FROM THE PUBLISHER
Here we are at the end of another year and what a year it’s been. In Tennessee, there were 25 anti-LGBT bills filed during the legislative session with three of them signed into law. In this issue, Chris Sanders tells us what could be coming down at the beginning of the 2023 legislative session. The ‘Slate of Hate’ has already begun for 2023 with the filing of three anti-LGBT bills.
There have been attacks on libraries because of their Pride displays, LGBTQ+ books and even other books that the opposers deem inappropriate. Pride celebrations across the state have been in the cross-hairs too, specifically for their drag performances. We begin a five-part series called “Virulence in the Volunteer State,” which will go into an in-depth review of anti-LGBT behavior that’s been taking place across the state and the groups behind it.
While this may all seem daunting, don’t be discouraged. We did have some wins this year. The Senate just passed the Respect for Marriage Act (Editor’s Note: this has since been passed by the House as well) that protects same-sex and interracial marriage in the event the Supreme Court were to overturn Obergefell v. Hodges. It’s also expected to pass the House where it will then move on for President Biden’s signature. On the subject of politics, victoryfund.org reports “436 LGBTQ Candidates Won in the 2022 General Election, 100 More than in 2020; 60% Win Rate,” — representation matters!
If you know anything about me, then you probably know I’m a huge supporter of small business and since 2020, there have been a large number LGBTQ+ / Ally-owned businesses start up or change ownership — some out of necessity, but most because they have a dream larger than the universe. Take the iconic Performance Studio, now owned by Steven Raimo (Veronika Electronika) and his husband TJ Jackson-Raimo. We spoke with Steven about his new role as business owner and what we can expect from Performance in the future. Be sure to check out other new businesses that we highlight and be sure to support them! If you have a new business, product or event, you’d like to share with us, reach out to me. We are more than happy to include you in this new, ongoing section for us.
We’re excited about what’s coming down the pipeline for Connect and our other businesses in 2023. Mark your calendar for March when we will be hosting our 2nd annual Connect Community Health Fair and mark April 29 for our first-ever pet fair! Follow us on social media for updates and check out our website for the latest articles and news. I wish you all Happy Holidays! And remember, when the dust settles, in the words of Sir Elton John, “I’m still standing.”
Let’s Connect!
— Co-founder and Publisher
