LGBT community focuses on feeding neighbors while churches waste money on hateful ads

Memphis, TN, November 1, 2012 — In the last week, an anonymous organization claiming the name "Memphis churches of Christ" placed two full-page advertisements in The Commercial Appeal attacking the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

Sources tell us that Memphis churches of Christ paid around $15,000 to place these ads in Sunday's and Tuesday’s newspapers. A group by the same name placed similar anti-LGBT ads over the last eight years.

Jonathan Cole of Tennessee Equality Project observed: “The content of the ads is deeply offensive, but I remain a firm believer in the First Amendment right to free speech. While this group is entitled to say what they want, most people reject the divisiveness of the ad’s message because they support inclusion, fairness, decency, equality and diversity in Memphis. It’s hard to watch churches and other religious organizations spending tithes and church offerings on hateful advertising rather than benefiting their church members or assisting those living in poverty in our city.”

The recent ads moved PFLAG mother Lisa Kurtz-Crume to recall these famous words from Mohandas Gandhi: "I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ."

A coalition of LGBT advocacy groups rejects the example set by this anonymous group."Our organizations have criticized churches who spend money to demean us by suggesting that they focus on caring for the poor and feeding the hungry,” said Will Batts, Executive Director of the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center. “In response to recent attacks on our community, we're putting our money where our mouths are...and the mouths of those who go hungry. We shall meet hatred with love for our friends and neighbors.”

We call on everyone in the community of Memphis to show their love for their neighbors by making a donation of money or food to the Mid-South Food Bank between now and November 9, 2012.

Make a donation online at http://bit.ly/MSFoodBankDonation

Supporters may also give money or the following needed food items at the Mid-South Food Bank at 239 S. Dudley, Memphis, TN  38104, Mon-Thurs: 8 am - 5:00 pm  Friday: 8 am - Noon: canned meats, including tuna, stews, chicken and dumplings, chili, Spam, soups; Peanut butter; Canned fruits; Canned veggies; Canned 100% fruit juice and any non-perishable item (no glass containers).

The Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center will also accept the above food items between now and Nov. 9 at 892 South Cooper Street in Midtown. The center is open Monday-Friday from 2-9 pm.
Vanessa Rodley of Mid-South Pride encouraged people to participate in the food drive to support their Memphis neighbors: “Hunger can reach anyone and shows no discrimination. What affects one of us can easily affect all of us.”

Advocacy organizations supporting this food drive include:

Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center  
Memphis Loves Gays
Mid-South Pride  
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays of Memphis (PFLAG)
Tennessee Equality Project’s Shelby County Committee

Click the above organizations to visit their website.

For more information:
Jonathan Cole - Tennessee Equality Project - 901-301-3306 - Jonathan@tnequalityproject.com 
Will Batts - Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center - 901-278-6422 - WBatts@mglcc.org 

Shelby County Committee at Mid-South Pride

The Shelby County Committee of TEP had a great day at the Mid-South Pride Parade and Festival last Saturday. The parade had a bigger lineup and more spectators than last year. Tennessee Senator Beverly Marrero and House Representative Jeanne Richardson joined the TEP walking group in the parade, spoke from the festival stage, and hung out with us at the TEP festival booth. In the 10+ years I have been attended Memphis Pride events, this is the first time I've observed elected officials marching in the parade. Thanks Beverly and Jeanne!

Many other candidates and elected officials came to celebrate pride at the festival including: U.S. Congressman Steve Cohen, State House Representative G.A. Hardaway (Cooper Young's district), State House Representative Mike Kernell, City Councilman Edmund Ford, Jr., City Councilwoman Wanda Halbert, County Trustee Paul Matilla, Carol Chumney (former City Councilwoman, State Rep., and Mayoral candidate), and David Upton (delegate to Democratic Party National Convention). I can't remember a Pride event that drew so many public officials.

The TEP booth was busy with activity. Almost 60 new people signed up to receive information updates from TEP. With the help of Nike TN GLBT & Friends Network, TEP raised over $100 in donations.

Festival participants completed over 400 postcards to send to the Memphis Mayor and City Council calling for passage of a comprehensive Non-Discrimination Ordinance that protects all citizens from discrimination in employment, housing, education, services, and public accomodations on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation or physical characteristics. Thanks to everyone who took the time to complete cards to the Mayor and their city council representatives. This level of citizen action will certainly catch the attention of our city government as TEP works to promote the Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

Click here for more coverage and pictures of Mid-South Pride.

Mid-South Pride Festival and Parade is TODAY

TEP is a proud sponsor of this year's Mid-South Pride. The Shelby County Committee will be hosting a booth at today's festival 10 AM to 7 PM where you can:

1. Add your name to TEP's e-mail list to stay informed of important events.
   
2. Become a member of TEP with a $20 registration.
   
3. Make a contribution to support TEP's efforts in Shelby County and Tennessee.
   
4. Report GLBT hate crimes or discrimination.
   
5. Write a postcard to the Memphis Mayor and City Council encouraging them to enact a comprehensive city non-discrimination ordinance that includes sexual orientation and gender identity or expression (We'll pay the postage and tell you who your city council members are).
   
6. Register to vote in this pivotal election year.
   
7. Meet local elected officials.
   
8. Meet like-minded people who want to promote fair-minded legislation in Tennessee.

The Shelby County Committee of TEP will also be walking in the parade that lines up at 3 PM at First Congregational Church at 1000 South Cooper Street and steps off at 4 PM toward the Festival at Peabody Park (Cooper and Higbee). Come walk with us or visit us at the festival booth!