Why LGBT involvement in election campaigns matters

I will never forget the date of November 23, 2010 ---  the day that the Memphis City Council failed to pass an employment non-discrimination ordinance by one vote.

I knew back then that we would have to wait until the next term of City Council before we could introduce an LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance again. We needed at least one more vote to ensure passage.

Memphis City Councilman
Lee Harris of District 7

The opportunity for that one vote came with the 2011 municipal election. Barbara Swearengen Ware of District 7 who voted against the ordinance declined to run again.  TEP PAC had a chance to support an equality advocate for the open seat. The field of candidates was large, but TEP PAC made the strategic decision to place our hopes in Lee Harris to represent the neighborhoods of North Memphis, Frayser, Uptown, and Mud Island.

TEP PAC's endorsement of Harris motivated LGBT people and their allies to contribute their time, talent and treasure to Harris's campaign. We made phone calls, canvassed neighborhoods, and held fundraising drives to support Lee's election. While many other groups and organizations supported his candidacy, TEP PAC and volunteers helped make a difference in his campaign. Lee won a majority in the first election and then won the runoff election.

Fast forward to the summer of 2012. President Obama and the Shelby County Democratic Party announced their support for marriage equality and full equality for LGBT people. And freshman Councilman Lee Harris approached TEP about re-introducing a non-discrimination ordinance. The rest is history.

I share this story to emphasize the importance of supporting equality advocates running for elected office. One day that candidate will be the elected official who champions equality.

November 6 is a national election. More people turn out to vote for or support a candidate for President, US Congress or the US Senate. But I am here to argue that State and Local elections matter more than most people appreciate. It's hard for one person or a small group to make a noticeable difference in campaigns for President, Congress or Senate. But the example of our support for an equality advocate in a North Memphis City Council district proves that your voice, your volunteer hours, and your financial support make a huge impact in a local election.

Margaret Mead said it best: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Are you ready to make an impact? TEP PAC will be engaged in a statewide Day of Action on Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012. We'll be supporting equality advocates for elected office knowing that our work is vital to promoting pro-equality public policy in State and local government. We invite you to join us! Visit TEP PAC's Facebook Fan Event Page for the opportunity closest to you. 

Memphis radio host resorts to anti-gay bias

Thaddeus Matthews demonstrates how
anti-gay bias hurts all people in Memphis.

A local radio personality in Memphis recently launched a series of personal attacks against one of TEP PAC's endorsed candidates: Lee Harris who is running for Memphis City Council District 7.  Harris is a law professor at the University of Memphis, a product of the Memphis City Schools system, and a family man with children who have lived in District 7 for eight years. He is committed to making Memphis and his community a better place to live for all people. Harris finished first in last Thursday's election in a crowded race for the only council seat where an incumbent was not running for re-election. He will face Kemba Ford in the runoff election scheduled for Nov. 10.

Thaddeus Matthews hosts a talk radio program on the AM dial. He claims to offer "exclusive news that no other media will release" on his blog and radio program. 

Matthews is currently featuring a link on his website to a recorded interview of Lee Harris conducted by Michael Hildebrand of Memphis Loves Gays. Matthews posts the question  "Is Lee Harris gay?" on his website and asked "Lee Harris, are you a faggot?" on his radio program on Friday. Matthews alleges that Harris must have something to hide since Harris's wife did not take his last name when they were married. 

When Michael Hildebrand learned that Thaddeus Matthews was using his interview link to slander Lee Harris on his program, he decided to approach him at his office to discuss the issue directly with Matthews at his place of business:

I walked over and attempted to discuss the issue with hope he would take off the misleading link... well, being white was an issue, plus me being gay, then I mentioned that I would like him to remove the link. He went mad....Luckily the guys I work with were watching from the balcony of Harvest [Creative] otherwise I fear it would have gotten violent. He threatened me as he got in my face. Told me to leave his property, which I did promptly. He followed me out, continuing to threaten me. I am still just amazed. He is a very overweight man and full of anger. I am more than certain it would have gotten bad if I wouldn't have crossed the street.

After Hildebrand left, Matthews turned his attention to him on his radio program, calling him a "white sissy" and a "flaming sissy" and that he was "pink phone carrying." Matthews continued to threaten physical violence against Hildebrand on the air. 


Matthews will say and do anything for attention and to create controversy - his business model for boosting ratings and attracting listeners for his program. Matthews' behavior demonstrates for all how anti-gay bias hurts our community. Engaging in gay-baiting distracts from the important issues in the District 7 election and the problems that Memphis must confront. The people of District 7 deserve better than a radio host more interested in attention seeking antics than finding the best candidate for Memphis City Council. Matthews has resorted to such behavior because he has no other tools in his toolbox for reasonable debate. I am confident that the people of District 7 in particular will see through Matthews' vulgar attacks and ignore them.

Memphis election results favor incumbents and equality

The results are in and all 12 incumbents won re-election in their districts for Memphis City Council last night. What does that mean for the advancement of equality in the Bluff City? The results provide encouraging signs:

• Both sponsors of the Memphis Employment Non-Discrimination Ordinance (ENDO), Janis Fullilove (8-2) and Shea Flinn (9-2) were re-elected in landslides by a 2 to 1 and 4 to 1 margins, respectively. At the very least, these results demonstrate that the elected officials do not suffer at the polls for voting pro-equality. They may have even benefited because of their convictions.
• All six council members who voted for 2010's ENDO were re-elected: Wanda Halbert (4), Jim Strickland (5), Edmund Ford, Jr. (6), Janis Fullilove (8-2), Myron Lowery (8-3) and Shea Flinn (9-2). Strickland and Lowery were unopposed and the others won with very comfortable margins. Voting pro-equality proved to be no barrier to their successful re-elections. 
• Yesterday's election results demonstrate missed opportunities for Mayor AC Wharton and members of the council who voted against the ENDO to be on the right side of history. Mayor Wharton pledged support for an ENDO when he ran for Memphis Mayor. His administration worked closely with Tennessee Equality Project on acceptable language for the ENDO to present to the Memphis City Council in 2010. But when he was asked his position on the legislation, Wharton backed away.  The Mayor declared that he would support any version of the legislation the Council sent to his desk. Mayor Wharton could have sided firmly with equality and suffered no loss of political capital or support for re-election. Close observers of the council will recall that Bill Morrison had pledged his support for an ENDO when he won his first term to represent District 1 in 2007. He later voted against the ENDO in 2010. Had he stayed true to his convictions, voting pro-equality on the ENDO in 2010 would not have hurt him in 2011. Let's hope for more courage from Mayor Wharton and  Councilman Morrison in the new term. 
• Finally, Lee Harris who was endorsed in District 7 by TEP PAC finished ahead by 4 votes against Kemba Ford in yesterday's only race that has no incumbent running. Ford will face Harris in a runoff election on Thursday, November 10

The end result of yesterday's election favors the formation of a majority equality consensus on the Memphis City Council in the new term. TEP PAC will be calling on equality advocates to help confirm that result as the campaign for District 7 continues until November 10. If you care about advancing equality in Memphis, help TEP PAC carry Lee Harris to the finish line. Visit his website to make a donation or to find contact information to volunteer for his campaign.

For all the election results visit the Shelby County Election Commission website. With 100% of precincts reporting, here are the results for Memphis Mayor and City Council:

Mayor

Wharton 48,635 or 65.3%

Ford 20,907 or 28%

James Harvey 2,053 or 2.7%

Kenneth Robinson 774 or 1%

Robert ‘Prince Mongo’ Hodges 750 or 1%

Marty Merriweather 441 or 0.5%

James Barbee 310 or 0.42%

Carlos Boyland 169 or 0.2%

Write In Votes 160 or 0.2%

Leo Awgowhat 141 or 0.1%

DeWayne Jones 79 or 0.1%

Memphis City Council

District 1

Bill Morrison 4,905 or 64.8%

Kendrick Sneed 2,637 or 34.8%

District 2

Bill Boyd 7,170 or 74.7%

Sylvia Cox 2,391 or 24.9%

District 3

Harold Collins 6720 or 98%

Write-In 86 or 1%

District 4

Halbert 6,243 or 64.8%

Michelle Smith 1,897 or 19.7%

Louis Morganfield 767 or 7.9%

George Walker 692 or 7.1%

District 5

Jim Strickland 10,187 or 99%

Write-In 91 or 0%

District 6

Edmund Ford, Jr 8,606 or 63.8%

Sharon Webb 2,070 or 15.3%

Clara Ford 1,658 or 12.3%

Rhoda Stigall 1,123 or 8.3%

Write-In 24 or 0%

District 7

Lee Harris 1,983 or 24.1%

Kemba Ford 1,979 or 24%

Coby Smith 957 or 11.6%

Michael Steven Moore 562 or 6.8%

Erskine Gillespie 493 of 6%

Jesse Jeff 367 or 4.4%

Scott Banbury 358 or 4.3%

David Vinciarelli 351 or 4.2%

Raymond Bursi 284 or 3.4%

Darrell Wright 215 or 2.6%

Julie Ray 211 or 2.5%

Evelyn Fields 197 or 2.3%

LeAndrea Taylor 137 or 1.6%

Artie Smith 101 or 0.4%

Write-In 31 or 0%

Superdistrict 8, Position 1

Joe Brown 27,571 or 77%

Mark Coleman 4,358 or 12%

Tammy Warren 3,743 or 10.4%

Write-In 107 or 0%

Superdistrict 8, Position 2

Janis Fullilove 21,701 or 57.8%

Rosalyn R. Nichols 9,954 or 26.5%

Isaac Wright 2,978 or 7.9%

Mario Dennis 2,836 or 0.1%

Write-In 59 or 0%

Superdistrict 8, Position 3

Myron Lowery 31,553 or 98%

Write-In 436 or 1%

Superdistrict 9, Position 1

Kemp Conrad 19,919 or 64%

Paul Shaffer 11,313 or 36%

Write-In 87 or 0%

Superdistrict 9, Position 2

Shea Flinn 24,210 or 80.7%

James Sdoia 5,668 or 18.9%

Write-In 92 or 0%

Superdistrict 9, Position 3

Reid Hedgepeth 23,447 or 98%

Write-In 306 or 1%

Memphis City Council Election Guide for Oct. 6, 2011

Today is election day in Memphis. TEP PAC is proud to endorse in every competitive race for Memphis City Council elections. 

We urge you to support the following candidates to create a pro-equality consensus on the Memphis City Council. Pools are open until 7 PM today.

Districts

1. Kendrick Sneed

2. Sylvia Cox
3. No endorsement

4. Wanda Halbert

5. Jim Strickland
6. Edmund Ford, Jr.

7. Lee Harris

Superdistricts

8-1. Tammy Warren

8-2. Janis Fullilove
8-3. Myron Lowery

9-1. Paul Shaffer

9-2. Shea Flinn
9-3. No endorsement

All of the above candidates in italics are incumbents and they voted pro-equality in the last term. Council members Harold Collins (3), Jim Strickland (5), Myron Lowery (8-3) and Reid Hedgepeth (9-3) face no opponents in the October 6 election.

Additionally, TEP PAC recognizes the follow candidates as equality advocates: Scott Banbury (7), David Vinciarelli (7) and Rosalyn Nichols (8-2).

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. 

Does Bellevue Love Memphis?

Recently, I've heard friends ask why Bellevue Baptist Church is allowed to serve as a polling location for elections. Bellevue and its minister, Steve Gaines, frequently inject themselves into political discourse, particularly when it comes to denying equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families. Gaines opposed employment non-discrimination ordinances in Shelby County and in Memphis. A few weeks ago, Gaines used his pulpit, church email and the church blog to tell his congregation who to vote for in Memphis City Council elections.

I've heard many LGBT people and their allies say that they cannot bring themselves onto the Bellevue Baptist Church campus because of the hostility they feel from the congregation.

What do you think?

Should the Shelby County Election Commission allow Bellevue Baptist Church to serve as a polling site for voting ?

Voice your opinion in our Grand Divisions poll on the right side of this blog. - Jonathan Cole

A Real Pro-Family Vote at Bellevue Baptist Church

Bring your friends and family to Bellevue Baptist Church this Saturday at 12 Noon to vote early in City of Memphis elections for candidates who truly demonstrate pro-family and pro-equality values that Pastor Steve Gaines can only hope to represent.

Last Sunday, Pastor Gaines declared war on LGBT people and their families from his pulpit at Bellevue Baptist Church. Gaines asked his congregation this week to vote against candidates who support the right of people to earn a living, provide for their families and contribute to their communities. 


It's incredible that Gaines could claim any knowledge of what it means to be pro-family (see http://bit.ly/SteveGainesisnotprofamily). Gaines kept a confessed child molester on his staff for six months and endangered children and families of his parish. 

Don't let a demagogue determine the fate of Memphis City Council elections and pull the strings of Memphis government. 

Let's show Memphis what pro-family really means. Come vote in City of Memphis elections for candidates who really do support families at 12 Noon on Saturday at Bellevue Baptist Church. Bring your photo ID and voter registration card and wear purple so everyone will know who the pro-family voters are!

See http://bit.ly/MemphisElectionGuide for more details about pro-family and pro-equality candidates endorsed by TEP PAC.


What: Pro-Family Vote for Equality
Where: Bellevue Baptist Church, 2000 Appling Road
When: 12 Noon, Saturday, September 24, 2011

Pastor Steve Gaines leads attack against working people in Memphis City Elections

In a special email alert sent Tuesday of this week, Bellevue Baptist Church called on members to vote against equality and fairness in the current City of Memphis elections scheduled for October 6, 2011. The church mentioned the Tennessee Equality Project's Political Action Committee specifically in the email and on its blog:

It's shocking to learn that Pastor Steve Gaines called upon his flock to vote for Memphis City Council candidates who support a "pro-family" agenda. Pastor Gaines is the same man who secretlyprotected a confessed child molester on Bellevue's clergy staff for over 6 months; the same man who allowed this child abuser to counsel others who worked with children; The same man who allowed a sexual predator to counsel victims of child sexual abuse. What qualifies Pastor Gaines to say anything meaningful about family values when he places victims of abuse and children in his own church at risk?

The link provided in the message leads to the Family Action Council of Tennessee's website listing of "pro-family" candidates to support for Memphis City Council. Pastor Gaines is using his bully pulpit to attack law abiding people who simply want the right to make a living in Memphis. He's also using his Bible and church to prop up his personal bias and bigotry against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Gaines lives outside Memphis city limits yet believes he should determine the fate of city elections.

How firmly does Pastor Steve Gaines pull the strings of Councilors Morrison, Boyd, and Conrad? How "pro-family" or pro-worker can these candidates be if Pastor Gaines is calling the shots from his pulpit? Surely the good people in the pews at Bellevue Baptist Church and the people of Memphis deserve guidance from better men than this.

Truly pro-family voters will be voting for candidates who support the right of all people to earn a living, provide for their families and contribute to their communities without fear of unfair workplace discrimination. Voters can be proud to cast their vote in District 1, District 2, and Superdistrict 9-1 for pro-equality and pro-family candidates endorsed by TEP PAC: Kendrick Sneed, Sylvia Cox and Paul Schaffer. They aren't likely to succumb to a false prophet like Steve Gaines.

Learn about the other equality advocates endorsed by TEP PAC here.

- Jonathan Cole

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. 

Be an Informed Voter for Equality

Early Voting has begun in the Memphis City elections, and will continue through October 1, 2011, with the General Election on October 4th. Information on Early Voting locations can be found here.

TEP PAC recently announced endorsements for City Council, and these biographical sketches are produced by the TEP Shelby County Committee to help our Equality voters to know more about their candidates. A special thanks to our TEP intern, Hannah Guess of the University of Memphis, for the work she put into compiling this for us.

It is important that every Equality Advocate in Tennessee votes in every election. Many races are won by just a handful of votes in local elections. Every vote counts, and it is your right as a citizen to vote. Remember, votes are like muscles, exercise them or you may lose them. See you all at the polls!

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.

Kendrick Sneed
Millington native Kendrick Sneed is running for District 1. After graduating from Millington Central High School, Sneed worked as a campaign aide for former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford, Sr., then went on to serve the county as a Deputy Sheriff for the Shelby County Sheriff's Department. Sneed is currently working towards a degree in Applied Psychology with a concentration in Criminal Justice from Christian Brothers University.
Sneed is committed to reforming the city's educational system and to serving the underprivileged in the community. He is also interested in registering and educating new voters on the issues that matter the most to them. Sneed's support of workers' rights and benefits has earned him an endorsement by the AFL-CIO Labor Council.

Sylvia Cox
District 2 candidate Sylvia Cox is originally from Illinois, but she has lived in Memphis for over 30 years. Cox has both a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from Harding University and an Associate Degree in Business Applications Technology from Southwest Tennessee Community College. Prior to her current job as an IT Contractor with Accredo Health, Cox worked at FedEx, along with serving District 2 on the Memphis Charter Commission for three years.
Cox is very involved in the community, serving as a board member of both Network of Memphis, an organization for progressive businesswomen, and MidSouth Science Fiction Conventions. She also volunteers at the St. Jude Golf Tournament and the Orpheum Theatre. Cox is especially concerned with making positive changes at the Memphis Animal Shelter, and she shows her dedication to animals by serving as a volunteer for Real Good Dog Rescue.

Wanda Halbert
Native Memphian Wanda Halbert has served District 4 since 2007. Prior to her time on the city council, Halbert served on the Memphis City School Board for seven years and was its president in 2005. She has worked at FedEx for over 20 years. Halbert attended both State Technical Institute and the University of Memphis.
Halbert has shown a particular commitment to women and minorities in the community, having created the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Commission, as well as students, sponsoring a resolution to fund literacy programs for Memphis City Schools. In her time on the city council, Halbert has worked to clean up the blight in her district. She is dedicated to community service, volunteering her time to multiple organizations including March of Dimes and United Way. Halbert has been endorsed by the Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council. Last session, Halbert voted in favor of the employment non-discrimination ordinance.

Jim Strickland
Jim Strickland has served District 5 since 2007. Although originally from Louisville, Kentucky, Strickland has lived in Memphis for over 30 years, attending both the University of Memphis and the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey's School of Law. Strickland is a practicing attorney, having formerly served as an instructor at the Cecil C. Humphrey's School of Law and as a Tennessee Supreme Court clerk.
An active member of the community, Strickland has volunteered for multiple organizations in the city, including the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen and Alpha Omega Veterans Services. Strickland also served on the Board of Directors for both Habitat for Humanity and the Memphis Botanic Garden. Strickland has shown a commitment to the environment, resurrecting the city's Recycling Committee and devoting a great deal of time to protecting Overton Park. Strickland supported last session’s employment non-discrimination ordinance. Strickland was also endorsed by the Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council.

Edmund Ford, Jr.
Native Memphian Edmund Ford, Jr. has served District 6 since 2007. Ford earned both a B.S. in Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science and an M.S. in Mathematical Sciences from Tennessee State University, before taking 2 years of PhD classes in Leaderhip and Policy Studies at Vanderbilt and earning an Ed.S. in Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University. Ford is currently working on an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University. Ford’s father, Edmund Ford, Sr. is running for Mayor in this election.
As a math teacher at Central High School, Ford shows a dedication to education, having created the Ford Gateway Tutoring Fund to aid students struggling with math examinations. Ford is an Advisory Board Member of the Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council and an active member of the community, involved with multiple neighborhood associations and MPACT Memphis. The Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council has endorsed Ford. Ford voted in favor of the employment non-discrimination ordinance last session.

Lee Harris
District 7 candidate Lee Harris was born and raised in Memphis. Harris earned a B.A. in International Studies from Morehouse College before earning a law degree from Yale Law School. Harris now teaches at the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey's School of Law.
Harris has been involved with a number of organizations, including the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. He helped to form and lead the Young Democrats of Memphis and Shelby County, as well as chairing a local Head Start program. He also serves as a director of the Goodwill Homes Community Services Agency. Harris has been endorsed by West Tennesseans for Progress.

Tammy Warren
Proof not approved in time for publication

Janis Fullilove
Janis Fullilove has served District 8 since 2007. A native Memphian, Fullilove has a B.A. and a Masters in Communication from the University of Memphis. Before being elected to the city council, Fullilove was an instructor of communications at the University of Memphis and served on the Memphis Charter Commission. Fullilove also has a history in the broadcasting world, even earning an Emmy nomination for her reporting on ABC 24.
Fullilove is dedicated to serving the underprivileged and minorities in her district. She is also dedicated to transforming the city, helping to begin the South Memphis Revitalization Project. Fullilove was also endorsed by the Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council. Fullilove is one of the most outspoken advocates in the city for LGBT rights, and she sponsored the first employment non-discrimination ordinance presented to the council.

Myron Lowery
City Council Chairman Myron Lowery has served on the city council for five terms. Although originally from Columbus, Ohio, Lowery has lived in Memphis for over 45 years. Lowery holds a B.A. in Sociology from LeMoyne-Owen College, an M.S. in Education from New York University, and an M.S. in Urban Education from University of Tennessee. Lowery served as Chairman of the Memphis Charter Commission and as Mayor Pro Tem. Lowery has been a board member of numerous city organizations, including the Headstart Policy Council, the Riverfront Development Corporation, and the Memphis Zoo. Lowery is the former Vice President of the National Association of Black Journalists. He is currently a board member of both the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and the National League of Cities.
Lowery is extremely involved in the community. Lowery has led a number of fatherhood events, as well as gun buy-back programs, and he has been endorsed by the Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council. He is also involved with the Memphis Urban League and the Goodwill Boys Club. Last session, he voted yes on the employment non-discrimination ordinance.

Paul Shaffer
Paul Shaffer is running for Position One of District Nine. Although Shaffer is not originally from Memphis, he has lived in various parts of the city for nearly forty years. Shaffer has worked as a journeyman electrician since graduating from the Memphis Electrical Apprenticeship Program. Shaffer is currently the business manager of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 474, as well as president of the Memphis Building and Construction Trades Council and vice president of both the Memphis and Tennessee AFL-CIO Labor Councils.
Shaffer is involved in a number of local organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and United Way. He also volunteers his time to the Wolf River Conservancy and the National Ornamental Metal Museum. Shaffer has been endorsed by the Memphis AFL-CIO Labor Council, the Memphis and West Tennessee Building and Construction Trades Council, and the Memphis Firefighters Association IAFF 1784.

Shea Flinn
Shea Flinn has served District 9 since 2007. A native Memphian, Flinn has a B.A. from Rhodes College and a law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphrey's School of Law. Flinn was also an interim state senator. He is currently the vice president of, and attorney for, Flinn Broadcasting Corporation.
Flinn has shown a dedication to fighting crime in the city, creating Citizens Against Crime and serving as a chair of Operation: Safe Community. Flinn supports non-discrimination employment policies for public employees, and he sponsored the latest version of the employment non-discrimination ordinance presented to the council.

TEP PAC Meet & Greet and Straw Poll a success!

A C Wharton won last night's TEP PAC Straw Poll

I wish you could have all been there.  We had a great happy hour meeting new advocates as well as the candidates running for Memphis City Council in the upcoming election.  It was a relaxing atmosphere in which to discuss equality issues, our concerns, and our hopes with people who will have the power to make a difference.  TEP PAC endorsed candidates attending last evening's soiree included Councilman Myron Lowery, Councilman Jim Strickland, Councilwoman Janis Fullilove, and candidates Paul Shaffer, Lee Harris, and Sylvia Cox.  Getting to talk to these candidates in this informal setting was a unique opportunity, and we appreciate their attendance.

Mayor AC Wharton won the straw poll in a landslide.  In fact, the only vote cast other than for Mayor Wharton went to Prince Mongo, the perennial mayoral candidate.  We congratulate Mayor Wharton, and we thank those who cast their vote in the poll.

The election is already upon us.  Early voting begins September 16 and election day on October 6.  Make your plans to vote and let your voice be heard.  For your benefit,  I've reposted the PAC's election guide.

Thanks to everyone who helped last night, and thank you especially to the Hi-Tone Café for hosting the event.

-          Anne Gullick, TEP Board member and Shelby County Committee Co-Chair

Memphis City Council Election Guide from TEP PAC

TEP PAC is pleased to announce endorsements in every competitive race for Memphis City Council elections scheduled for October 6, 2011. 

We urge you to support the following candidates to create a pro-equality consensus on the Memphis City Council. You can help make Memphis more LGBT-inclusive by contributing your time and donations to these candidates to ensure passage of pro-equality legislation in the next term.

Districts

1. Kendrick Sneed

2. Sylvia Cox

4. Wanda Halbert

5. Jim Strickland NEW!
6. Edmund Ford, Jr.

7. Lee Harris

Superdistricts

8-1. Tammy Warren

8-2. Janis Fullilove
8-3. Myron Lowery NEW!

9-1. Paul Shaffer

9-2. Shea Flinn

All of the above candidates in italics are incumbents and they voted pro-equality in the last term. Council members Harold Collins (3), Jim Strickland (5), Myron Lowery (8-3) and Reid Hedgepeth (9-3) face no opponents in the October 6 election.

Additionally, TEP PAC recognizes the follow candidates as equality advocates: Scott Banbury (7), David Vinciarelli (7) and Rosalyn Nichols (8-2).

Make our Candidates Visible

You can play a key role in helping elect pro-equality candidates by taking a yard sign for them, canvassing or phone banking for them or making a donation to their campaigns. If you are interested in helping, contact us at Jonathan@tnequalityproject.com or Michelle@tnequalityproject.com. Also contact us if you'd like to help distribute TEP PAC endorsement flyers at the September 17 Cooper Young Festival and other community events during the campaign season.

Early voting begins on September 16.

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. 

The unfinished business of equality in the Bluff City - Part 1

In 2010, the Memphis City Council failed to enact employment non-discrimination legislation that would provide LGBT-inclusive workplace protections to employees of Memphis City government and employees of city contractors. A resolution protecting contract employees never made it out of committee and the employment non-discrimination ordinance (ENDO) failed by one vote on second reading.

Since that time, the legal frame work for extending workplace protections to employees was narrowed by the Tennessee General Assembly with the "Special Access to Discriminate" Act (HB600/SB632). In the State of Tennessee, local governments are prohibited from protecting the employees of private employers from unfair discrimination if state law does not already protect those employees - even when those private employees are paid with your tax dollars. Tennessee Equality Project has joined other plaintiffs in a court challenge of the SAD Act. 

While the SAD Act hinders efforts in the private sector to protect employees, the City of Memphis can protect government employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. City of Memphis elections on October 6 present a new opportunity to advance workplace equality in Memphis for city employees. 

Within days, TEP PAC will announce endorsements for Memphis City Council. When this happens, we hope that you'll make a commitment to support these endorsed candidates as a volunteer for their campaigns, with contributions to fund their campaigns, and - most important - with your vote. Early voting begins Sep. 16, so there are only 5 weeks to educate voters about the equality advocates running for office. 

What will you do to help resolve the unfinished business of equality in the Bluff City?

- Jonathan Cole