Concerned Citizens of Tennessee raise funds for LGBTQ+ nonprofit selling shirts of Governor Bill Lee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Some involved residents try to battle again in opposition to just lately handed laws impacting the LGBTQ+ neighborhood by elevating funds for the nonprofit, “Nashville Launch Pad”

Members of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood say they really feel very attacked proper now. This 12 months, Tennessee turned the primary state to ban drag in public.

Governor Invoice Lee additionally signed a ban on gender-affirming well being take care of youth within the Volunteer state.

Nashville Launch Pad’s Govt Director H.G. Stovall sees the worry on the neighborhood’s face each day.

“To be afraid to exit in public if you’re a younger trans particular person. To be seen as making an attempt to be a drag performer while you’re simply dwelling as your genuine self may be very scary,” H.G. Stovall stated.

Not lengthy after the payments handed, a photograph of Governor Lee wearing drag in highschool started circulating on-line.

A bunch known as “Involved Residents of Tennessee” had the thought to take the picture and print it on a T-Shirt, with the caption “Invoice Lee is a Drag.”

The group describes themselves as: Queer People and Allies; Dad and mom; Enterprise Homeowners; Artists; Folks of Religion, and Atheists.

A portion of the proceeds going to profit “Nashville Launch Pad”

“When the involved residents of Tennessee approached us, we agreed it could be an exquisite place for them to make a sponsorship to divert the income for a constructive change in gentle of loads of hate we’re seeing in Tennessee proper now,” Stovall stated.

For 9 years the group has served younger individuals 18-24 aside of the LGBTQ+ neighborhood, offering a protected shelter for them throughout the Winter.

They make the most of a number of church buildings, like Connection United Methodist Church to deal with them.

“We practice our employees in trauma and care and de-escalation methods,” Stovall stated.

Stovall is grateful for all of the help and love across the globe. He hopes it sends a message to lawmakers.

“They’re displaying that this isn’t the desire of the individuals to assault those that have had a tough sufficient time on this life,” Stovall stated.

To this point, greater than $20,000 has been raised for the nonprofit by means of T-shirt gross sales.

When you establish as L-G-B-T and also you’re in search of shelter choices, the nonprofit works with Oasis to deal with individuals. For extra data, click on right here.

The printing firm now affords “Invoice Lee is a Drag” on a T-shirt, sticker, and bag. Study extra and donate, right here.