Voters will be electing a Mayor, Vice Mayor, and the entire Metro Council.

Over the past four years, we have seen two major ordinances adopted to extend the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) residents and workers in Davidson County.  In 2011, we have an opportunity to elect another pro-equality Government in Metro Nashville.

If you are not sure of your voting location, go to

If you did not vote early, please get out and vote tomorrow.

Transmen, the Movie

This Sunday, August 7, at 6:00 pm EDT, please join the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition (TTPC) and Transcenders, the Chattanooga area transgender support group, for a special showing of the film, Transmen.

This student produced movie debuted in Murfreesboro earlier this year, and follows the lives and challenges of three transmen living in Middle Tennessee.

The film will be shown at:

Collegedale City Hall
4910 Swinyar Drive
Collegedale, TN
(423) 396-3135

There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted and will be shared between TTPC and Transcenders to support the work of both groups.

Dollywood

One story that made national news recently is when a lesbian couple visiting Dollywood Splash Country, Jennifer Tipton and Olivier Odom, were forced to turn a t-shirt inside out because of the pro-equality message on the shirt, “Marriage is so Gay.”

Jennifer Tipton, left, and Olivier Odom by Saul Young, copyright © 2011

Recently, Dollywood officials sent an apology and refund, but they refused to meet with the couple who wanted to be accompanied by representatives of the Campaign for Southern Equality to discuss the bigger issue of discrimination against park patrons and LGBT employees.

With more and more Tennessee based employers, including First Tennessee Bank, Vanderbilt University, and even Federal Express, adopting non discrimination policies that explicitly cover all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, it is time for Dollywood  to meet with community representatives to address the issue there as well.

As always, Knoxville area members of TTPC are ready to meet with them to help in the education process to insure that nobody ever has to face discrimination or harassment based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

We will also be joined by several special guests including Mara Keisling, Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

Mara Keisling

Contact TTPC for directions.

TTPC Members with Nashville Mayor Karl Dean. Photograph courtesy of Seanna Brandmeir.

• The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition lobbied members of the Tennessee General Assembly during the current session.  Worked to pass legislation to add “gender identity or expression” to the Sentencing Enhancement statute, and to permit gender changes on Tennessee Birth Certificates, and against legislation that would discriminate against LGBT persons, including legislation that would silence teachers from discussing sexual diversity, destroy Gay-Straight Alliances, destroy teachers’ unions, and opposed all Voter ID bills which would disfranchise transgender voters.
• Signed on as a co-plaintiff in Howe v. Haslam to defend the right of local governments to adopt non discrimination legislation.
• Continued lobbying Members of Congress and educating the public as part of  the United ENDA campaign in support of the Employment Non Discrimination Act and opposing attempts to remove gender identity or expression from employment protections, as well as lobbying in favor of equal rights for all LGBT persons.
• Worked in support of the Metro Nashville Contract Non Discrimination Ordinance, which passed on April 5, and was signed by the Mayor on April 8.
• Participated in Multicultural Studies event at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale on April 7.
• Appeared on Open Line television show from Nashville on April 12.
• Spoke to Vanderbilt University Law School class about GenderIdentity and the Law, in Nashville on April 13.
• Spoke to class at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, on April 28.
• Spoke at Tennessee Democratic Party Values Summit in Jackson on May 20.
• Appeared on Queer Talk Radio on WRVU in Nashville on May 28.
• Appeared on  Out and About Today television show on June 10.
• Participated in Walk with the Mayor in Nashville on June 11.
• Participated in panel discussion on the film Two Spirits in Nashville on June 11.
• Participated in Nashville Pride on June 18.
• Participated in community meeting with Tracy Morgan, organized by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), in Nashville on June 21.
• Participated in Knoxville PrideFest on June 25.
• Attended White House LGBT Pride Reception hosted by the President of the United States in Washington, on June 29.

Upcoming for Third Quarter 2011:

• Will have table at Early Voting in Nashville, July 16.
• Will participate in Campus Pride in Nashville, on July 21.
• Will hold Summer Membership Meeting in Nashville, on July 23.
• Will host showing of film Transmen in Chattanooga, on August 7.
• Will participate in Equality Federation meeting in Madison, Wisconsin, August 10  to 14.
• Will speak to Perpetual Transition in Memphis, on August 22.
• Will participate in Southern Comfort Conference in Atlanta, September 21 to 24.

On Wednesday, I had the honor and privilege of being one of several hundred who attended the LGBT Pride Reception at the White House.  Just prior to the public remarks made by the President of the United States, I was one of 13 attendees, and the only transgender representative, who was ushered in the Diplomatic Reception Room for a personal meeting with President Barack Obama.  After our private meeting and the President’s public speech in the East Room, I also got to meet and chat briefly with Vice President Joe Biden.

Vice President Joe Biden with TTPC President Dr. Marisa Richmond. White Huse LGBT Pride Reception, June 29, 2011. Photograph courtesy of Marisa Richmond.

While I was in the White House talking with the two highest ranking officials of the United States government on behalf of the transgender community, back in Nashville, a local transwoman named Forresta Bee was speaking up about a reported transphobic incident.

According to Ms. Bee, she was at the All-White Affair at LP Field on June 4, when 101.1 The Beat Jamz DJ Dolewite, of the weeknight radio show Dolewite & Scooby, requested her removal from the makeshift dance floor.

“Dolewite invited everyone on stage to dance (after the fashion show),” she says. “Everybody was taking pictures and doing videos. The next thing you know, he was saying ‘If you don’t get your Amazon, Shaquille O’ Neal-looking (expletive) off the stage, you better now.’ Then some heavyset guy was tugging my arm and telling me to get off the stage. I was thinking, ‘Why are you grabbing me and getting me off the stage?’”

Photograph courtesy of Forresta Bee.

She will hold an additional protest today, Friday, July 1, at 101.1 The Beat, 55 Music Square East, at Noon.
The incident reported by Ms. Bee occurred just one day after Tracy Morgan’s highly publicized rant at the Ryman Auditorium, also in Nashville.

When several LGBT community leaders met with Mr. Morgan on JUne 21, I pointed out the problems of harassment and violence against transpeople.  I specifically cited the case of Michelle Byrne who was brutally tortured and then dismembered by her roommates in Nashville in January 1987.

I concluded my remarks that day by saying that transphobia and homophobia plagues many in the African-American community, and, thus, African-American leaders and spokespeople have a responsibility to stand against bigotry, not make fun of it.

So, at a time when an African-American transgender activist from Nashville got to shake hands and talk with the nation’s first African-American President, another African-American transwoman back, also from Nashville, was standing up for respect and dignity from her own community after being insulted, and made to feel vulnerable and humiliated, at an event she paid to attend.

As we gather together this weekend to commemorate the signing of the Declaration of Independence with those inspirational words “we hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal,” let us not forget that not all Americans are yet truly equal.

The Transgender community is making progress, but serious challenges remain, and that is why the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition exists to do the work we do.

Dwayne Jenkins (Brothers United), Phil Michael Thomas (Nashville Black Pride), Dr. Marisa Richmond (Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition), Wes Aull (Tennessee Equality Project), Tracy Morgan, Morgan’s fiancée, Kevin Rogers and Patrick (couple who attended June 3 show), Katie Cleek and Cynthia Wagner (another couple who attended the June 3 show), Herndon Graddick (GLAAD). Photograph courtesy of RhinoPic.com (Walter)

TTPC President Dr. Marisa Richmond, said of today’s meeting, “We appreciate the fact that Mr. Morgan was willing to return to Nashville to meet with members of the local LGBT community.  He heard from us how hurtful and offensive his comments were.  We believe that he was sincere in expressing his remorse, and we hope that this will be a cathartic moment both for him and other entertainers. If he emerges as a strong voice in speaking our against LGBT violence and discrimination, then today’s meeting will have been a success in raising awareness of transphobia and homophobia.”

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition for its work in setting up today’s meeting.

At today’s Press Conference in front of the Courthouse of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, where the Complaint, Howe, et al v. Haslam, et al, (which is attached) was filed in Davidson County Chancery Court, TTPC President Dr. Marisa Richmond (pictured speaking) issued the following statement:

“The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition is signing onto this case because of our belief that this law is blatantly discriminatory and unconstitutional.  We look forward to working with our legal team led by Ms. Rubenfeld, and our fellow co-plaintiffs, some of whom are here today, in standing up for the principle that all Tennesseans, including all transgender, lesbian, gay, and bisexual citizens, are deserving of equal protection under the law.”

Left to right: Co-plaintiffs Wesley Roberts, Chris Sanders, Shirit Pankowsky, Dr. Marisa Richmond, Councilwoman Erica Gilmore, Lisa Howe, with Attorney Abby Rubenfeld. Photograph courtesy of Marisa Richmond.

To that end, TTPC is joined by the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund in opposing this bad bill. We have sent a joint letter to Senator Ken Yager, Charmian of the Senate State and Local Government Committee informing him of the possible constitutional concerns of this bill. We are urging the Senate State and Local Government Committee to defeat it when it comes up for a vote next week.

Full Text of Letter

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition supports the Day of Silence and encourages all who can to participate where you are.

No CANDO Bill Advances

Despite the best efforts of the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition (TTPC) and other groups opposing discrimination, the House Commerce Committee passed HB0600 by Glen Casada (R-College Grove).

This bill would repeal the non discrimination ordinance passed in Nashville last week, and would prevent other local governments from ending discrimination in their own jurisdictions.

It now moves to the full House of Representatives.

Please contact your State Representative immediately and ask them to oppose this legislation.

If you do not know the name of your State Senator or Representative, you can Find Your Legislator by clicking here.

Voter ID

We are also saddened that the House passed SB0016 by Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville) by a vote of 57 to 35, even after the Attorney General of Tennessee opined that it was “likely unconstitutional” since it constitutes a Poll Tax, which is a violation of the 24th Amendment.

The bill has previously passed in the Senate, so it now heads to Governor Haslam for his signature.  We hope that the Governor will veto this bill.

Anti-Teachers’ Union Bill

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition is one of many LGBT groups around the country that is standing in solidarity by opposing attempts to abolish teachers’ unions ability to negotiate terms and conditions of professional service with local boards of education.  In 2008, the Metropolitan Nashville Education Association pushed to have sexual orientation and gender identity added to the non discrimination policy for Metro Nashville Public Schools.  To date, Metro Nashville remains the only public school system in Tennessee which bans discrimination against all LGBT students, staff, and faculty.  We recognize the work of Nashville’s Teachers Union in working for non discrimination language and do not want to have others prevented from doing the same.
The House Finance, Ways and Means Committee will HB0130 by Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville), on Tuesday, April 19, at 3:00 pm, CDT, in Legislative Plaza, Room 16.

The members of the House  Finance, Ways and Means Committee are:

• Charles Sargent (R-Franklin), Chair
• Michael Harrison (R-Rogersville), Vice-Chair
• Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville), Secretary
• David Alexander (R-Winchester)
• Joe Armstrong (D-Knoxville)
• Harry Brooks (R-Knoxville)
• Kevin Brooks (R-Cleveland)
• Tommie Brown (D-Chattanooga)
• Scotty Campbell (R-Mountain City)
• Joe Carr (R-Lascassas)
• Jim Coley (R-Bartlett)
• Lois DeBerry (D-Memphis)
• Jimmy Eldridge (R-Jackson)
• Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley)
• Steve Hall (R-Knoxville)
• David Hawk (R-Greeneville)
• Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma)
• Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga)
• Steve McDaniel (R-Parkers Crossroads)
• Larry Miller (D-Memphis)
• Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington)
• Gary Odom (D-Nashville)
• Dennis Roach (R-Rutledge)
• Johnny Shaw (D-Bolivar)
• Harry Tindell (D-Knoxville)

The Senate version, SB0113 by Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) and others, was referred back to the Senate Education Committee.

Ban on  Teaching Sexual Diversity

Also before the Senate Education Committee is a bill that TTPC has opposed several times in previous years, SB0049 by Stacey Campfield (R-Knoxville).  This is the bill that would ban the teaching of sexual diversity in Tennessee schools.  We have consistently opposed this bill over the years because we believe it is a violation of free speech and anti-intellectual.  In addition, with renewed attention focused ont he issue of bullying, which can lead to suicide, silencing teachers and administrators can be potentially dangerous.  If passed, this legislation might actually cost lives.

In addition, the Senate Education will also take up SB0426, also by Campfield.  This would require schools to notify parents, by way of student handbooks or policy guidebooks, of school-associated extracurricular activities and gives parents the opportunity to prohibit their child from participating. We believe the only intent of this bill is target gay-straight alliances that provide safe, peer support, for students who may not have support elsewhere.

The members of the Senate Education Committee are:

• Dolores Gresham (R-Somerville), Chair
• Reginald Tate (D-Memphis), Vice-Chair
• Brian Kelsey (R-Collierville), Secretary
• Andy Berke (D-Chattanooga)
• Charlotte Burks (D-Monterey)
• Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City)
• Jim Summerville (R-Dickson)
• Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville)
• Jamie Woodson (R-Knoxville)

The Senate Education Committee meets Wednesday, April 20 at 3:00 pm CDT, in Legislative Plaza, Room 12.

Racial Profiling Bill

On Wednesday, April 20, the House  Finance Subcommittee will hear HB1380 by Joe Carr (R-Lascassas).  This is an Arizona Copycat bill that would permit law enforcement to request identification from a person without probable cause.  While this bill is targeted at certain ethnic minorities, it can also be used to out and harass transgender persons.  That is why we join other transgender advocacy and civil liberties groups in opposing this bill.  We are also joined by the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and the National Federation of Independent Businesses in also opposing this bill.

The members of the House  Finance Subcommittee are:

• Michael Harrison (R-Rogersville), Chair
• Curtis Johnson (R-Clarksville), Vice Chair
• Kevin Brooks (R-Cleveland)
• Lois DeBerry (D-Memphis)
• Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley)
• Judd Matheny (R-Tullahoma)
• Gerald McCormick (R-Chattanooga)
• Steve McDaniel (R-Parkers Crossroads)
• Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington)
• Gary Odom (D-Nashville)
• Dennis Roach (R-Rutledge)
• Charles Sargent (R-Franklin)
• Johnny Shaw (D-Bolivar)
• Harry Tindell (D-Knoxville)

The House Finance Subcommittee meets on Wednesday, April 20, at 11:00 am, CDT, in Legislative Plaza, Room 29.

Cyber Bullying

Finally, there is one bill this week that we actually support.  The House Education Subcommittee will hear HB0301 by Charles Curtiss (D-Sparta) and Brenda Gilmore (D-Nashville).  This would ban cyber-bullying in Tennessee.  We feel this will help make schools safer and reduce the number of suicides due to bullying.

The House Education Subcommittee meets Wednesday, April 20, at 3:30 pm, CDT, in Legislative Plaza, in Room 29.  The committee members are:

• Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald), Chair
• Joe Carr (R-Lascassas), Vice-Chair
• Harry Brooks (R-Knoxville)
• Kevin Brooks (R-Cleveland)
• John DeBerry (D-Memphis)
• Lois DeBerry (D-Memphis)
• Bill Dunn (R-Knoxville)
• Craig Fitzhugh (D-Ripley)
• Ron Lollar (R-Bartlett)
• Debra Maggart (R-Hendersonville)
• Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville)
• Jimmy Naifeh (D-Covington)
• Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville)

TTPC will remain vigilant in supporting equality and fairness for all, and in identifying any bills we consider harmful towards LGBT people and will fight against any and all of them.

We wish to thank all of you who met with, or communicated with, your Councilmembers to express support for the ordinance and an end to taxpayer subsidized discrimination.

Please remember the supporters of equality in the elections this summer.

Special Access to Discriminate Act

Unfortunately, an attempt to repeal the Nashville Ordinance, and prevent future action by other local governments from passing their own non discrimination acts, has actually begun to move forward in the Tennessee General Assembly.

On Wednesday, April 6, the House Commerce Subcommittee passed HB0600 by Glen Casada (R-College Grove), and sent it to the full House Commerce Committee.  Sadly, there was no discussion and not even a single question asked by any member of the subcommittee.

The House Commerce Committee meets on Tuesday, April 12, at 9:00 am, in Legislative Plaza, Room 16.  Opponents of equal rights had a big crowd for the Subcommittee vote.  We need to show this Tuesday that there are Tennesseans who do not support discrimination.

The members of the House Commerce Committee are:

• Steve McManus (R-Cordova), Chair
• Jon Lundberg (R-Bristol), Vice-Chair
• Pat Marsh (R-Shelbyville), Secretary
• Charles Curtiss (D-Sparta)
• Linda Elam (R-Mt. Juliet)
• Joanne Favors (D-Chattanooga)
• Brenda Gilmore (D-Nashville)
• Ryan Haynes (R-Knoxville)
• G. A. Hardaway (D-Memphis)
• Bill Harmon (D-Dunlap)
• Curtis Johnson (R-Clarskville)
• Phillip Johnson (R-Pegram)
• Jimmy Matlock (R-Lenoir City)
• Don Miller (R-Morristown)
• Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville)
• Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville)
• Mark Pody (R-Lebanon)
• Dennis Powers (R-Jacksboro)
• John Ragan (R-Oak Ridge)
• Dennis Roach (R-Rutledge)
• Charles Sargent (R-Franklin)
• Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville)
• David Shepard (D-Dickson)
• Janis Sontany (D-Nashville)
• Art Swann (R-Maryville)
• Curry Todd (R-Collierville)
• Joe Towns (D-Memphis)
• Kent Williams (I-Butler)
• Tim Wirgau (R-Huntsville)

The other version, HB0598, also by Glen Casada (R-College Grove), and is still before the  House Commerce Subcommittee:

• John Lundberg (R-Bristol), Chair
• Pat Marsh, (R-Shelbyville), Vice-Chair
• Charles Curtiss (D-Sparta)
• Joanne Favors (D-Chattanooga)
• Bill Harmon (D-Dunlap)
• Ryan Haynes (R-Knoxville)
• Steve McManus (R-Cordova)
• Richard Montgomery (R-Sevierville)
• Joe Pitts (D-Clarksville)
• Dennis Roach (R-Rutledge)
• Charles Sargent (R-Franklin)
• David Shepard (D-Dickson)
• Kent Williams (I-Elizabethton)

The House Commerce Subcommittee meets on Wednesday, April 13, at 2:00 pm, in Legislative Plaza, Room 29.