Support LGBTQ Rights! Mutual Aid Babes Tennessee

Trans rights are human rights, Trans kids are kids, Gay is good and Drag is art!

If you agree with any of those statements, you've probably experienced at least one wave of fear or anger in the past month, as a massive wave of anti-LGBTQIA is sweeping the United States. Only 9 states have NOT introduced anti-LGBTQIA legislation in 2023.

Time to turn grief into power. One of the biggest battleground states is Tennessee, which just passed HB1 and HB9 (HB1: banning gender-affirming care for trans youth. HB9: restricting the performance of drag, but worded such that it puts all trans, gender-nonconforming and nonbinary people in danger). Tennessee is also where I came "of age" as a queer and genderqueer person twelve years ago. There are thriving communities of rural Tennesseans who have been creating some of the most vibrant queer and trans communities for decades. Tennessee has long been one of my gay "homes," where I return every year, where I first met my partner, where so much of my political and queer consciousness was formed.

Which also means I'm lucky to know directly some of the incredible activists who have been on the ground, publicly testifying, pressuring (and succeeding!) to get changes in the new laws, and building mutual aid networks.

Which is where we all come in!

It can be frustrating not to live in a battleground state and know how to help make a difference. Giving $$$ directly to people on the ground is a fantastic way we can support from afar! (also calling and writing representatives, btw). The Mutual Aid Babes is a mutual aid fund for and by queer & trans rural organizers in Middle Tennessee.

What's the mutual aid for?

Mutual aid is a term for money that is given directly to community so it can be used quickly without a lot of red tape for whatever is needed. Currently, the Mutual Aid Babes are raising money for:

Limitations on LGBTQ rights limit everyone. They limit parents' ability to parent. They limit the breadth that people, regardless of gender, can take in their expression. They limit religious freedom, as these laws are based on a very narrow definition of "God's natural laws." We all have everything to gain in fighting back, and too much to lose.

Please join me in protecting all future generations of queer and trans people. Our money will go directly to those impacted and taking action.

Together our love is stronger than their hate!