 17,000 foster youth age out of care without a forever family.  Those youth are at greater risk of involvement with the criminal justice system, homelessness, unemployment, and being trafficked.

    Speak out against this poison pill amendment,; let your leadership know you will not support a funding bill with the measure included, and vote against any appropriations measure that includes such discriminatory provisions.  Thank you for considering our views.

    Add signature

  • 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.

    1,069 signatures

    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.

    Add signature

  • posted about Tell iStock/Getty to remove violent, anti-LGBTQ images on Facebook 2018-05-09 14:34:48 -0500
    Sign the petition: Tell iStock/Getty to remove violent, anti-LGBTQ images

    Tell iStock/Getty to remove violent, anti-LGBTQ images

    Nashville resident Jennifer Sheridan discovered some disturbing images among iStock/Getty's photographs that were tagged with anti-LGBTQ messages.  Out & About Nashville reports that one of them represented the lynching of LGBTQ people.

    TAKE ACTION:  Go to this link and tell iStock/Getty to remove anti-LGBTQ images and tags from their collection.  AND add your name to the petition below.  Please, share with your friends. 

    20 signatures

    We call on iStock/Getty to remove anti-LGBTQ images and anti-LGBTQ tags from images in their collection.  At a time when hate crimes against LGBTQ people are rising in Tennessee and other states, companies have a responsibility to take steps to promote respect.  It is outrageous that a major collection of images used by the public would contain pictures and tags that demean and attack the LGBTQ community.

    Add signature

  • commented on Condolences to Mayor Megan Barry and her Family 2017-08-07 07:28:44 -0500
    Mayor Barry,

    The news of Max’s death deeply saddens me and I extend my prayers to you and Bruce. You have led us to make Nashville a city of compassion. May that compassion now enfold and embrace you.

    Condolences to Mayor Megan Barry and her Family

    Nashville Mayor Megan Barry and her husband Bruce recently lost their son Max.  Members of the LGBT community and allies can leave their condolences here and we will deliver them to the Mayor.  Please include your city in your comments.  Thank you for showing your love for Mayor Barry and her family.

    Send feedback

  • Demand EEOC pursue LGBT job discrimination cases

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    On January 27, Slate reported that the EEOC may withdraw from a case involving job discrimination against Amiee Stephens, a transgender woman.  New Commission chair Victoria Lipnic said "Administration-related changes" were the reason. 

    TAKE ACTION!

    1. Send your own email to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission at [email protected] and urge the Commission to continue pursuing cases of LGBT job discrimination.

    2. Sign the petition.  If we reach or exceed 1000 signatures, we will deliver them to the Nashville EEOC office.

    388 signatures

    Dear Commissioners,

    We urge you to continue viewing job discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people as sex discrimination under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.  In particular, you must continue to pursue the case of Amiee Stephens and other cases like it. 

    Your own report indicates there were 1768 charges of anti-LGBT job discrimination in 2016.  In many states, there are no explicit protections for LGBT workers.  Without your efforts, LGBT people are often defenseless against job discrimination.  You must continue to pursue these cases.

    Thank you for considering our views.

    Add signature

  • donated 2016-10-12 16:51:29 -0500

    National Coming Out Day Challenge

    $2,170.00 raised
    GOAL: $2,000.00

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    An anonymous donor has offered us a $2000 challenge.  Make your tax deductible investment in any amount to help us meet the challenge for National Coming Out Day.  We will run the challenge until October 18. 

    Regardless of whether you can give, consider posting a National Coming Out Day video and tag us on Facebook or on Twitter.  Let's show Tennessee the vibrancy and diversity of our community and allies.

    Your contribution helps fund educational programs around the state.  For example, in November we are offering training sessions for clergy throughout Tennessee to help them advocate more effectively for the LGBT community.

    Donate

  • donated via 2024-11-06 14:22:28 -0600

    Support the Work of Tennessee Equality Project with a One Time Donation

    Governor.jpgAs 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.

     

     

    Other Giving Options

    Some supporters prefer to write a check or make monthly donations to Tennessee Equality Project through ActBlue at this link.

    Checks 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

  • signed Tennessee Loves Target 2016-05-03 14:10:09 -0500

    Tennessee Loves Target

    ellyahnnaTarget.jpgTarget'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.


                                

    1,050 signatures

    Tennessee loves Target.  I support the company's transgender-inclusive policies and I will continue to shop at their stores.                                               

     

     

    Add signature

  • posted about VETO Hate Bill 1840, the Counseling Discrimination bill on Facebook 2016-04-07 15:52:57 -0500
    Sign the petition: VETO Hate Bill 1840, the Counseling Discrimination bill

    VETO Hate Bill 1840, the Counseling Discrimination bill

     

    Please, add your voice and urge Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to veto this discriminatory bill.

    4,242 signatures

    Dear Governor Haslam,

    We urge you to veto HB1840, which allows counselors to turn away clients based on the counselor's biases and values.  This bill puts the focus on the desires of counselors rather than on the needs of clients, damaging the counseling profession and putting clients at risk. 

    An anti-bullying amendment was stripped from the bill in the House Health Committee leaving youth vulnerable in areas where mental health services are not widely available.

    Thank you for considering our views.

    Add signature

  • donated 2017-10-09 15:57:55 -0500

    Support the Work of TEP Foundation

    Governor.jpg

    As a supporter of Tennessee Equality Project Foundation, your contribution funds much needed educational projects and programs which advance the well being of LGBT people and their families here at home in Tennessee. Unlike other organizations that advance equality, every dollar contributed to TEP Foundation is spent here in Tennessee.

     

    If you prefer to make contributions to TEP Foundation without using PayPal, click this link

    Other Giving Options

    Some supporters prefer to write a check or make monthly donations to TEP Foundation through automatic bank drafts. Consider creating “TEP Foundation” as a regular payee with your bank’s online service.

    Checks and automated bank drafts may be mailed to the following address:

    TEP Foundation | P.O. Box 330875 | Nashville, TN 37203 

    Thank you for supporting TEP Foundation.

    Donate

  • endorsed 2015-05-03 08:34:25 -0500

    Marriage PLUS Pledge

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    MARRIAGE PLUS PLEDGE

    I pledge to continue to work for full

    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.

    Endorse

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