Tenn. group stands on front lines of LGBT battles

USA TODAY NETWORK's Faces of Pride project features members of the LGBT community and their allies sounding off from all 50 states.

The Tennessee Equality Project scrapes and fights to make its state more inclusive – advocate by advocate, town by town.

True to the spirit of the Volunteer State, TEPs crusade is charged by nearly 200 dedicated volunteers, who give up their time to meet with legislators and local lawmakers about LGBT issues.

Chris Sanders, TEP’s executive director and only full-time staff person, said the group stands on the front lines of some of the state’s biggest legislative battles, including attacks on marriage equality and proposed bathroom bills.

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The group truly goes grassroots, training people to advocate for themselves before the state legislature and local governments. Their “Advocacy 101” courses attract hundreds.

The organization sees the local level as an opportunity to usher in big changes.

“Build the relationship early because local government and state governments are the farm team for the federal team,” Sanders said. “We’ve been able to accomplish a great deal with a small number.”

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