tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81067476930526585132024-03-18T04:50:04.498-05:00Grand DivisionsGrand Divisions is the blog of the Tennessee Equality Project, an organization that seeks to advance and protect the civil rights of our State’s gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.comBlogger1277125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-19689140744586841992014-12-14T14:39:00.005-06:002014-12-14T14:39:53.569-06:00Matching Our Moment: Double your impact between now and Dec. 31!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK9Y8yg8FiGlpUGCduNv9QWXWErc2vi0_CSREG81qNF91rrEwfJ0gXespoCcVHq_ngQEdS6D1TiKFRYW-WnLjBdwdMqCLBwZU97Erqh_qETJMtHOp5QN_SF0nl9UuEJGSLvWZafiYhhAS/s1600/TEP+Foundation+Presents+(2).png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK9Y8yg8FiGlpUGCduNv9QWXWErc2vi0_CSREG81qNF91rrEwfJ0gXespoCcVHq_ngQEdS6D1TiKFRYW-WnLjBdwdMqCLBwZU97Erqh_qETJMtHOp5QN_SF0nl9UuEJGSLvWZafiYhhAS/s1600/TEP+Foundation+Presents+(2).png" height="320" width="320" /></a><span class="userContent">MATCHING OUR MOMENT! Between now and December 31 all your tax deductible contributions to the TEP Foundation at this link <a href="https://tnep.nationbuilder.com/matchourmoment" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">https://tnep.nationbuilder.com/matchourmoment</a>
are matched up to a total of $4000. DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT. Thanks to the
generous donors who have stepped forward to provide the match. SHARE!</span>Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-58245265322703163872014-06-20T07:00:00.000-05:002014-06-20T10:41:30.543-05:00TEP PAC Endorsements for Shelby County Government on August 7<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<a href="http://tnequalityproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/TEP-PAC-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://tnequalityproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/TEP-PAC-logo.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TEP PAC is pleased to announce the following endorsements of candidates running for offices in Shelby County government in the August 7, 2014 election. TEP PAC encourages you to vote for, volunteer for, and contribute to these equality advocates (click names with links for candidate information):</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-a8b251f0-b245-5f5f-35f2-6d9253115c5e" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MAYOR – </span><a href="http://www.deidremalone.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Deidre Malone</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 4 COMMISSIONER – </span><a href="http://www.jackie4commissioner.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Jackie Jackson</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 6 COMMISSIONER – </span><a href="http://youtu.be/bM-aI1IpNeA" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Willie Brooks</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 8 COMMISSIONER – Walter Bailey</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 10 COMMISSIONER – </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/231441230405/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Reginald Milton</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 12 COMMISSIONER – </span><a href="http://www.friendsforvanturner.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Van Turner</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 13 COMMISSIONER – </span><a href="http://www.votejain.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">M. Jain</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">SHERIFF – </span><a href="http://www.sheriffbilloldham.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Bill Oldham</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CLERK – </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.draper.37" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Charlotte B. Draper</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 1 SCHOOL BOARD - </span><a href="http://www.fredagwilliams.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">Freda Garner-William</span></span></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 3 SCHOOL BOARD - Teddy King</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISTRICT 5 SCHOOL BOARD – David Winston</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Each candidate submitted a survey to TEP PAC for review and asked for TEP PAC’s endorsement. All candidates for Shelby County Mayor, Sheriff, Board of Commissioners, Clerk and School Board were invited to participate in the survey by letters mailed to the address listed on their petitions with the Shelby County Election Commission. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Early Voting begins July 18, 2014 at 157 Poplar Avenue and continues through August 2, 2014. Visit the </span><a href="http://shelbyvote.com/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">S</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: blue;">helby County Election Commission website</span></span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> for more details about the full August 7 ballot and voting locations, dates and times.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yours for equality,</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">H.G. Stovall</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TEP PAC Chair</span></div>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">TEP PAC is a state political action committee registered in Tennessee (Joyce Peacock, Treasurer). The endorsements of TEP PAC do not necessarily represent the views of the board of the Tennessee Equality Project. </span></span></div>
Jonathan Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835943490312050502noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-8529415732618201142014-04-02T15:18:00.000-05:002014-04-02T15:54:20.550-05:00Shelby County Schools quietly enacted LGBT-inclusive protections in June of 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.scsk12.org/technology/SCSlogos/SCS-Logo-Large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.scsk12.org/technology/SCSlogos/SCS-Logo-Large.jpg" height="200" width="199" /></a></div>
<br />
Did you know that when the Memphis City Schools were absorbed into the Shelby County School system, MCS students lost enumerated anti-bullying protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression?<br />
<br />
Anti-bullying protections weren't fully enumerated in Shelby County School policy at the time of unification.<br />
<br />
In response, Tammy Ferguson Green (mother of a Shelby County School student) and Bri Kirwan (a Shelby County School student) spoke to the unified Memphis and Shelby County School Board on September 27, 2012 to urge revision of the anti-bullying policy.<br />
<br />
Guess what? They listened.<br />
<br />
It appears that <a href="http://www.scsk12.org/uf/policy/pm/6000/2013/6046_Harassment_Intimidation_Bullying_Cyberbullying.pdf" target="_blank"><b>the policy</b></a> was quietly revised in June 2013 to include LGBT-inclusive protections against bullying.<br />
<br />
Thanks Tammy! Thanks Bri!<br />
<br />
Watch their presentation from September 27, 2012 below:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/M127VW65wws" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jonathan Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835943490312050502noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-67522873860601963342014-04-01T14:07:00.000-05:002014-04-01T14:25:38.125-05:00Senators Stacey Campfield and Brian Kelsey to elope to Massachusetts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvgShlFDBKa3cNwLPQztfC05Lc7uIZ7vOu498jMK7Xzfw2_DmEADHupLAgnf6I7rechePYE-h0byPd9eJ1ir-U6lnJiW44Bjy6dfjkMvu0a-nSBusjBQ7IkjICemTBaSTwLSRT07XWmI/s1600/CampfieldKelsey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLvgShlFDBKa3cNwLPQztfC05Lc7uIZ7vOu498jMK7Xzfw2_DmEADHupLAgnf6I7rechePYE-h0byPd9eJ1ir-U6lnJiW44Bjy6dfjkMvu0a-nSBusjBQ7IkjICemTBaSTwLSRT07XWmI/s1600/CampfieldKelsey.jpg" height="137" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Senators Stacey Campfield <br />
& Brian Kelsey to tie the knot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(4.1.2014) Qweerty.com reports that Tennessee Senators Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville) and Brian Kelsey (R-Germantown) plan to marry after the 108th Tennessee General Assembly session adjourns this spring.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-5c2c07c6-1ea5-4d50-0055-72f1ba6468e7" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Capitol insiders revealed their secret plan to elope to the State of Massachusetts late yesterday. The couple plans to marry in a closed ceremony over Memorial Day weekend at the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">First Congregational Church of West Tisbury in Martha’s Vineyard. A West Tisbury office clerk, who grew up with Senator Kelsey at MUS High School in Memphis accidentally leaked the clandestine arrangements when confirming the wedding date with Senator Kelsey’s legislative assistant. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When asked about the wedding, Senator Kelsey stated, “Stacey and I just couldn’t wait any longer for full marriage equality to arrive in Tennessee.” </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The happy couple plans to honeymoon in Provincetown following the ceremony. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A Nashville area realtor confirmed Tuesday morning that Kelsey and Campfield recently signed a contract on a quaint little bungalow in East Nashville. The couple looks forward to filling their home with arts and crafts furniture and hosting hot tub parties on the deck of their back yard this summer.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Registry listings for Campfield and Kelsey appear on the websites of Crate & Barrel, IKEA and Restoration Hardware. When asked about possible wedding gift options for the couple, Campfield stated that their “gift registries are really for close family and friends. I encourage marriage equality supporters to donate gifts in our honor to Tennessee Equality Project at </span><a href="http://tnequalityproject.org/donatetotep" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">http://tnequalityproject.org/donatetotep</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lt. Governor Ron Ramsey, leader of the State Senate, promised to host a wedding reception for the couple at the beginning of the 109th Tennessee General Assembly in Senate Chambers. </span></div>
Jonathan Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835943490312050502noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-33942292450565785612014-03-07T19:26:00.000-06:002014-03-07T19:26:35.565-06:00Protection from Bullying (but not for LGBT kids)<div class="MsoNormal">
HB 927 is the Dignity for All Students Act. I helped write it. I have a deeply personal reason for promoting
it. But there are people in the TNGA
trying to push a TOOTHLESS, VAGUE bill to replace it with one that does NOTHING
to protect ALL kids from bullying.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Question: Why would anyone have a problem with a bill to help stop
bullying in school?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Answer: Because the Dignity for All Students Act includes
sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in the enumerated
categories of kids that are most often bullied.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Apparently to SOME people, LGBT kids don’t warrant
protections from bullying, so those people (who believe so strongly that have
some sort of religious ‘right’ to bully LGBT kids) will not extend protections to them or
any other vulnerable child. No, THOSE
people don’t want to define bullying…because they know they do it themselves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Adults are supposed to set an example. Our legislature has set an example that
promotes bullying LGBT kids for YEARS.
Don’t Say Gay bills, Turn Away the Gays bill this year, the License to
Bully bill…the example that these adults has set breeds bullying. No wonder they don’t want to protect LGBT
kids in school…that might mean that the next generation grows up without the
prejudices and bile that drive these discriminatory bills. Oh, the HORROR. KIDS MIGHT LEARN TO TREAT PEOPLE WHO ARE
DIFFERENT WITH RESPECT FOR THEIR COMMON HUMANITY!!!!! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Tennessee Department of Education issued a report
confirming 5,478 acts of bullying took place during the 2012-2013 school year,
and that number only includes the bullying that was actually reported. Over
5000 cases reported...and who knows how many went unreported?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>FIVE THOUSAND CASES</u></b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5000 kids who were
disturbed enough by bullying in their school environment that they needed an
adult to intervene. Let that sink in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a parent of a child with Asperger’s Syndrome, or High
Functioning Autism as they now label it, my child's perspective on the world is
vastly different from that of that of a non-autistic adult teacher. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If my child feels
threatened or victimized, I certainly do not want some adult telling him his
concerns do not matter and to deal with the situation on his own. I want my son to trust that a teacher will
intervene and protect him if he needs and asks for an adult's help. Because ASKING FOR HELP IS WHAT WE HAVE
TAUGHT HIM TO DO! We have told him to
find an adult if he or someone else is being bullied. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sad thing? He
doesn't trust the adults to intervene.
Why should he? He has been
bullied, and seen kids get bullied, and nothing was done about it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You know what? I
don’t trust all adults to intervene either.
We have seen it happen over and over in Tennessee where a school has
failed to protect an LGBT student from bullying. We have seen it end in suicide more than
once. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember Jacob Rogers of Cheatham County and Phillip Parker
of Gordonsville? Google them. Just Google them. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Google this too “LGBT suicide Tennessee” and tell me that
gay kids don’t need protection from bullies.
Then tell me that schools should be allowed to decide what defines
bullying and decide how to address bullying in any way they want to handle
it. That’s what Rep. Mark White of
Memphis thinks should happen. Because,
obviously, that has worked SO WELL IN THE PAST!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because Rep. White thinks the adults should determine when
the bullying is “bad”, not the victim.
Because if the adults in charge don’t care about LGBT kids getting
bullied, then they shouldn't have to protect them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
AND THAT MAKES ME VERY, VERY ANGRY.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ALL children deserve a safe educational environment. Period.
Parent should be able to trust that the adults, in whose charge they
leave their kids every morning, are going to protect them from harassment and
intimidation that interferes with their learning environment without imposing a
subjective view of how "bad" it may be from an adult
perspective. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They should be able to trust that the adults who are in
charge are being consistent and following set guidelines for their safety. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clear consistent guidelines are needed across the
state. Our bill provides that
consistency across the state where Rep. White’s ambiguous bill (HB 2122) does
not. We saw it in committee last year
when lawmakers looked back fondly on bullying and being bullied in
school...leaving the definition of bullying up to adults in charge means
subjective interpretation of what is harmful to the victim, based not on the
victims perspective, but on the opinion of adults who are not the target of the
acts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enumerating these categories provides consistency and
protects victims from arbitrary value judgments on the part of adults about the
student's experience, and that is precisely why TENNESSEE NEEDS HB 927 to make
our schools safe educational environments for All Students.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
BlissLawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271278618335340790noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-21790648996888855702014-02-17T23:50:00.000-06:002014-11-23T21:59:56.005-06:00Media Advisory: Over 100 in red to protest "Turn the Gays Away" bill on Tuesday<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Media Advisory:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Over 100 in red to protest “Turn the Gays
Away” bill at Senate Judiciary hearing on Tuesday</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Feb. 17, 2014</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
CONTACT:<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Chris Sanders</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span>(615) 390-5252</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><a href="mailto:chris@tnequalityproject.com">chris@tnequalityproject.com</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Nashville, TN (February
18, 2014)—Over 100 Tennesseans will protest SB2566, commonly known as the Turn
the Gays Away bill, by wearing red during the Tennessee Senate Judiciary
Committee meeting on Tuesday, February 18 at Legislative Plaza.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
“The bill’s language is
so broad that it is unclear which goods and services may be included and under
what circumstances; the fact that an amendment to tighten the language is being
proposed confirms that,” according to Tennessee Equality Project executive
director Chris Sanders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Regardless of
whether the bill applies to wedding cakes or to groceries, it is an effort to
say state government can pick which groups of people that businesses and
organizations can discriminate against.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The nationwide outrage is understandable.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Red became a symbol of
marriage equality in the lead up to the 2013 Windsor Supreme Court decision that
struck down a portion of the Defense of Marriage Act.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
Find the Facebook event
showing the number of RSVPs at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1463545210540028/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1463545210540028/</a>
.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
WHEN:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
WHERE:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Legislative Plaza in Nashville, Room 12LP</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
WHY:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To protest the state sanctioning
discrimination against same-sex couples</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
WHO: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Tennessee Equality Project, Tennessee
citizens concerned about the legislation</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
###<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s1b2St768JiDB1QK-2kkcJc__CKnnt-jFEJKfr7j3VPTGtZ6_QWpvhESkrMTAiH8pHNZRR61AgPnRmG7VHmC44_Grb8_E0u5fn6ca16CSh6YcwhDbb8Yn2t6zAJYYfTVEwDDRSxnEtUN/s1600/donuts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3s1b2St768JiDB1QK-2kkcJc__CKnnt-jFEJKfr7j3VPTGtZ6_QWpvhESkrMTAiH8pHNZRR61AgPnRmG7VHmC44_Grb8_E0u5fn6ca16CSh6YcwhDbb8Yn2t6zAJYYfTVEwDDRSxnEtUN/s1600/donuts.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-85603640847211106832014-02-06T16:00:00.000-06:002014-02-06T16:00:00.992-06:00TEP Foundation Completes LGBTQ training of Shelby County Sheriff Officers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFEjAhrzM8-QE4WU7xYKxyhX7WWJtzH0yXfT5wiAVeLOu6YlJcjKOAer9kpO7lYAQUWhs2JRZTIljPXtZo1eZL-VJ5J0JQUU7nDPIEd0KsLtAHUjiuvXIGvhox8voTAEQMPQ5w67OMew/s1600/logo2%5B1%5D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigFEjAhrzM8-QE4WU7xYKxyhX7WWJtzH0yXfT5wiAVeLOu6YlJcjKOAer9kpO7lYAQUWhs2JRZTIljPXtZo1eZL-VJ5J0JQUU7nDPIEd0KsLtAHUjiuvXIGvhox8voTAEQMPQ5w67OMew/s1600/logo2%5B1%5D.gif" /></a></div>
Tennessee Equality Project Foundation completed a series of four LGBTQ cultural competency classes for the upper command staff and academy instructors of the Shelby County Sheriff Department today. The training is designed to empower Shelby County Sheriff officers to provide professional and respectful treatment of the public without bias toward LGBTQ people. Over 100 staff attended the training over two weeks. TEP Foundation certified Sheriff Academy instructors in the diversity course one week ago. Those instructors will train law enforcement and correctional officers in the coming year.<br />
<br />
TEP Foundation's relationship with the Shelby County Sheriff Department began in December 2011 when a group of Sheriff Academy corrections graduates received a half-day training in LGBTQ cultural competency. A renewed interest in the training followed Shelby County Sheriff participation in the Community Police Relations (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/CPRMemphis901/info" target="_blank">CPR</a>) project - a "partnership between citizens and law enforcement officers that is challenging both groups to overcome their differences and distrust to work together on the deepest problems of our community."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://mnqjohnclipportfolio.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/duanna-johnson1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://mnqjohnclipportfolio.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/duanna-johnson1.jpg" height="200" width="145" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Duanna Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the CPR forums organized by the Midsouth Peace and Justice Center focused on the concerns of LGBTQ residents in Shelby County. Members of the community in Memphis and Shelby County reported anti-LGBTQ bias and disparate treatment during police stops and in correctional facilities. Law enforcement mistreatment of transgender people of color has captured headlines in Memphis in the past. The best known <a href="http://grand-divisions.blogspot.com/search?q=duanna+johnson+2008&max-results=20&by-date=true" target="_blank">example</a> involved the 2008 beating of Duanna Johnson by a <a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/apr/19/mistrial-declared-memphis-police-beating-case-invo/" target="_blank">Memphis Police Officer</a> in the Shelby County Jail at 201 Poplar Avenue (a facility operated by the Shelby County Sheriff).<br />
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The MPD officer used anti-trans language and physical violence to gain compliance from Duanna after she was detained. Duanna suffered serious injuries. The offending officer was later terminated from the police department and served time in a Federal penitentiary. The City of Memphis awarded civil damages in a court settlement to the estate of Duanna Johnson (now deceased). <br />
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To his credit, Sheriff William Oldham is taking a proactive approach to prevent past abuses from happening again. He's ordered all his staff to be trained in LGBTQ cultural competency. The TEP Foundation applauds his leadership. If his officers apply the training, the public will experience more professional and respectful law enforcement and correctional officers, and the Shelby County Sheriff Department will significantly reduce the potential cost of civil rights lawsuits, personnel discipline, and termination of highly trained officers.<br />
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TEP Foundation provided training to the Shelby County Sheriff Department without charge. <span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>If you'd like to donate to the Foundation to help cover the cost of this and future training in Tennessee, <a href="http://grand-divisions.blogspot.com/p/if-you-prefer-you-can-send-check-to-our.html" target="_blank">visit the Foundation's donation page</a> or click the "Donate Now" button on the right side of this page (desktop version only). </b></span><br />
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Many thanks to TEP Foundation Board member Anne Gullick and TEP Foundation Executive Director Chris Sanders for facilitating this training.Jonathan Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835943490312050502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-37055447587369673352014-01-13T00:46:00.002-06:002015-01-11T13:32:35.390-06:00Red Alert Parties across Tennessee to mark return of the Legislature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9wdjoh23ADNLVee6o16kkFPIB44v-pFV8ffb5QhxUf2B3YLkoVnyBGYAqi7gf2ebPJyLQ6MTDocUhbmhOAlBTScbmZQ4JXCfk56wTTs21qDoLupvRlrmrEVSbVC2Sgo-hxoFpmqhkgF0/s1600/MemphisRedAlertblogphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9wdjoh23ADNLVee6o16kkFPIB44v-pFV8ffb5QhxUf2B3YLkoVnyBGYAqi7gf2ebPJyLQ6MTDocUhbmhOAlBTScbmZQ4JXCfk56wTTs21qDoLupvRlrmrEVSbVC2Sgo-hxoFpmqhkgF0/s400/MemphisRedAlertblogphoto.jpg" height="146" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today the Tennessee Equality Project is hosting Red Alert parties in Memphis, Knoxville, and Nashville to mark the return of the Legislature. Mostly social affairs, the events will include some information on the upcoming legislative session as well as Advancing Equality Day on the Hill, which takes place on March 11.<br />
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Memphis: RSVP and learn more at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/371603849651326/" target="_blank">this link</a>. <br />
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Knoxville: RSVP and learn more at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/640676789307699/" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br />
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Nashville: RSVP and learn more at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/184224318452372/" target="_blank">this link</a>. <br />
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There's no charge to attend, but party goers are encouraged to wear red. The second year of the 108th General Assembly of the State of Tennessee convenes the next day on Tuesday, January 14 at Noon.<br />
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Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-73097024859006387712013-12-30T15:23:00.000-06:002013-12-30T15:23:08.849-06:00TEP launches Equality Means Business to highlight pro-equality companies in TN<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qwh8HEh183k9ISTyZ49ebOBL3orE7K5ZJyp0CqmfRUg2eOWi6fQ_oE6mhtP0Hh7cfAojeKbfyPIFhq94jTgEfsBP8f0dI6Ae-Lpgk2e1pMwZmvk7F8XypYxHvZ-s9eeMIAOaA695pEAp/s1600/EqualityMeansBusiness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_qwh8HEh183k9ISTyZ49ebOBL3orE7K5ZJyp0CqmfRUg2eOWi6fQ_oE6mhtP0Hh7cfAojeKbfyPIFhq94jTgEfsBP8f0dI6Ae-Lpgk2e1pMwZmvk7F8XypYxHvZ-s9eeMIAOaA695pEAp/s320/EqualityMeansBusiness.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Contact:<span> </span>Chris
Sanders<br />
<span> </span>(615)
390-5252<br />
<span> </span><a href="mailto:chris@tnequalityproject.com" target="_blank">chris@tnequalityproject.com</a> <br />
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NASHVILLE, Dec. 30, 2013— Tennessee Equality
Project Foundation (TEP) President H.G. Stovall today announced a new initiative
“Equality Means Business” to celebrate business support of equality across the
state. The awareness campaign kicks off TEP's tenth anniversary year of
advocating equality for Tennessee’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
community.<br />
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Honorary Co-Chairs for the initiative are
entrepreneurs Martha Boggs in Knoxville, Randy Rayburn in Nashville and Ray
Rico in Memphis. "We are proud to have the support of so many locally
owned businesses as well as the major corporations doing business in Tennessee,"
said Stovall.<br />
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Rayburn said, "Throughout almost four
decades in the hospitality industry, I've seen clearly that an open door policy
for all customers and employees makes a business grow—period."<br />
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TEP is providing a small window sticker for
businesses that want to show their support on the front door and asking
business owners to add their name to the growing list that will be updated on
the TEP Facebook page. "All it takes to win is one more person to stand up
for equality," said Stovall.<br />
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"We hope to encourage our state’s leaders
to stay focused on issues that really affect the business climate in Tennessee.<span> </span>Allowing truly business-friendly policies to
be held captive by those with personal agendas is bad business," said
Stovall. "Too many start believing someone else’s talking points and
thinking that means they know what's best for businesses and everyone else.”<br />
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According to the Human Rights Campaign's most
recent Corporate Equality Index, sixty-one percent of Fortune 500 companies
include sexual orientation and gender identity in their non-discrimination
policies.<span> </span>Nationwide more leaders are
recognizing equality is good for business because it allows them to attract and
retain the best employees and better reflect their customer base.<span> </span><br />
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Businesses interested in “Equality Means
Business,” receiving a window sticker, or more information on the Tennessee
Equality Project<span> </span>should contact
Executive Director Christopher Sanders at <a href="mailto:chris@tnequalityproject.com" target="_blank">chris@tnequalityproject.com</a>.
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Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-91870787093821243452013-12-22T10:00:00.000-06:002013-12-27T08:44:50.693-06:00End 2013 with a matching gift to TEP Foundation<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8gfgW6JgUMmEOzumIKwcjBUu51-HWwV4ko_-mVCByY0ECVod5_E43jWv63bVnz59ikwekXcMz7LxgiqkPSoBBAocikDb0x7TwPXiJDryIfxXHdz0zXTfkvDwj0M3aMMjHpP8I4d3pvKV/s1600/FireBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs8gfgW6JgUMmEOzumIKwcjBUu51-HWwV4ko_-mVCByY0ECVod5_E43jWv63bVnz59ikwekXcMz7LxgiqkPSoBBAocikDb0x7TwPXiJDryIfxXHdz0zXTfkvDwj0M3aMMjHpP8I4d3pvKV/s400/FireBlog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keep reading to find out how you can Light a Match for Equality!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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An anonymous donor has given $4000 to the Tennessee Equality Project Foundation toward a matching gift campaign. Help us reach a goal of matching this generous donation with a year-end tax deductible gift to the TEP Foundation.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ftmdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/double-money-300x180.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="http://ftmdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/double-money-300x180.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Help TEP Foundation double the size <br />
of a generous donation.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Your donation helps us:<br />
<ul>
<li>Provide LGBT Cultural Competency education to law enforcement, social service agencies, churches and schools.</li>
<li>Empower voices for good public policy throughout the state with Advocacy 101 training.</li>
<li>Provide media training to tell the stories of LGBT people living in Tennessee</li>
<li>Organize faith leaders who support equality</li>
</ul>
<div>
Can you help us reach our goal? Donate what you can give at the drop-down button below. We'll keep you posted on our campaign progress on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TennesseeEqualityProject" target="_blank">TEP Facebook Page</a>.<br />
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<b>Choose to give in one of our new giving circles or give another amount that you choose.</b></div>
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The Tennessee Equality Project Foundation strives to eliminate prejudice and discrimination of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons by promoting and advocating equality through education, collaboration and victim advocacy.<br />
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TEP Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions made to TEP Foundation are deductible for purposes of federal income tax.<br />
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Jonathan Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835943490312050502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-76837601389856182712013-12-14T13:54:00.000-06:002013-12-14T13:54:39.604-06:00A look back on a year in the politics of equality in Tennessee: Photos from around the stateIt's not over yet, but 2013 has been an incredible year in forward movement for equality in Tennessee. We fought hard and even got some results. Check out a few of the highlights.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advancing Equality Day on the Hill brought advocates from East, West, and Middle TN to the Capitol to attempt to stop negative bills like Don't Say Gay and advance positive legislation like the Dignity for All Students Act. Here we are preparing for a press conference in Legislative Plaza.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xoRXhbT9XWrB_jvizwUsTFARkfYdgOPUCcof9HFi8q8IxIw7u3ey38WLbU2bCTAY13uu5rRtxR9d6AxxfgB8mmCy0ZdDT2q-wUeujQc9NMkJ8l9vq3ayq_ZyhmZ-NozWntc_3e1tKMRt/s1600/BroylesandtheBlueCrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xoRXhbT9XWrB_jvizwUsTFARkfYdgOPUCcof9HFi8q8IxIw7u3ey38WLbU2bCTAY13uu5rRtxR9d6AxxfgB8mmCy0ZdDT2q-wUeujQc9NMkJ8l9vq3ayq_ZyhmZ-NozWntc_3e1tKMRt/s320/BroylesandtheBlueCrew.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On July 22 the Knox County Commission passed an inclusive non-discrimination ordinance for Knox County employees. Pictured are bill sponsor Commissioner Amy Broyles and supporters in Knoxville in Commission chambers after the victory.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokVIWSEPR4rasCpE3jsDUJCaPFpIU0ktwUfTnUwMPt15P7_gjN2_59n8Xa1nhWvwK6BVb22BuKZJCfK-pAACHhDaQsDOnzhhGwba_B2I56DvwrHgWZTs2LylNpyhsXVz-TzuRr4FOrJiY/s1600/MarcelandChris.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokVIWSEPR4rasCpE3jsDUJCaPFpIU0ktwUfTnUwMPt15P7_gjN2_59n8Xa1nhWvwK6BVb22BuKZJCfK-pAACHhDaQsDOnzhhGwba_B2I56DvwrHgWZTs2LylNpyhsXVz-TzuRr4FOrJiY/s320/MarcelandChris.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When Rep. John Ragan, House sponsor of the Don't Say Gay bill received an award from Students First, 11-year-old Marcel Neergaard called foul. As a student who has endured bullying for being gay, Marcel received national attention when he called on Students First to rescind the award, which they did. Yes, a student really can teach the public about what's going on in our Legislature! Marcel continues to inspire us all at TEP. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQj0QYrd4gaG83txfsc5TnOxHBknCQrRpE8QyHEuCVXE1e1MHoAwX4Lk65vhJwZHA9Mojb3_mluTR_La-sHtWiIYt0FsR1seTYX5E_ts2ftEIVFpQ_rbd8_AEyXtYLnSy3AvQ3eUa65Yu/s1600/jefandwill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGQj0QYrd4gaG83txfsc5TnOxHBknCQrRpE8QyHEuCVXE1e1MHoAwX4Lk65vhJwZHA9Mojb3_mluTR_La-sHtWiIYt0FsR1seTYX5E_ts2ftEIVFpQ_rbd8_AEyXtYLnSy3AvQ3eUa65Yu/s320/jefandwill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In order to show the reality of discrimination, couples in Nashville and a couple in Wilson County...</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25RQsXenWsVQ9T6vOII8_6L6SoM-aztR63dtyu6goLSAstozkVWP_QdSwBjOr4IisC2S8pf4pVq9ourujKo7KHK-bY3cYoVQS3_6BH7Q4tkhh7Gq9kozzKgShDK96bejTPXSDHlcTJx9u/s1600/amylyndsaychrisaaron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25RQsXenWsVQ9T6vOII8_6L6SoM-aztR63dtyu6goLSAstozkVWP_QdSwBjOr4IisC2S8pf4pVq9ourujKo7KHK-bY3cYoVQS3_6BH7Q4tkhh7Gq9kozzKgShDK96bejTPXSDHlcTJx9u/s320/amylyndsaychrisaaron.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">as well as couples in Shelby County applied for marriage licenses.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsfkFKFJElfUY37PxtF1xx4oyhH_rz1sOAy23teo_qvS9YkU8UdrwI4PvtUqhaHAE7c9LRcVOXN-fbCULYvNagm0fxIL_9kwEMj0Dls5th-U6TuEr2sINSq_DejEwXWdrr0XaWU3Z7neW/s1600/TNMarriageEqualityDayNashville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsfkFKFJElfUY37PxtF1xx4oyhH_rz1sOAy23teo_qvS9YkU8UdrwI4PvtUqhaHAE7c9LRcVOXN-fbCULYvNagm0fxIL_9kwEMj0Dls5th-U6TuEr2sINSq_DejEwXWdrr0XaWU3Z7neW/s400/TNMarriageEqualityDayNashville.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knoxville, Memphis, Cookeville, West TN, Chattanooga, and Nashville held rallies at the end of August to celebrate TN Marriage Equality Day to counter the Legislature's Traditional Marriage Day. I think we had a better turnout than they did.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmL5rGA_i_M8A5Z3x6iRYro31lPTxIPm0ZmXbYtm-_1WyE0YNSFep0cWJZAyJSvoNqWAB2-uzGzP1bkscGOYfUYhZLcKwJvp7pjtHtFVS5Ch1sZMwogQEhhOU5wiZRffNFI7Oh4wBUXdP/s1600/Dignity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizmL5rGA_i_M8A5Z3x6iRYro31lPTxIPm0ZmXbYtm-_1WyE0YNSFep0cWJZAyJSvoNqWAB2-uzGzP1bkscGOYfUYhZLcKwJvp7pjtHtFVS5Ch1sZMwogQEhhOU5wiZRffNFI7Oh4wBUXdP/s320/Dignity.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In September the push began for inclusive non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies in Rutherford County Schools after a teacher was told to take down a safe schools poster. The fight continues today with advocates developing strategy to advance their proposal in the School Board. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBMCxGHak2KR6EF4BqFE-aJZIbPkqJjspEZzfGSO5qtRf6fd0mxkit71K5oMDUeh22AzXxmm6UpiqPVfxk_n2FfrzXOYAjWvCrYBavXYVM6zHxOZRfgaVLbVVZR7PsjXmlRoUpGCpg1fp/s1600/Olympus2013blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBBMCxGHak2KR6EF4BqFE-aJZIbPkqJjspEZzfGSO5qtRf6fd0mxkit71K5oMDUeh22AzXxmm6UpiqPVfxk_n2FfrzXOYAjWvCrYBavXYVM6zHxOZRfgaVLbVVZR7PsjXmlRoUpGCpg1fp/s320/Olympus2013blog.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Olympus TEP honored 8 Champions of Equality--7 from state media outlets and 1 Memphis City Councilman--for their work in advancing equality in Tennessee. Nothing we do is possible without our allies!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fFWg1Ys2I1FZzd9evsclViI6WVRkepaQ36bYMwPQwsZiSwNJZQtSAQxXdF6W05LY0g9DPcEB61g-Ybc3BfeHvlrRC6okZf4aqyrW2llxVmP-1pgIplWZOvfRGqDDys37nVw17tdEZhAH/s1600/memphisndoblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fFWg1Ys2I1FZzd9evsclViI6WVRkepaQ36bYMwPQwsZiSwNJZQtSAQxXdF6W05LY0g9DPcEB61g-Ybc3BfeHvlrRC6okZf4aqyrW2llxVmP-1pgIplWZOvfRGqDDys37nVw17tdEZhAH/s320/memphisndoblog.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Memphis community gathered in October to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the non-discrimination ordinance.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXoR5AV_1RD2MFccMss7uHE4P3ykHjNvtA-b1_38vsv4CIP5EXRFI3w5vFZiR7ug-S2Plge2Bno_q0EGxJBi04P6Lx-pJKgcrIlQz-kDbrCPjUf5DhrxS8QrfHShBCMhv8bX28kZOmpCl/s1600/marriagesuitblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiXoR5AV_1RD2MFccMss7uHE4P3ykHjNvtA-b1_38vsv4CIP5EXRFI3w5vFZiR7ug-S2Plge2Bno_q0EGxJBi04P6Lx-pJKgcrIlQz-kDbrCPjUf5DhrxS8QrfHShBCMhv8bX28kZOmpCl/s320/marriagesuitblog.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Also in October attorney Abby Rubenfeld, other Tennessee attorneys, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights filed suit to have the marriage of couples who moved to Tennessee legally recognized. TEP identified 2 of the 4 plaintiff couples.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5UuvM8gDdSzzEipQupd3W3x_glTW2UoQw-0mHEHBgtq71zJONQZ6UiwmepamULjE1tuz_OwBvjzQjSoNFeRcTCctfCBMjely0Jzi-mlKKzYQMrNlO5HXyfnJmBPEH5OZrFQ1vHSi6kH0/s1600/Katblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx5UuvM8gDdSzzEipQupd3W3x_glTW2UoQw-0mHEHBgtq71zJONQZ6UiwmepamULjE1tuz_OwBvjzQjSoNFeRcTCctfCBMjely0Jzi-mlKKzYQMrNlO5HXyfnJmBPEH5OZrFQ1vHSi6kH0/s320/Katblog.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Collegedale detective Kat Cooper (center) led her city to be the first in TN to offer partner benefits. Knoxville soon followed by executive order of Mayor Madeline Rogero. In November Chattanooga Councilman Chris Anderson passed his partner benefits and non-discrimination ordinance making it the third city in Tennessee to offer such benefits. Also pictured is Kat's TEP Hamilton & Bradley Counties Committee co-chair Marcus Ellsworth (viewer's left) and TEP executive director Chris Sanders.</td></tr>
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<br />Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-83290096069431290082013-12-09T14:51:00.000-06:002013-12-09T14:51:01.156-06:00TEP Foundation receives UCC grant for media training in East TNDecember 9, 2013<br />
<br />
Contact: Chris Sanders (615) 390-5252 or chris@tnequalityproject.com<br />
<br />
<b>Tennessee Equality Project Foundation receives grant from the United Church of Christ and Justice Witness Ministries for media training in East Tennessee</b><br />
<br />
Nashville, TN--The Tennessee Equality Project Foundation's Tennessee Equality Voice program, which seeks to shape a media message for equality in Tennessee, has received a grant of $1000 from the United Church of Christ and Justice Witness Ministries. The grant will help fund media training for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied community around issues of equality in East Tennessee. <br />
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<a href="http://www.ucc.org/images/logo80.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.ucc.org/images/logo80.png" /></a></div>
<br />
TEP Foundation Executive Director Chris Sanders notes, "This grant comes at an important time for East Tennessee, as we have seen significant gains in Hamilton and Knox Counties and emerging challenges such as the anti-partner benefits ballot measure in Chattanooga. We need to train more members of our community and allies how to talk about the values of equality and inclusion when they engage the media. Thanks to the generosity of the United Church of Christ and Justice Witness Ministries, as well as the encouragement of the Rev. John Gill at Knoxville's Church of the Savior, we will have the opportunity to accomplish this task in the region."<br />
<br />
Trainings will begin in the first half of 2014. The TEP Foundation has begun working with our network of county committees to establish times and locations. <br />
<br />
For more information about the TEP Foundation or to make a contribution, go to <a href="http://tnequalityproject.org/tep-foundation/" target="_blank">http://tnequalityproject.org/tep-foundation/</a> . To contact us about upcoming training events, email us at chris@tnequalityproject.com .<br />
<br />
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Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-69590037292948455932013-12-08T14:34:00.000-06:002013-12-08T14:39:46.667-06:00"Special Rights" argument comes from the Religious Right's attempts to divide minorities on ballot measuresMaybe everyone else knew this, but I didn't until I started reading <i>Gay Rights at the Ballot Box</i> by Amy L. Stone, an assistant professor of sociology at Trinity University. Basically the argument we so <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/gay-rights-at-the-ballot-box/image" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/gay-rights-at-the-ballot-box/image" width="206" /></a></div>
frequently hear about equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people being "special rights" came from the Religious Right's efforts to divide minority communities during the Right's earlier wave of anti-equality ballot measures.<br />
<br />
Here's what Stone says:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">Part of this secular argument about 'special rights' was a new image of the<span class="text_exposed_show">
Religious Right as supportive of civil rights for 'deserving'
minorities such as African Americans but opposed to 'undeserving'
minorities such as LGBT activists. The anti-gay Right used special
rights political messaging to divide potential allies by exacerbating
existing tensions about race and class in LGBT politics. Through this
messaging, the Right reaffirms gayness as whiteness, creating divisions
between a presumed white LGBT movement and the presumed heterosexual
African American community.</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="text_exposed_show">It does seem pretty consistent with the playbook, though the language of special rights is now also used to justify majority rejection of equality legislation. Both the special rights language and the tactic of dividing minorities are items to watch as the ballot measure campaign to overturn the partner benefits and non-discrimination ordinance in Chattanooga gets underway. </span></span>Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-9842114865728763232013-12-02T22:38:00.001-06:002013-12-02T22:40:31.141-06:00#GivingTuesday with the TEP Foundation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb4Kb_2YTN0QNjLJ3ApcvxarhwjBQ4BUCxYeAdgprMbOWFpOUSalKk4amEtllLDsp6hPjoLY2g-YhvlHDigSBx2G-svHW0RxxPK_K6LB7dymmvwgwoWdrAAaEAW4rTZw-vd4m2bwCHvLm/s1600/GivingTuesday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb4Kb_2YTN0QNjLJ3ApcvxarhwjBQ4BUCxYeAdgprMbOWFpOUSalKk4amEtllLDsp6hPjoLY2g-YhvlHDigSBx2G-svHW0RxxPK_K6LB7dymmvwgwoWdrAAaEAW4rTZw-vd4m2bwCHvLm/s400/GivingTuesday.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It's #GivingTuesday. Consider making your contribution to the TEP Foundation <a href="http://tnequalityproject.org/tep-foundation/" target="_blank">at this link</a>. <br />
<br />
You can also mail your check to<br />
<b>P.O. Box 330895 </b><br />
<b>Nashville, TN 37203</b>. <br />
<br />
We are grateful for your support. Let's advance the values of equality and inclusion in Tennessee.Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-45122963172251596722013-10-22T01:20:00.000-05:002013-10-22T01:42:12.206-05:00Virtual "Don't Say Pizza" Party with Sen. Campfield: Get your two slices of equality!Lately Sen. Stacey Campfield has been <a href="http://www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/archives/2013/10/09/desano-pizza-what-stacy-campfield-fundraiser" target="_blank">making the news for having trouble finding a place to host a pizza party fundraiser for his campaign</a>. He's had <a href="http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2013/oct/10/humphrey-hill-sen-campfield-has-pizza-problem/?partner=RSS" target="_blank">trouble with restaurants before</a>, as we know. <br />
<br />
Well, according to <a href="http://www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/archives/2013/10/21/table-for-twelve-stacey-campfield-fundraiser-has-a-new-site" target="_blank">The Nashville Scene</a>, his problems have been solved. His event is rescheduled for TODAY at Mafiosa's in the 12 South area of Nashville. Yes, that's right--Nashville!<br />
<br />
The Scene reports it's a reservation for 12 people. But we think that's not nearly a big enough pizza party to honor the work of the legislator who brought us the Don't Say Gay bill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.asdk12.org/media/anchorage/globalmedia/documents/menus/nutrition_pizza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.asdk12.org/media/anchorage/globalmedia/documents/menus/nutrition_pizza.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">School pizza from Anchorage, Alaska</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>So we're hosting a virtual pizza party around the state today with (or without) Sen. Campfield and we invite you all to join us. It looks as if a<a href="http://www.mafiaozas.com/nashville-m/pizza-pies-2/" target="_blank"> slice is about $3</a>, so why not have two? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Consider <i><span style="color: red;"><a href="http://tnequalityproject.org/tep-foundation/" target="_blank">donating $6 to the TEP Foundation at this link</a></span></i> so we can provide more education about equality and inclusion around the state at our virtual pizza party.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Let's make it the biggest pizza party the state has ever seen! </b><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*Hat tip to Eric P. for letting us know about the event.</i>Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-32895662181167782732013-10-18T00:34:00.000-05:002013-10-18T00:34:44.888-05:00Same-sex binational couple denied name change on driver's license: Video from WREGWREG in Memphis broke the story of a same-sex binational couple (the Smarts) who tried to get a name change on a driver's license and ended up not getting a driver's license at all.
<script height="456px" width="812px" src="http://player.ooyala.com/iframe.js#pbid=ffbcf8e010eb4c238d3dda4eb935d806&ec=0zaWIwZzotreiwM6UhFSovnEge1SUNWF"></script>
TEP is attempting to explore whether there may be administrative options for rectifying these issues that couples are having all over Tennessee. The long-term solution, of course, is challenging Tennessee's marriage discrimination amendment in court.<br />
<br />
We're well aware that couples can get their names changed by going to court and paying around $200. That's discriminatory, though, and we'd love to find a way for them to be able to avoid that trouble and expense.
Earlier on Thursday, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/17/same-sex-couple-name-change_n_4111173.html?utm_hp_ref=gay-voices" target="_blank">Huffington Post ran this piece</a> about the difficulties that couples in Georgia and Tennessee are having with the issue. Stay tuned for more developments.Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-66857992651309824422013-08-08T07:44:00.001-05:002013-08-08T07:44:32.976-05:00Tennessee same-sex couples apply for marriage licensesHere's a summary of the news links:<br />
<br />
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span class="userContent"><a href="http://wreg.com/2013/08/07/gay-couples-apply-for-marriage-license-and-get-denied/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://wreg.com/2013/08/07/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>gay-couples-apply-for-marriage-</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>license-and-get-denied/</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.nashvillescene.com/pitw/archives/2013/08/07/nashville-gay-couple-denied-a-marriage-license" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.nashvillescene.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>pitw/archives/2013/08/07/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>nashville-gay-couple-denied-a-m</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>arriage-license</a> <br /><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br /> <a href="http://www.truthwinsout.org/news/2013/08/36739/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.truthwinsout.org/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>news/2013/08/36739/</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2013/08/gay-tennessee-couple-denied-marriage-license-video.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.towleroad.com/2013/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>08/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>gay-tennessee-couple-denied-mar</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>riage-license-video.html</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2013/aug/07/memphis-lgbt-couples-try-fail-to-apply-for/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.commercialappeal.com/news/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>2013/aug/07/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>memphis-lgbt-couples-try-fail-t</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>o-apply-for/</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.memphisflyer.com%2FMemphisGaydar%2Farchives%2F2013%2F08%2F07%2Fmemphis-gay-couples-are-turned-down-for-marriage-licenses&h=QAQGs2WPyAQHbR1VOe1td693PH7vTVKrg36tn5PNDhGlaKQ&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.memphisflyer.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>MemphisGaydar/archives/2013/08/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>07/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>memphis-gay-couples-are-turned-</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>down-for-marriage-licenses</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130807/NEWS01/130807006/Nashville-same-sex-couple-asks-marriage-license" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.tennessean.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>article/20130807/NEWS01/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>130807006/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>Nashville-same-sex-couple-asks-</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>marriage-license</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wkrn.com%2Fstory%2F23073974%2Fsame-sex-couple-asks-for-marriage-license&h=dAQFYASEIAQFxCm5saZ9b8e_vS39s0oQHoiO6vm3PmYK5Rg&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.wkrn.com/story/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>23073974/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>same-sex-couple-asks-for-marria</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ge-license</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wmctv.com%2Fstory%2F23077030%2Fsame-sex-couples-attempt-to-file-for-marriage-licenses-in-shelby-co&h=8AQHn2FCBAQGAQQArAiLCqNi7-KQF0xB9R3K0Cq9XpzqRMw&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.wmctv.com/story/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>23077030/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>same-sex-couples-attempt-to-fil</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>e-for-marriage-licenses-in-she</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>lby-co</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.outandaboutnashville.com/story/davidson-county-couple-attempts-apply" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>www.outandaboutnashville.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>story/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>davidson-county-couple-attempts</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>-apply</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.gayapolis.com/news/artdisplay-issues.php?artid=25103" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.gayapolis.com/news/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>artdisplay-issues.php?artid=251</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>03</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.wate.com/story/23073974/same-sex-couple-asks-for-marriage-license" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.wate.com/story/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>23073974/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>same-sex-couple-asks-for-marria</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>ge-license</a> <br /> <br /> <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2013/08/tn-couple-applies-for-marriage-license.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://joemygod.blogspot.com/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>2013/08/</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span><span>tn-couple-applies-for-marriage-</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>license.html</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-54648221580459416232013-07-30T09:37:00.000-05:002013-10-14T18:30:04.669-05:00Good News: Marriage is Not Dead in Tennessee<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On Thursday night, July 25, in Germantown, TN, I was there when the Family Action Council of Tennessee, (<a href="http://factn.org/" target="_blank">FACT</a>) decided marriage was not dead. However, FACT believes the institution is on life support and within a few months or a couple of years of being declared extinct. Nate Kellum, self proclaimed chief counsel of the self founded <a href="http://www.crelaw.org/natekellum" target="_blank">Center for Religious Expression</a>, attempted to, on the one hand, educate the tens of people who attended (28 plus 3 facilitators) on the DOMA and Prop 8 decisions and, on the other hand, scare them into a course of action he could not clearly define.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">But do you know what rang most true during the whole night? He endorsed the allied groups that are bringing us equal marriage. Nate (I'm going to call him Nate cause it's easier, and because I feel like I should know him. We were at Ole Miss Law School at the same time) told the gathering that pro-equal marriage advocacy is a success story. That marriage equality proponents make up a small but affluent group. That they are passionate and committed because they just brush off defeat and start re-strategizing. He declared that they will work until there is full acceptance of their "lifestyle." Well, by this point, I felt like standing up and yelling at the top of my lungs, "Damn Straight!!!!!" Oops. I mean, darn tooting! He then stated that Christians needed to match that effort. That's when things got scary again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">I. Marriage is not dead.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nate's first point was despite the DOMA and Prop 8 decisions, the "biblical" definition or marriage remained intact. He did a relatively good job explaining the result of the decisions, but I loved his editorial speechifying along the way. Ask me sometimes for the details, but suffice it to say, he used terms like "serious homosexual activist" in reference to the Prop 8 trial court Judge Walker, "unprecedented," "unconscionable," and "utterly deprived Prop 8 proponents of their voice in court."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">II. However, he said "marriage" is in a fight for its life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nate admitted that his marriage had not been "redefined", but his definition was on life support. He immediately blamed Lambda Legal and the ACLU for wasting no time in Pennsylvania and North Carolina in challenging marriage amendments and laws. But the worst case scenario for FACT is the Ohio case. They know it, and they don't know what to do about it. Ohio residents and twenty plus year partners Jim Obergefell and John Arthur, who has been stricken with ALS, flew to Maryland and got married on July 11 on the tarmac in the airplane in which they arrived. John's family owns a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">burial plot that is restricted to Arthur family descendants and their spouses. Additionally, if John dies as the Ohio law now stands, he would be identified as unmarried on the death certificate, and Jim would not be identified as spouse or survivor. So, the gentlemen have filed suit in Ohio federal court to have their Maryland marriage recognized by the state of Ohio. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 1; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last Monday, the court, relying on the DOMA case, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/r/2010-019/WashingtonPost/2013/07/23/National-Politics/Graphics/tro_obergefell(2).pdf" target="_blank">ordered</a> the State of Ohio to recognize the marriages of same sex spouses who married in other states but who live in Ohio.</span><span style="line-height: 1; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It is a thrilling ruling for same sex partners living in Tennessee, and it has FACT frightened. Why for Tennessee? The federal court system is geographically and for purposes of legal precedent divided into appellate court circuits. Tennessee and Ohio are both in the Sixth Circuit, and when a Sixth Circuit Court decides an issue, it could be binding in all of the states in that circuit. So, if the Ohio district court case is appealed to the Sixth Circuit, and the Sixth Circuit rules as the lower court did, marriage equality could effectively be brought to Tennessee. Nate said, and I agree, that the DOMA and Prop 8 cases do not affect Tennessee marriage directly, but this Ohio case could.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which brings us to the second point FACT made here. That marriage is under severe attack by cultural influences. He noted with astonishment how supporting same sex marriage has become not only "not detrimental" but politically advantageous for politicians. I find this a huge admission from FACT and a bigger victory in the long term battle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">B</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">ut then . . . </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">III. Marriage is worth fighting for he argued.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is where Nate fell down the rabbit hole into apparent untruths, half truths, and undocumented and unsourced scare tactics. He argued that opening up marriage to other "definitions" harms individuals, social interests, and religious liberties.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">ccording to Nate, same sex marriage will beget polygamy which will beget polyamorous marriages which will beget adult/child marriages which will beget person/pet marriages. He then linked the concept of equal marriage to the trigger word "welfare" when he blamed marriage equality in Sweden and Norway for contributing to them being the largest two welfare states in western civilization.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Finally, he finds same sex marriage harmful to religious liberty. He posited that because same sex marriage proponents want full societal acceptance of gay people and nothing less, a clash between those who want to live their biblical freedom and everyone else is inevitable. He told of three arrests in Europe based upon "preaching the gospel" or simply reading from the biblical book of Romans about homosexuality, and he intimated that this type of state action was headed for America. However, he conveniently forgot to mention the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment guaranteeing free speech and the fact there are no hate speech laws anywhere in any jurisdiction. See aforementioned First amendment issue.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nate then took questions ranging from should they sue the Supreme Court justices for tyranny to the best question of the night, "How do we stop this runaway train [marriage equality] headed toward Tennessee?" He answered simply that they had to pray, had to speak where God put them, had to talk to their friends and neighbors, and perhaps a Supreme Court challenge would go up in a couple of years where the Court would uphold traditional marriage. FACT, though, is also sponsoring a <a href="http://factn.org/events/stand-for-truth-seminar-memphis" target="_blank">work session</a> entitled "Stand for Truth" at which they will be teaching what they describe as practical tools for talking to non-Christians about abortion and traditional marriage.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, in the long run, I have to agree that marriage is not dead. Rather, I submit it is getting a second wind. A new (and not so new) generation or should a say, a protected class, of people want it, lust after it, desire it, and want to make it theirs. They want to feel safe, secure, loved, transformed. They want to rear children together, grow old together, and get buried together. They want to build families and love each other to the fullest extent of the law, and I am proud to say that I think Nate would agree with me that it is closer to reality here in Tennessee than ever before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 1; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now, here is your challenge. Nate threw it out there when he recognized all of your unwillingness to take defeat. Can you be as committed, as passionate, and as hard working when success seems to be in your grasp? Can you show them you mean just as much business when you are winning as when you were being defeated? The folks at FACT Forum on Marriage are reorganizing and restrategizing, and they believe they can do to equal marriage what they are doing to reproductive rights. So, please don't let them win. Work harder. Work longer. Reap your rewards, and fight on. Marriage is close, but let's not stop until Nate's worse nightmare and our dream is realized - full acceptance of GLBT people in our society and under our law. </span><br />
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<span id="docs-internal-guid-6865213a-2ff2-cc18-9938-4ad2853ae972"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="line-height: 1;">- </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/anne.b.gullick" style="line-height: 1;" target="_blank">Anne Gullick</a><span style="line-height: 1;">, TEP and TEPF Board member</span></span></span></div>
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</span>Jonathan Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835943490312050502noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-61551211843977514382013-07-23T10:25:00.002-05:002013-07-23T10:25:58.928-05:00TEP applauds passage of Knox County non-discrimination ordinance<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">July 23, 2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Contact:<span> </span>Chris Sanders<span> </span><a href="tel:%28615%29%20390-5252" target="_blank" value="+16153905252">(615) 390-5252</a><span> </span><a href="mailto:chris@tnequalityproject.com" target="_blank">chris@tnequalityproject.com</a><span> <wbr></wbr> </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Tennessee Equality Project applauds Knox County Commission on passage of non-discrimination ordinance</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Nashville,
TN—The Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), an organization that advocates equal rights for Tennessee’s gay, lesbian,
bisexual, and transgender community, <span></span>congratulates the
Knox County Commission on passing an amendment to their
non-discrimination ordinance that includes sexual </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgfBVOP5zKV4ICaVtxTzN2WjgGQc6oQiJoDhsON7tAq0fq1pHK4FfiJA-PfCVhwSsNlmAXAOahwPproiocy63HM5ePgwptk7YY6b7aIDIOEcpK-gXTnG1kUy28Z6CIKZ_qKddczOx5CK2/s1600/SameWorkSameWorth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJgfBVOP5zKV4ICaVtxTzN2WjgGQc6oQiJoDhsON7tAq0fq1pHK4FfiJA-PfCVhwSsNlmAXAOahwPproiocy63HM5ePgwptk7YY6b7aIDIOEcpK-gXTnG1kUy28Z6CIKZ_qKddczOx5CK2/s200/SameWorkSameWorth.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
orientation and gender
identity.<span> </span><span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"><span>Sponsored
by Commissioner Amy Broyles, the ordinance passed its second and final
reading yesterday without debate after the Commission named a new County Trustee.
Knox County now becomes the fourth local government in Tennessee to
protect its government employees from job discrimination based on sexual
orientation and gender identity. Metro Nashville in 2009, the City of
Knoxville in 2012, and the City of Memphis in 2012 made similar moves.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ben
Byers, chair of the TEP Knox County Committee, notes the importance of
the ordinance, </span><span style="font-size: 16px;">"With no state or federal job protections for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender workers, the county's non-discrimination ordinance is vital in guaranteeing fairness on the
job. It means that Knox County won't allow discrimination to get in
the way of attracting and retaining talented employees."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Byers,
who attended yesterday's meeting, was joined by a group of citizens
wearing blue and stickers that said "Same Work, Same Worth" to show
their support of the ordinance.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsRaoY4e0Z7EcX6cCrAFQuoeNR9iGma-KENFb9Bar8mdlhnyptpEQ98pDz58ReiHD7ItwkTgs2lqwgDHOcfvLpOgSkA3aA69fA8HnEPPInZ4A3-7xO6GPDSvl2oUAt3BfeAkeZpzhcJE4/s1600/BroylesandtheBlueCrew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHsRaoY4e0Z7EcX6cCrAFQuoeNR9iGma-KENFb9Bar8mdlhnyptpEQ98pDz58ReiHD7ItwkTgs2lqwgDHOcfvLpOgSkA3aA69fA8HnEPPInZ4A3-7xO6GPDSvl2oUAt3BfeAkeZpzhcJE4/s320/BroylesandtheBlueCrew.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Commissioner Amy Broyles and supporters in blue celebrate victory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">For
more information on the Tennessee Equality Project and the Tennessee Equality
Project Foundation, go to <a href="http://www.tnequalityproject.org/" target="_blank">http://www.tnequalityproject.<wbr></wbr>org</a>
.</span></div>
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Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-74859621207409711322013-07-22T21:11:00.000-05:002013-07-22T21:11:24.644-05:00JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Executive Director<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMyWJIOH0JzXsuWcwIzRn8b53qoToksxrssU6Bs_t8MjCWUuKzV2nTgADH93SBP9aaNHf2CJVtaHjUcPqr_wS-21jis14gVFJceDt7XiEucVkZbY37IIXGCPczFboXi5A_jmT3WiLlfU/s1600/MM900254495.GIF" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAMyWJIOH0JzXsuWcwIzRn8b53qoToksxrssU6Bs_t8MjCWUuKzV2nTgADH93SBP9aaNHf2CJVtaHjUcPqr_wS-21jis14gVFJceDt7XiEucVkZbY37IIXGCPczFboXi5A_jmT3WiLlfU/s200/MM900254495.GIF" width="200" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tennessee Equality Project </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(TEP), we work to protect and expand the rights of the LGBT people in Tennessee at the state and local level. As a 501(c)(4) organization, we work to shape public policy in city and county governments, school boards and the Tennessee General Assembly. TEP promotes and sustains the equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons through the establishment of fair and equitable laws protecting these rights and through the prevention and elimination of laws that would seek to counter this effort. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tennessee Equality Project Foundation</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (TEP Foundation) is a 501(c)(3) organization with the following objectives and purposes: (1) To encourage the distribution of information to the general public concerning discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender so that knowledge can be gained to help prevent such discrimination; (2) To conduct, finance, and promote educational seminars, conferences, and (3) To develop and promote programs to enhance understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons. (4) To engage in all other charitable, educational, and awareness activities permitted by law. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TEP PAC</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.15; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> supports the election of pro-LGBT rights candidates and supports the passage of pro-LGBT referenda, including laws, ordinances and resolutions in local, county and state governments. TEP PAC may also work to defeat such candidates and referenda that would counter this mission.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-5114cb15-0942-1d8f-c0d5-01161606a932" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Directors of TEP and the TEP Foundation is seeking a dynamic, results-driven Executive Director to lead both of organizations into a new era of growth and success. The Executive Director is responsible for day-to-day management of the 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) organizations. This includes staff supervision, program planning and implementation, budgeting, fundraising, financial management, and general organizational management. The Executive Director is the primary spokesperson for the organizations. S/he reports to active Boards of Directors who are committed to the success of the organizations.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Supervisor: </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This position reports to the 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) Boards of Directors.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hours:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Full-time, with some evening and weekend work for speaking engagements, events, and public meetings.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Travel:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In-state for conferences and meetings with colleagues and regional steering committees is required.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Location:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Davidson County, Tennessee</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Responsibilities: </span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Develop and maintain sound financial practices by securing operating revenue and ensuring long-term financial stability.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Implementing a comprehensive fundraising plan including grant writing, special events, memberships, corporate giving, special events, and as needed, capital campaigns or endowments.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Coordinate organizational activities under guidance of the Boards of directors. Give reports of organizational activities to the Boards.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hire, supervise, and evaluate the job performances of staff and contractors (where applicable).</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Work with staff, committees, and the Boards (especially the Treasurers) in preparing and executing a budget.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Develop and implement strategic plans which will grow the organizations’ abilities to achieve their missions.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Serve as a liaison to coalitions and partnerships with groups in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Promote, cultivate, and sustain positive public relations within the LGBT and allied communities. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maintain and cultivate relationships between TEP, stakeholders and government officials.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Serve as the chief spokesperson and manage the organizations’ campaigns and goals; manage media relations in the development of publications, e-newsletters, web sites, and social media communications for TEP and TEPF.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Assist in identification, training, and support of regional committee chairs (particularly in underrepresented regions of Tennessee)</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Prepare and file applicable reports to regulatory agencies in order to remain compliant with state, local and Federal regulations. </span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maintain awareness of current events which affect the lives of LGBT people and their families in Tennessee. </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Qualifications:</span></div>
<ul style="margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Requires Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of related experience. Master's Degree is preferred.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience in fundraising from individual, major donors, grant writing, and events (3 to 5 years preferred).</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strong political acumen and ability to navigate local, state, and federal politics in a bi-partisan manner.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience in non-profit or for-profit organizational management (at least 3 years preferred). Either professional or volunteer experience is acceptable.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Knowledge of the LGBT community and the public policy issues facing that community.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Demonstrated excellence in communication skills, both written and verbal.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Proficiency in office software, including MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.15; white-space: pre-wrap;">PowerPoint, etc.) and experience with Constant Contact and PayPal applications or similar programs.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Experience with traditional, electronic and social media as well as printed publishing desired.</span></div>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: disc; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Knowledge of IRS regulations regarding 501c3, 501c4, PAC organizations and intersection of the same desired.</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Compensation:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Salary commensurate with skills and experience.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Generous holiday and vacation policy.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To Apply:</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Send cover letter, resume with three professional references, and salary expectations via e-mail to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="mailto:jonathan@tnequalityproject.com" style="text-decoration: none;">jonathan@tnequalityproject.com</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> before Friday, August 16, 2013. Questions can also be e-mailed to </span><a href="mailto:jonathan@tnequalityproject.com" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">jonathan@tnequalityproject.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or </span><a href="mailto:hg@tnequalityproject.com" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hg@tnequalityproject.com</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Phone calls discouraged.</span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span>Jonathan Colehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17835943490312050502noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-17390791385740631412013-07-20T10:48:00.003-05:002013-07-20T10:48:38.456-05:00"Gay Brain Drain?" Maybe, maybe not<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2013/07/18/gay-marriage-brain-drain-column/2552665/" target="_blank">Hank Plante's piece on a possible "gay brain drain"</a> is getting a lot of reposts and discussion in social media. He's basically arguing that there could be a flight of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people from states that ban same-sex marriage to those that embrace marriage equality. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cafwd.org/page/-/images/blog/braindrain.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cafwd.org/page/-/images/blog/braindrain.jpeg" /></a></div>
<br />
I know people who lived in Tennessee who left because of our discriminatory laws. We probably all have anecdotal evidence. And Plante gives some evidence for the possible brain drain in his piece, but nothing conclusive. There's no real population study or any real statistics to back up his question or his hypothesis about brain drain. So we're really left in the realm of speculation. And as long as we're doing guesswork, I'll offer some thoughts of my own.<br />
<br />
1. It's a free country. If folks want to move and can move, we should wish them all the best in their new lives. People have to live their own lives where they believe they can make the best of it. But...<br />
<br />
2. There's no perfect state. Even states like New York that give same-sex couples the freedom to marry can experience outbreaks of anti-gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender violence. <br />
<br />
3. The overturning of DOMA may actually slow the brain drain. What I hear about more than folks moving are the stories of Tennessee couples vacationing in other states where they can get married and then returning to Tennessee. They now know that, no matter what Tennessee does, their marriage will be recognized by the federal government and they can access key benefits that they couldn't before.<br />
<br />
4. Flight doesn't take into account gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender children and people who come out later in life. Even if all the adult GLBTs left Tennessee, there are more of us born every day to grow up here in the anti-marriage equality states and many who came out much later in life. <br />
<br />
5. Not everyone can move and not everyone wants to move. If your job is here or a sick or aging relative, it may not be possible for you to move. If you own a business, you may not want to jump ship and have to develop a whole new client list in another state. Or if you have innumerable ties to a place, you probably won't base your decision solely on that state's laws. We're multi-dimensional human beings and we make big decisions after weighing several factors like everyone else.<br />
<br />
6. Some of us are going to stand and fight right here in Tennessee and other Southern states. Plante asks, <b><i>"But are smart gay and lesbian workers going to wait for their states to
come around, or are they going to take their lives into their own hands?"</i></b><br />
<br />
Smart gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people along with our allies are taking our lives into our own hands every day in Tennessee by living our lives openly, fighting negative legislation, working for better policies in our cities and counties, working against bullying, rallying for change, shaping a public message of equality in the media, being good neighbors, educating people about HIV/AIDS, loving our partners and bringing up our children, and running a business. <br />
<b><i> </i></b><br />
We're not waiting, Mr. Plante. We're living our lives and we're making a Tennessee that is more equitable, just, and free. Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-17031599738107971312013-06-26T14:00:00.000-05:002013-06-26T14:04:10.539-05:00What DOMA going DOA means to Tennesseans<div class="MsoNormal">
(No straight marriages have been harmed in the making of
this blog post.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As your TEP Public Policy Chair, I want to send a huge hug
of congratulations to all of the couples here in Tennessee and around the
country that have had legal marriage ceremonies performed in states that
recognize marriage equality. These
couples are now recognized as “spouses” for purposes of federal law. All 1138 rights that were denied to them
under the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 are now available to them, just as
they are to straight married spouses. It
is a victory for LGBT Americans and a victory for LGBT Tennesseans…at least
some of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d like to tell you that this means marriage equality for
all LGBT Tennesseans, but I can’t do that.
The Supreme Court did not decide that states couldn’t deny marriage to
same sex couples. The decision says that
the federal government has to recognize marriages that are legally valid in the
eyes of the state that issued the marriage certificate. Tennessee does not
issue valid marriage licenses to same sex couples. We have what is called a “miniDOMA”, an
amendment to our state constitution, which states: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">“The historical institution and legal contract solemnizing
the relationship of one man and one woman shall be the only legally recognized
marital contract in this state. Any policy or law or judicial interpretation,
purporting to define marriage as anything other than the historical institution
and legal contract between one man and one woman is contrary to the public
policy of this state and shall be void and unenforceable in Tennessee. If
another state or foreign jurisdiction issues a license for persons to marry and
if such marriage is prohibited in this state by the provisions of this section,
then the marriage shall be void and unenforceable in this state.”</span></div>
<br />
In US v. Windsor, the Court looked at DOMA and noted that a decision about
marriage was a state issue all the way back to the founding of the
country. It was DOMA that turned this
idea on its head. As the Court put it on
page 3 of the decision:<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">“The State’s decision to give this class of persons the
right to marry conferred upon them a dignity and status of immense import. But
the Federal Government uses the state-defined class for the opposite purpose—to
impose restrictions and disabilities.” </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;">“Its unusual deviation from the tradition of recognizing and
accepting state definitions of marriage operates to deprive same-sex couples of
the benefits and responsibilities that come with federal recognition of their
marriages. This is strong evidence of a law having the purpose and effect of
disapproval of a class recognized and protected by state law”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
To sum it up, if a state believes you have the right to marry and issues you a
valid marriage certificate, it is not the place of the federal government to
deny you the status of marriage and deny you the benefits of marriage under
federal law. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So what does this mean for those LGBT Tennesseans who are legally
married in other states but live here?
Well, Tennessee does not have a state income tax, so that is not an
issue for us. For your federal income
tax, you may now file “Married, Filing Jointly”. Next April, we will see the largest number of
US citizens that will be ecstatic to file income taxes in the history of tax
filing. Besides income taxes though,
what else will this affect?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Social Security, Disability, Medicare, Medicaid, Family
Medical Leave, and a host of other federal benefits and privileges associated
with marriage will be available to all spouses.
That will not depend on whether or not you and your spouse live in a
state with marriage equality. That is
federal, and follows you and your spouse regardless of domicile. If you or your spouse is a veteran, you will
be treated just like any other married military family for federal
benefits. By the way, while hopefully
you will never have to use it, you are also now entitled to spousal privilege
in federal court, and cannot be compelled to testify against your spouse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do we bring marriage equality to Tennessee? That is a great question. Unfortunately, the answer is not an easy one. The earliest we could get the Tennessee
miniDOMA repealed would likely be 2018, given the long process we have in this
state to get an amendment passed or repealed.
That will take a great deal of time and effort, and the chances of
success, while growing every year as more people show support in this state for
LGBT equality, are still about 50-50. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is not the only battle we are fighting in Tennessee,
though. This state is a battleground for
many issues affecting LGBT Tennesseans that are unrelated to marriage equality. It is still legal to be fired from your job
on the basis of sexual orientation in this state unless your employer has a
policy forbidding discrimination on that basis.
It is still legal to be denied housing unless the property falls under
the jurisdiction of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a
federal agency. Bullying is still a HUGE
problem in our schools, as is harassment in our workplaces. In some parts of Tennessee, local law
enforcement and the local judicial system still have an antagonistic
relationship with the LGBT citizens in their jurisdiction, making it harder to
get crimes against our community investigated, solved, and reported. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are the battles we fight every single day here in
Tennessee. But the work is worth it. Every member of the LGBT community deserves
the same rights and privileges as their straight counterparts in the
state. That is what the Tennessee
Equality Project is fighting for, and we could use your help. As wonderful as it is that the federal government
now recognizes all legal marriages, the daily life of most LGBT Tennesseans is
still a battle against prejudice and discrimination.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today was a good day.
It really was a good day. Enjoy
it. Celebrate it. Tomorrow your Tennessee Equality Project
folks will be back at work protecting your rights at the state and local level,
albeit with smiles on their faces and a spring in their step that will last quite
a while. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*<i>If I could just add a personal note, I am a bisexual woman married to a wonderful man who supports the work I do for equality without
reservation. I called my husband as I
began writing this post and said, “So, are we still married?” He snarkily replied, “Oh so THAT’S what’s
wrong, I KNEW something was different!” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>DOMA never defended our marriage; DOMA attacked the
marriages of our LGBT friends. DOMA
never defended anyone’s marriage, it just denied the benefits and privileges of
marriage to LBGT Americans. If DOMA
defended marriage, then someone please explain to me why the divorce rate has
not fallen since the act was passed in 1996?
<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>And again, No straight marriages have been harmed in the making of this
blog post.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
BlissLawhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00271278618335340790noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-85081463612907540802013-06-19T10:12:00.000-05:002013-06-19T10:12:12.002-05:00Tennesseans share the impact of partner benefits in their livesWe've been<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1qt-x8W1eejO1S34M1rvUJ0kgvkFCxj7USfAGumATRzc/viewform?edit_requested=true"> surveying our members about the importance of partner benefits</a>. Despite the fact that a <a href="http://www.tennessean.com/article/20130521/NEWS/305220071/Vanderbilt-poll-finds-growing-support-same-sex-marriage">Vanderbilt poll shows that 62% of Tennesseans support partner health insurance benefits</a>, not every employer offers them and NO public employers in the state offer them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/988657_10151663507215970_330691703_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/988657_10151663507215970_330691703_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are some of the responses we received. They make it clear that if you do the same work, you deserve the same benefits:<br />
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">J in Nashville</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My partner is self employed, health
insurance would be much more expensive if not available through my employer and
would likely provide sub-standard benefits.”</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">E in Memphis</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“It has made life better. My partner has
been uninsured for long periods of time, during which we have dealt with some
expensive health issues and both gone without lots of routine and needed
healthcare. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pretty ironic to work in
hospital and not be able to use their services.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would look for another job if mine did not
offer DP benefits, especially since many of our competitors offer them.”</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">A in Nashville</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My employer does offer health insurance
benefits for same sex domestic partners. However, my partner has top-notch
health insurance coverage (he works for the state of TN), so his policy is
significantly better than what my employer could offer. Thus, we have separate
policies from each of our employers. <br />
<br />
This situation has affected our family negatively. The state of TN does not
offer domestic partner benefits so I am unfairly kept from choosing the better
policy; unlike opposite sex couples, I'm forced to settle for the lesser of the
two. My policy has a deductible of $4,000; my partner's has no deductible. To
make matters worse, of the two, I'm the one with the most medical needs. My co-pays
and deductibles and out of pocket expenses exceed over $8,000 a year. If I was
covered under his policy, our household's expenses would be reduced to
aproximately less than $1,000 a year (a difference of aprox. $7,000).<br />
<br />
I would not work for an employeer that would not offer same sex partner
benefits. Same-sex couples are not treated equally at the state of TN.This kind
of inequality is actually encouraging us to move to a different state.”</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">P in Memphis</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Both of us are HIV+ which means we have
some medications that are very expensive. Even with insurance our medical costs
are sometimes challenging but I don't know how people without medical insurance
survive. If my employer wasn't able to include my partner under my health
insurance I would have to seek a different job.”</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">T in Nashville</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“I am legally married in New York. I served
in the military and one year in AmeriCorps. Because I cannot access her
benefits at work, we are forced to pay hundreds of dollars a month for a
private plan for me. This is money that is not going into our economy. I am lucky
however. I am young and healthy enough to be able to purchase health insurance.
I don't know what we would do if this were not the case obviously we knew this
when we decided to make our partnership legal.wow it did not deter us from getting
married, it is certainly a bitter pill to swallow when one thinks that a
straight couple could meet and marry each other in a matter of hours or days
and access these benefits which are denied to us for an educated person, this
is very difficult to wrap my head around.”</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">D in Chattanooga</span></b><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My company has offered DP benefits for as
long as I have worked there (almost 4 years now). My partner recently lost his
job and I was able to put him and our daughter on my insurance. Had my company
not offered DP benefits they both would have lost their coverage.”</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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working for _______ we had to try to manage to pay for her medication out of
pocket and sometimes she went without often to the detriment of her health. I
commute to Nashville from Cookeville to work and will continue to do so to make
sure I can provide health coverage for my entire family. “</i></span></div>
Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-65562472574042689062013-06-11T10:00:00.000-05:002014-11-19T22:43:25.635-06:00TEP elects new boards at annual meeting<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Members of
the 2013-2014 Tennessee Equality Project (501c4/lobbying) board of directors are the
following:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Robin Alberts-Marigza, Drew
Baker, Michelle Bliss, Jonathan Cole, Toby Compton, Bleu Copas, David Glasgow, Anne
Gullick, Yeshua Holiday, Ashford Hughes, Jeff Kirwan, Harry (Skip) Ledbetter, Mary
Littleton, Becky Lucas, Linda McFadyen-Ketchum, Felicia Oglesby, Chris Sanders,
Tommy Schlindwein, and Herb Zeman.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Officers
are Chris Sanders, chairman of the board/president; Bleu Copas, vice president;
Jeff Kirwan, </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihc3kM6OT8sCOr_nDHekUqZ7C_6aQ5ODJ0Lq5RzxvWJ1JiPNxiBt9VFtAwEUTe7GJ9lrZxAr2g6v-lGw9PGWoF6zr_L5ry0k-X4kR8GScN5c_0NzBNMEb5glDm57OUJHlphZYn9iqCQs9E/s1600/TEPlogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihc3kM6OT8sCOr_nDHekUqZ7C_6aQ5ODJ0Lq5RzxvWJ1JiPNxiBt9VFtAwEUTe7GJ9lrZxAr2g6v-lGw9PGWoF6zr_L5ry0k-X4kR8GScN5c_0NzBNMEb5glDm57OUJHlphZYn9iqCQs9E/s1600/TEPlogo.jpg" /></a></div>
treasurer; Robin Alberts-Marigza, secretary; Michelle Bliss,
executive committee member at-large.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Members of
the the 2013-2014 Tennessee Equality Project Foundation (501c3/education) board
of directors are the following:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wes Aull, Susan
Compton, Bleu Copas, Jonathan Cole, Brian Copeland, Ryan Ellis, Anne Gullick,
Ellyahnna Hall, Erin Hughes, Becky Lucas, De’Andre T. Jones, Travis Parman, Tommy
Schlindwein, H.G. Stovall.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Officers
are H.G. Stovall, chairman of the board/president; Anne Gullick, vice
president; Wes Aull, treasurer; Ellyahnna Hall, secretary; Becky Lucas,
executive committee member at-large.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Biographies of the New Tennessee
Equality Project board members follow:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toby Compton</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Toby Compton is a fourth generation Nashvillian who
was recently chosen to lead the Nashville Sports Authority. He previously
served as the Director of Strategy for the Tennessee Department of Economic and
Community Development and as Mayor Karl Dean’s Senior Advisor specializing in
policy and legislation.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Toby holds an undergraduate degree
in political science from Lipscomb University and a master’s degree from
Cumberland University in public administration. He has previously served
on several boards and is currently on the board at Dismas, Inc. Last year, he
was chosen as one of “40 People Under 40” to watch by the <i>Nashville Business
Journal</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<b>Robin Alberts-Marigza</b>: Robin currently serves as the Campaign
Manager for Jim Cooper for Congress, where she is responsible for developing
and implementing a winning campaign strategy for one of the lone congressional
Democrats in the South, including messaging, communications, fundraising, and
political outreach. She has served as a key operative and chief adviser to
Congressman Cooper’s successful congressional campaign during two challenging
electoral cycles. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As the campaign’s Finance Director,
she has created a modern campaign that fundraises year-round, increases
low-dollar, grassroots donations, attracts first-time donors, and implements
new technologies with data-driven results, raising over $1.5 million during her
tenure. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With Congressman Cooper, Robin is
currently working on a party-building project in collaboration with 50 state
Democratic leaders and stakeholders to implement a year-by-year path to
statewide victory by 2018. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Prior to her current position, she
worked as the Campaign Manager for Jeff Yarbro for State Senate, coming within
17 votes of unseating a 40-year incumbent in a Democratic primary election.
With her leadership, the campaign set a new standard of organization and
fundraising for state-level races by executing a campaign focused on
infrastructure and integrating fundraising, voter outreach and volunteer
efforts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In her efforts to raise money,
coordinate volunteers, and contact voters, Robin has developed strong
coalitions and working partnerships in the Nashville community. Throughout her
campaign work, she has been committed to building an electoral infrastructure
that supports progress, and electing leaders that share her vision for an
equitable, inclusive Tennessee. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Robin double majored in Sociology
and Psychology at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, where her studies
focused on the intersection of social media and social theory. She is a native
of Nashville, Tennessee—attending East Literature Magnet middle and high
schools—and currently lives in East Nashville. In her free time, she enjoys
gardening, cooking, and training to compete in her first triathlon. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linda McFadyen-Ketchum</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Linda McFadyen-Ketchum is a political consultant who
specializes in Davidson County races. She worked on the campaigns of
former Mayor Bill Purcell and Mayor Karl Dean, and managed campaigns for
Vice-Mayor Diane Neighbors, Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman, Chancellor Richard Dinkins
(now Appeals Court Judge Dinkins), Circuit Court Judge Amanda McClendon,
School Board Member Kathleen Harkey, and Metro Council candidate Nancy
VanReece. Linda has a special interest in identifying, encouraging, and
electing talented women to public office.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Though her primary focus is on local
races, Linda also believes that statewide and national races matter deeply to
the people of Davidson County. Accordingly she was the Front Desk Manager for
the Gore-Lieberman Campaign in 2000, worked on Phil Bredesen’s campaign for
Governor in 2002, managed the Davidson County canvassing operation for Harold
Ford, Jr.’s Senate race in 2006, and was particularly proud to work in Texas,
Pennsylvania, and Montana as a Field Organizer for Hillary Clinton in her 2008 presidential
campaign. After Barack Obama won the Democratic nomination in 2008, Linda
managed the phone-bank at the Nashville Obama Headquarters and operated a
state-wide absentee voting initiative for the Tennessee Democratic Party.
In 2012 Linda worked for the Tennessee House Democratic Caucus, coordinating
polling and mail programs for several targeted races.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A native of North Carolina, Linda
holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in special education from Peabody College
of Vanderbilt University. She taught Davidson County children and young
people with severe behavioral disorders and autism for twenty-five years.
She also served in supervisory/administrative positions and trained new staff
and student teachers. During her teaching years Linda was awarded two HCA
Teacher Awards for independent summer study and won Channel 5’s Golden Apple
teaching award and cash prize in 1994. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linda represented District 24 on the
Davidson County Democratic Executive Committee for six years, and served as
Treasurer for three years. In 2006 she was honored as county Volunteer of
the Year at the 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual Gore Family Dinner.</span></div>
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violence issues as a member of the steering committee for the Nashville/TN
chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. </span></div>
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McFadyen-Ketchum, have been married for 39 years. They have two adult
children and two granddaughters. In her spare time, Linda enjoys hiking,
identifying wild flowers, and choral music. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David Glasgow</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: David serves as Communications Director for the
state field office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. He
is responsible for internal, community and legislative outreach for an agency
that delivers and manages an active portfolio of $4.3 billion in financial
resources for job development, community infrastructure and affordable housing
in rural Tennessee.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David's work with USDA on national initiatives has been
recognized with the agency’s High Mark Award. He has twice been awarded
Presidential Volunteer Service Awards in recognition of more than 500 hours of
local community service in a year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David currently serves as vice chair of the Metro Property
Standards and Appeals Board and as Vice Chair for Tennessee Conservation Voters
501c3 Board. He has previously served on the Metro Nashville Tourism and
Convention Commission, Convention and Visitors Bureau Strategic Planning
Committee, Metro Environment and Beautification Commission, and as Chair of the
Metro Tree Advisory Committee. David also serves as head coach of the Nashville
Grizzlies Rugby Football Team.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An advocate of healthy public green space, David has helped
raise money and coordinate more than 400 volunteers who together have planted
more than 3,500 trees and saplings in parks, green spaces in Hillsboro Village,
several Nashville Neighborhoods, Beaman Park at Bells Bend and communities
across Tennessee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from
Birmingham-Southern College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama,
School of Law. He successfully completed the Program for Senior Executives in State
and Local Government at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 7.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">David and partner Van Pond, Jr support numerous community
organizations including Nashville CARES, The Belcourt Theater, Tennessee
Conservation Voters, Greenways for Nashville, Conexión Américas and many
others. In 2010 they were honored by the Nashville GLBT Chamber with the Mark
Lee Taylor award for Community Service.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ashford Hughes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">:
<b>Ashford Hughes</b> is a native son of Knoxville, TN. He holds a B.S Degree
in Political Science from Tennessee State University. While at Tennessee State
University, Ashford served as the V.P of the Africana Studies Society and well
as being a founding member and reestablishing the T.S.U College Democrats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After graduating from Tennessee
State, Ashford worked as African American Outreach Coordinator for the Harold
Ford for U.S Senate Campaign in 2005-2006. Since then Ashford has gone on
to both manage and work as senior staff on various issue based and candidate
driven political campaigns in Tennessee, South Carolina, Virginia and
Mississippi. His main focus has been political strategy and organization
building.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ashford recently served as the
Political Director at the Tennessee Democratic Party. He is currently the
Assistant Business Manager for the Southeast Laborers’ District Council. (<u>LIUNA</u>)
Ashford is one of the founding members of the Nashville affiliate of the
national New Leaders Council, where he serves as Chapter Co-Director. This is
an organization that seeks to train, educate and empower the next generation of
progressive political and professional industry leaders.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ashford aspires to empower the
community he grew up in through political engagement and economic
empowerment. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Martha O’Bryan
Center, Fifty Forward and is a current fellow with the Truman National Security
Project. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yeshua Holiday</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Yeshua A. Holiday aka Joshua, has volunteered and
worked for non profit organizations such as Housing Works, Inc, the Sylvia
Rivera Law Project, New York Harm Reduction Educators and the National Black
Justice Coalition and others. He has advocated for public policy in NYC,
Louisville, KY, Atlanta, Ga and recently in Memphis and Nashville, TN. Yeshua's
passion, as a trans person, is the trans community and the issues that they are
faced with on a daily basis.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Skip Ledbetter</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: Bio for Harry (Skip) Ledbetter:<br />
Former Eagle Scout , who as the adult Eagle Scout Coordinator helped 123 Boy
Scouts achieve the Eagle Scout Award. Was awarded the Congressional Gold Award
by the US Congress in 1997.I served as the Emergency Operation Coordinator
during Hurricane Georges. I served as the corporate coordinator for the
American Red Cross and the March of Dimes on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Between 2004 and 2011 I served 47 months of deployment with the US Army, most
of that in Southwest Asia. Since returning from deployment I have
volunteered with the Shelby County Democratic Party, registering voters,
raising funds, developed strategy and administered polling places. I have been
Host Committee with MidSouth Aids fund. My work with TEP has been as fulfilling
as any of the work mentioned up to this time and I'm honored to continue this
partnership for years to come. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">*Note: We will add bios of new Foundation board members as we get them. </span><br />
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Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8106747693052658513.post-21718966612116764032013-05-29T19:51:00.000-05:002013-05-29T19:51:36.509-05:00Harvey Milk, Trans Empowerment, and Ice Cream down by the River<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-50c096eb-f2e5-8217-696d-8e3c3bf604ed" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A post by Anne Gullick:</span></div>
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<a href="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/387363_505270169521469_1323935320_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/387363_505270169521469_1323935320_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Storytelling.
The power of someone’s story told and listened to. That requires both
the storyteller and the hearer to stop, take some time, invest some
energy, and divest some self interest. When that occurs, beliefs are
reexamined, thoughts are renewed, power is shared, and change happens.
The power of their stories. It can be amazing.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When
it occurred to me that TEP Shelby County Committee’s [TEP SCC] monthly
meeting happened to fall on May 22 this year, I began plotting (as I
often do). See, May 22 is Harvey Milk Day in California and his
birthday. At the same time, my dear friend Yeshua Holiday asked me about
planning an event celebrating Trans Empowerment Day. And it occurred
to us all that there could be no better tribute than talking empowerment
on Harvey Milk Day. While brainstorming ideas, a friend of TEP’s
suggested a Harvey “Milk”shake party, and the fun element was thrown
into the event. So we “shook” up Milk’s legacy, the empowerment of
trans people, the diversity that is Memphis with black/white,
young/older, straight/gay/bi, Christians/Jews/nonbelievers, women/men,
cisgender/transgender, homeless advocates, and homeless people all in
attendance, and added some ice cream, half and half, chocolate or
strawberry as one chose, and experienced a night at TEP SCC meeting
unlike none other.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The
centerpiece of the night was our guest panel who discussed with us the
Power of Coming Out as Trans at Any Age. Leah Walton, recently turned
18, came out as transgender this past spring semester at her high
school in North Mississippi. that’s right. Nort Mississippi - south
Panola High School - a feeder school for all things SEC football. She
spoke to us about the empowerment of coming out when she did, why she
had to, and how she had to do it. Interestingly, the 17 year old was
the one who had to call in our allies at the ACLU, but then her high
school superintendent did the right thing and allowed her to attend
school presenting as her gender, wear a feminine cap and gown for
graduation, and attend prom as Leah. Her story is unique and touched us
all. Many of us were left wishing we had had the courage at 17-18 that
she has.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Rev.
Gillian Klee then told us her story of coming out transgender at age
63. While the ACLU was not needed, she told the story of fitting into
her own lifetime career path as an Episcopal priest. Rev. Gillian
honored her longtime partner, and spoke of the peace and gratification
she has as living the life she was always meant to. Our TEP vice chair
Jonathan Cole then told her of his gratitude for her standing up for
GLBT people when he was younger and just coming into activism. He felt a
full circle there that night and was glad to have the opportunity to
honor her for her role in his life and her role in the Non
Discrimination Ordinance in Memphis.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Then my friend Kimberly Taylor wrote a letter telling us her story which was read by our friend Kal. Her words tell it best:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let
me introduce myself. My name is Kimberly Anne Taylor. I am 44 year old
caucasian transgender female. I am about 5'10" tall and weigh about 210
pound. I have blondish-colored hair, not my natural color. The color of
my eyes depend on my mood ranging from a grayish color when I am really
happy to green when irritable. Ihave only been "out" for about 2 years
but feel like I have been transgender a since I was a child. Since the
end of September 2012, I have been living full time as a female. Since
then, I have felt a peace I have not known before. Instead of being two
people, I am now whole. I still have my own fears and doubts but
overall, I feel as if I have become stronger and more confident in my
actions.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Let
me give you some background of my life prior to transitioning. I was
born as Keith Allen Taylor. The youngest of six in Indianapolis, IN. I
was always a quiet and shy person. Mostly I kept to myself. Never
bothering anyone or wanting people to bother me. Around the age of 7 or
8, I began thinking I was different then other people but, naturally,
did not know "how" I was different. We moved to a small town in Middle
Tennessee when I was 8 years old. I was very lonely because the rest of
my siblings were still up North or in the military and the my friends
and classmates were gone. This was when other kids began picking on me
so I retreated further into my shell. This continued all the way through
high school.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">When
I was old enough to be left at home by myself, I did what most of us
have probably done: I would sneak into mom's closet and try on clothes
and shoes. Every time I did this and I looked in the mirror, I saw
another person looking back at me. It was not Keith looking at me but
Kim. I just didn't know it unit several years later. I tried to suppress
it thinking my parents would be mad if they ever found out. Today, both
of them are gone and I wonder what they would have thought if I had had
the courage to talk to them.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
married a wonderful woman, Deborah, whom to this day I still cannot
fully understand why she chose me to be part of her life but I am glad
she did. She knew early on that I liked crossdressing. For some time, I
thought that was all I was, just a cross-dresser, a transvestite. I did
not know that I was more than what I thought I was. Fast forward a few
years and I am graduating from The University of Tennessee College of
Pharmacy in 1999. To date, I have been married to the same person for 21
years. I would order clothes online or, if I bought anything at the
store, I would buy it, try it on at home and then return it if it didn't
fit. Always with some excuse. I NEVER went out in public as a female.
At home, if the doorbell rang, I went into a sheer panic. I even hid
around the corner while my wife answered the door and would stay
immobilized there until they left. I would go out on the back porch at
night but the lights would always be off. I was too afraid to be seen.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Moving
further forward, the stress of being two people was beginning to get to
me. In 2011, I was becoming more severely depressed and even having
suicidal idealizations. Not a good thing to have as a gun owner. I
finally came out to a co-worker who convinced me to get help so I
started seeing a psychologist. She opened my eyes to doors that I did
not even know existed before. I then came out to a few other co-workers,
just as small group but that was enough to start building a foundation
on which I was able to finally begin moving forward. One day I needed to
get my hair done. The store at the mall I usually go to did not have
any of the stuff to do a perm so the lady took me to another store in
the mall and introduced me to my new friend and beautician, Susan. I
cannot explain why, but after being in her chair for a few moments, I
came out to a complete stranger. Her words and support meant so much to
me. So much in fact, I took a day off and went to my psychologist
dressed as Kim and then to the mall to see Susan at work. It was a whole
new world for me to explore as we shopped during her lunch break and I
actually tried on clothes at the store!</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
did not start going out all the time from that point but more and more
often. at first, both she and Deborah both had to be there and stay
within just a few feet of me or I would begin panicking. I just KNEW
that everyone was looking at me and that every smile or laugh was aimed
directly at me. A few times, there was a jerk or two read me as male but
most of the time, people either didn't know or didn't care. The
laughter, I later learned, was usually not aimed at me but just the
result of something funny said in their groups conversation. Eventually,
I was able to move further and further from my life preservers and no
longer required both of there to protect me but just one of them. In
2012, some major changes occurred within myself. I just don't recall
which came first since they were so close together. I started going out
as Kim by myself. Women's clothing stores, gas station, and such. I also
began hormone therapy. I was almost who I really was but not quite yet.
I was only Kim on weekends but still Keith on the weekdays while at
work but things were about to change rapidly.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">I
had to come to work one day already feeling nervous, anxious and
stressed over not being able to dress as Kim at work. About an hour and a
half later, I told one of my co-workers who knew my secret that I
needed to step outside so she could let our lead know. I walked outside
and placed my back against the cool bricks of the building. I wanted to
cry so badly but the tears just would not come. After about 15 or 20
minutes, I came back inside and went to the lead pharmacist cubicle to
let her know I was back. She turned to face me and as I tried to speak,
the dam burst open and all those tears came flooding out at once as I
sank down to the floor of her cubicle. On that day, a lot of people were
introduced to Kim as I showed them the pictures of the real me on my
phone. Once I calmed down enough, my supervisor took me to Human
Resources where we discussed why I had had a break down. They had never
dealt with a transgender person before so this was all new to them.
About a month and a half later, I had another meeting was told I could
begin coming to work as Kim. There were conditions, there always seem to
be conditions. The first two were simple, since I am a medical
professional and patients and doctors have the right to know who they
are speaking with, I still had to use my male name until I got it
changed. Took care of that April 5, 2013!!! I had to abide by the dress
code. In a nutshell, I could wear any article of women's clothing that
other women were allowed to wear. Just no spaghetti straps, flip flops
or skirts or dresses in which the hem was greater than 2 inches above
the knees. Since I have always worked in a professional environment, I
had no problems with that one. The last condition I am still fighting
about: the notorious restroom issue. The building I work in has no
Unisex bathrooms and since I have not had "the surgery", I am required
to use the men's room. Obviously, this causes me a great deal of stress
and apprehension just having to go potty. I have had to agree to this
term out of necessity but I have not given up the fight!</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">During
this time as a female, I have learned a great deal about things and
people. First, you can find support in places you least expect to find
them. When my father passed away in November of 2012, none of my family
except for my sister, Dianna, knew about my transition. But as I was
preparing to leave town, I knew there was only one way I could go and
that was as Kim. Keith no longer exists or did he ever exist in the
first place? I let my brother know before leaving home. The message of
love and support he gave me was so overwhelming. I had expected to find
ridicule from them but found love not only from my siblings but from
aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Most of them I have not seen
in 10 or more years. It was a welcomed comfort during an already
emotional time. Deborah's family however, is a different story. I had
expected her mother to be accepting and nonjudgmental but I was wrong.
Since we had to stop at her house along the way, I could tell
immediately the change that had occurred. There was no hug for me and
her conversations with me were civil but short. I have also found others
in the workplace who have come up to me to show their support. Some of
which I have never meet before due to the size of my company. There are
also those that could care less one way or another and, of course, those
who do not like me for who I am now. They are missing out on a great
opportunity to get to know someone who is kind, considerate of others
and likes to make the workplace enjoyable.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Back
to the original question now that you know my story, what is it like
being a transgender woman? It is like being a cisgender person. I have
my good days and I have my bad days. There is those whom I know love and
support me and there are those who seem to make themselves feel better
by trying to degrade other people; trans or cis, it doesn't matter. That
is what it is like for me as a 44 year old transgender woman. And the
best pieces of advice I can give? Be true to yourself and don't stop
fighting for what you believe in.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Sincerely,</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kimberly Anne Taylor</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Diva, comedian, and much much more ;)</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">After
Kimberly’s story was read, and Leah and Gillian spoke from their
truths, respectful and thoughtful questions were asked by the gathered,
and thoughtful and honest answers were provided. These stories and
dialogues actually change perceptions and beliefs. How do I know? Our
straight friend Jake Brown was at MGLCC that night and told the story of
his on conversion. He worked faithfully with us on the Memphis Non
Discrimination Ordinance, but he admitted to being more than willing to
leave the transgender protections out if that would get an ordinance -
until. Until he spent time with transgender people and heard their
concerns and listened to their stories, and his heart and mind were
opened. And he has become not “tolerant” - nope. He’s the Fully Monty -
he has become a power ally. And that’s how things are changing down by
the River!!!!!</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There is trouble in River City, and that starts with T and that rhymes with TEP.</span></div>
<br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Anne Gullick</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Chair, TEP SCC</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">TEP board member</span></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">TEP Foundation vice-chair</span>Chris Sandershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02185332112405546785noreply@blogger.com0