Taylor Swift Donates $113,000 to Fight Tennessee’s ‘Slate of Hate’
She made the donation to the Tennessee Equality Project.
Superstar Taylor Swift has made a sizable donation to an LGBTQ advocacy group in Tennessee, aiming to support the fight against what has been called a “slate of hate” in the state’s legislature.
Swift’s $113,000 donation went to the Tennessee Equality Project, for the purpose of fighting to block 12 bills the state’s Republican-led legislative branch is currently hoping to pass into law. Those bills are aimed at LGBTQ individuals, and if passed, many feel they would officially sanction discrimination against the diverse group of citizens.
One would make same-sex marriage illegal in the state, another would expose transgendered people to the risk of arrest for indecent exposure if they change clothes in a locker room, and another would protect adoptions agencies who refuse to work with LGBTQ parents on the basis of religious belief.
Writing to Tennessee Equality Project executive director Chris Sanders, Swift offered her thanks and support.
“I’m writing to say I’m so inspired by the work you do, specifically in organizing the recent petition of Tennessee faith leaders against the ‘slate of hate’ in our state legislature,” Swift said. “Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and those leaders are doing. I’m so grateful that they’re giving all people a place to worship. Sincerely, Taylor Swift.”
Sanders wrote back on the Tennessee Equality Project’s private Facebook group.
“Taylor Swift has been a long-time ally to the LGBTQ community,” he said. “She sees our struggle in Tennessee and continues to add her voice with so many good people, including religious leaders, who are speaking out for love in the face of fear. Tennessee Equality Project is honored and grateful to reveal Taylor Swift has made a donation of $113,000 to support our efforts at this critical moment.”
