Taylor Swift Makes Record-Breaking Donation In Opposition To Tennessee’s Anti-LGBTQ Bills

Tennessee lawmakers are pushing the most extreme anti-LGBTQ slate of bills in the nation, with discriminatory bills advancing this week

WASHINGTON, DC—Taylor Swift wanted to send a message to Tennessee lawmakers today. Responding to their slate of anti-LGBTQ legislation, Swift, who is also a Tennessee resident, made a $113,000 donation to the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP), the state’s leading LGBTQ advocacy organization.

The singer made the donation on Monday, in response to the 12 bills (6 from the House and 6 from the Senate) promoting, according to the Huffington Post, “discrimination rather than justice.” TEP had put together a “People’s Petition Against the Slate of Hate” online, opposing the bills.

“…They promote discrimination rather than justice and demean the worth of LGBTQ people in our state. We call on people of good will to join us in speaking out for basic fairness,” the group’s petition read.

Others were quick to react to Swift’s actions.

“From famous musicians to faith leaders of diverse denominations, Tennesseans from all walks of life oppose this slate of anti-LGBTQ legislation,” said Kasey Suffredini, President of Strategy at Freedom for All Americans. “The bottom line is that no one should live in fear of discrimination because of who they are, who they love, or which community they call home.

“Tennessee is on the brink of becoming the next North Carolina—and the first state in the nation to pass anti-LGBTQ legislation this year. Tennessee can’t afford to face the economic consequences of an anti-LGBTQ reputation. On behalf of LGBTQ people nationwide, and especially LGBTQ Tennesseans, we thank Taylor Swift for her generous donation to our partners at the Tennessee Equality Project to continue their lifesaving work of ensuring dignity and fairness in the Volunteer State.”