In Tennessee the one organization working effectively to obtain and ensure equal treatment of gays and lesbians in the state is Tennessee Equality Project. TEP works to organize the grass roots, keep the community informed and lobby state government.
I do not agree with all of the positions that TEP espouses. For example, I do not support hate crimes legislation or non-discrimination acts, except as they apply to government. But, we are faced with numerous other issues that need our united attention. This legislative session we are likely to see renewed efforts to eliminate adoption by gay people and efforts to ensure that, in addition to marriage, even civil unions are not available to same-sex couples. While some state Democrats will join in these destructive and discriminatory measures, the charge is likely to be led by the Republicans.
I encourage you to visit the TEP website and take a look around. Sign up for their emails. Visit their blog. This group of hardworking volunteers is making a difference in our lives.
January 4, 2009 at 2:25 pm
have you forgotten about the aclu?
January 4, 2009 at 7:11 pm
No. The ACLU does not focus on gay and lesbian issues to the extent that TEP does.
January 5, 2009 at 9:40 am
maybe not to the same extent, but they have folks who are solely dedicated to the glbt on staff, and have had tangible positive outcomes. To say that TEP is “the one organization working effectively to obtain and ensure equal treatment of gays and lesbians in the state” is just untrue, in my opinion.
January 29, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Michael, we appreciate your support at TEP. I must agree with Jasmine that we are not the only ones, but we are as you have noted the only ones DEDICATED to this and therefore need all the help we can get!! THANK YOU!!!!