TENNESSEE BURNING!

ANTI-LGBTQ LAWS SWEEPING THE STATE OF TENNESSEE

Press Release From Our Executive Director

A recent report has been released by the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) where they are tracking 450 new anti-LGBTQ bills. These laws are reaching a historic level of attacks on LGBTQI+ people across the country. Nearly 300 of these laws are targeting kids, "these bills are not about expanding health care, making schools safer, or addressing our mental health crisis," stated White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre. https://www.aclu.org/legislativeattacks-on-lgbtq-rights.

In our home state of Tennessee some of our elected officials have proposed and are advancing 26 of these anti-LGBTQI+ laws, with anticipation of them being signed by Governor Bill Lee into laws.

These anti-LGBTQI+ laws does not come without repercussions. LGBTQI+ Americans, especially the Trans Community is experiencing alarming levels in depression, suicidal ideation, and victims in hate crimes. In addition, to introducing antiLGBTQ+ legislation. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee directed the TN Dept. of Health to reject the use of available federal funds for HIV prevention services which is estimated around $9 Million dollars. The loss of funding such as this decision amounts to bankruptcy for an organization such as ours, who operates on a budget less than $200,000 a year.

Relationship Unleashed staff, board members and volunteers are committed to fighting for equality for all Americans under the law. Equal rights and equal protections are one of the bedrock principles of our democracy in our country. LGBTQI+ people are deserving of protection and full access to equality no matter where we live.

It is our hope that you will stand with all marginalized and oppressed people to stop these attacks against an already vulnerable community. This is why your financial support is needed for the LGBTQI+ Community now more than ever!

Gwendolyn D. Clemons

M.B.A., PRC, Executive Director

It turns out that even 150 years ago, legislators wanted to police gender expression in public spaces. LGBTQ Tennesseans. Advocates worry that recently passed legislation restricting drag performances in public spaces in Tennessee could be used to discriminate against them and fuel the slew of similar laws being proposed in other states.

· The bill that passed in Tennessee last week restricts "adult cabaret performances" in public or in the presence of children, and bans them from occurring within 1,000 feet of schools, public parks, or places of worship.

· This was passed alongside separate legislation that bans transgender minors in Tennessee from receiving gender-affirming care like puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery.

· As of a month ago, at least 9 GOP-led state legislatures were pushing similar anti-drag bills.

Those found violating the antidrag law face misdemeanor charges in the first instance, punishable by a fine up to $2,500 and/or up to a year in jail. Those found for subsequent violations face a felony charge, punishable by up to six years in jail.

WHAT'S AT STAKE?

Laws restricting gender expression in public and in private have been around in the U.S. for more than 100 years, with one in New York only just being repealed in 2021.

Critics say the Tennessee bill is so constitutionally vague there is little clarity about what falls under the jurisdiction of the ban, making business owners, performers and others uncertain of what could come next.

Others say the laws will be used to target queer Tennesseans everywhere: "It's ... this subtle and sinister way to further criminalize just being trans," ACLU of Tennessee's Henry Seaton told NPR earlier this month.

Tennessee Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson, the drafter of the state's drag show bill, told NPR in a statement, "Just as current law prohibits strip clubs from admitting children, this legislation would also prohibit sexually suggestive drag shows from being performed on public property, or on any non-age-restricted private property where a minor could be present."

Violations face a felony charge, punishable by up to six years in jail.