The Tennessee Equality Project is an LGBTQ organization in the United States state of Tennessee.Frances Green, Gayellow Pages USA 2008-2009, Renaissance House, 2008, p. 400
Overview The Tennessee Equality Project was founded on June 15, 2004, in Nashville, Tennessee.Out & About Newspaper: "Tennessee Equality Project wins CABLE award", May 11, 2011, accessed July 4, 2011
The organization has lobbied against a 2006 referendum to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage,The Advocate: "Marriage Ban Momentum: Will 2005 become a repeat of last year's frenzy state constitutional amendments?", February 15, 2005, accessed July 4, 2011 the dismissal of a lesbian soccer coach by Belmont University in 2010,Human Rights Campaign: Tennessee Equality Project Call on Belmont University Officials to Halt Anti-LGBT Policies', December 6, 2010 , accessed July 4, 2011 the Don't Say Gay bill sponsored in 2011 by Sen. Stacey Campfield and Rep. Bill Dunn,Pink News: Steve Brewer, "Tennessee proposes bill to ban gay awareness in schools", March 1, 2011, accessed July 4, 2011Pink News: Jessica Geen, "Anger over Tennessee's 'don’t say gay' bill", 28 April 2011, accessed July 4, 2011 and other public issues. It endorsed Nashville mayor Karl Dean for re-election in 2011.Out & About Newspaper: "Tennessee Equality Project PA announces endorsements", June 12, 2011 , accessed July 4, 2011
In December 2015, TEP attempted to open an LGBT center in Maryville, the county seat of Blount County in partnership with local stakeholders, but this effort was ultimately unsuccessful.
The Project has received funds from the Human Rights CampaignHuman Rights Campaign: "Human Rights Campaign Makes $10,000 Grant to Tennessee Equality Project", February 17, 2011 , accessed July 4, 2011 and has partnered with the California-based Courage Campaign to develop political advertising based on the life story of an LGBT Tennessee resident.Out & About Newspaper: "Courage Campaign seeks video testimonies", June 30, 2011 , accessed July 4, 2011 The organization is a member of the Equality Federation.
In April 2019, the TEP received a $113,000 donation and a handwritten letter of support from singer-songwriter Taylor Swift.
See also
LGBT rights in Tennessee List of LGBT rights organizations
References
External links Official website