Zombie Walk for Equality seeks to reanimate government

In just three days, zombies shall descend upon historic Beale Street in Memphis in search of tasty brains.

At first glance, this might appear to be an apocalypse of the undead, but it's really a protest of the lack of delicious brains in those elected to govern the State of Tennessee, Shelby County and the City of Memphis. With the passage of the Special Access to Discriminate Act (HB600/SB632) and the advance of the Don’t Say Gay bill (SB049) in 2011, there is little evidence of intelligent governance at the state level. At the local level, Memphis and Shelby County governments can’t seem to understand the importance of enacting ordinances that offer simple workplace protections for government employees. 

Will the Tennessee General Assembly continue to take away the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in 2012? Will Memphis or Shelby County ever pass ordinances that prohibit discrimination against government employees based on sexual orientation and gender identity?

Tennessee Equality Project calls on all zombies to join our search for intelligent brains in state and local government. Help us call attention to the fact that brains that value inclusion, diversity and equality not only taste better, but improve the lives of all people in our community. 

Join TEP’s Zombie Walk for Equality in the Midsouth Pride Parade on October 15, 2011. Dress up like a zombie and make a clever sign. The lineup for the walking dead starts at 1 PM at 4th and Beale Street. Step off is a 2 PM. This peaceful walking group in the pride parade is designed to be fun and find some humor in the tragedy of bad governance.

To join TEP's Zombie Walk for Equality in the Midsouth Pride Parade on October 15, 2011, here's what you need to do:

1. Tell us you plan to attend the Zombie Walk for Equality at this link.
2. Invite your friends and family to participate by sharing this post with your friends.
3. Make a clever sign with a zombie and equality theme (Keep it civil - this is a family-friendly event).
4. Dress up like a zombie (see below).
5. Line up with the other walking dead at 1 PM at 4th and Beale Street on Oct. 15. Step off is a 2 PM.

Need some help on Zombie makeup?

 

During the Midsouth Pride Festival which begins at 10 AM at Robert Church Park, the Haus of Masquerade will be painting zombie makeup from 10 AM until 1:45 PM for $20 a head (with $5 going to TEP. This is a great option for folks without makeup experience who would like to participate.

YouTube offers a number of video tutorials to help you create the perfect zombie look for those who want to create their own look. Party City at Poplar Plaza Shopping Mall has great makeup supplies for would-be zombies. Take a look at these creative examples for makeup ideas or search for your own on YouTube: