Over 100 Orginizations, Small Businesses and Congregations Across Tennessee Sign Statement for Dignity, Against Discrimination

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 8, 2025) – Over 100 organizations, small businesses and congregations in Tennessee have signed on to the Tennessee Equality Project’s “Freedom Together” statement, and that number is quickly growing. The signatures are still being gathered from every corner of Tennessee from small businesses, advocacy groups and even faith communities that embrace LGBTQ+ rights, and condemn hateful attacks on marginalized people.

“We are grateful for this tremendous support for the LGBTQ+ community from many organizations, small businesses and congregations in East, West and Middle Tennessee,” says Tennessee Equality Project Executive Director Chris Sanders. “We want legislators to know that some of the key institutions in their districts are supportive of LGBTQ+ people and we hope it helps them think twice before supporting discriminatory bills.”

During the 2024 Legislative session, lawmakers in Tenn. introduced 31 bills that either directly attacked the LGBTQ community, or had discriminatory or other implications for them as a specific group. Twelve of those bills passed, many of which were heavily amended. After advocates spoke out from all over the state, 16 of the bills failed to pass.

The rollout of Tennessee’s trans/nonbinary “outing” bill has been chaotic at best. Reports from parents and teachers all over the state have condemned the bill and its implementation. In recent months, LGBTQ+ Tennesseans have encountered unwarranted book bans, attacks on local PRIDE festivals, discrimination in public event planning, and even blatant anti-gay marches in various parts of the state from designated hate groups. All while Tennesseans eagerly await a decision from the Supreme Court of the United States on access to life-saving healthcare for trans youth.

The reality is that for many throughout our state, allies help create change by supporting those facing the worst of the attacks. Advocates hope this declaration from LGBTQ+-owned, allied and operated entities will deter further discriminatory legislation targeting our community. Those who wish to add their names to the statement can do so at https://www.tnep.org/freedom_together.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

What You Can Do in Memphis to Prepare for the Legislative Session
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
5:30pm-7pm Central
Friends for All Memphis
1548 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38104

First Watch of the Balcony Brigade: Legislative Session Begins
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
10:30am Central
Tennessee State Capitol
600 Dr. MLK, Jr. Blvd.
Nashville, TN 37243

Advancing Equality Day on the Hill
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
9am-4pm Central
Cordell Hull Building
425 Rep. John Lewis Way N
Nashville, TN 37243

TEP Gumbo Contest
Sunday, February 16, 2025
4:30-7pm Central
Memphis Sports & Events Center
995 Early Maxwell Blvd
Memphis, TN 38104

ABOUT TENNESSEE EQUALITY PROJECT:
Tennessee Equality Project is a statewide nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with a 20 year history of advocacy in public policy working closely with allied partners, engaging with the public through education and outreach to advance the equal rights of all LGBTQIA+ children, youth and adults in Tennessee. Tennessee Equality Project is actively working to stop the accelerating, yet preventable, mental and physical suffering, isolation, poverty and homelessness caused by public misinformation campaigns, discriminatory state and local policies, and political ill will affecting LGBTQIA+ children, youth, adults and elders.