TTPC Supports GLBT Friendly Knoxville Church

The Board and members of the Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition wish to express our support for the victims of the tragic shooting yesterday at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church (TVUUC) in Knoxville. 

The Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church is the home for several GLBT groups including the Knoxville Monday Gay Men's Group, the Spectrum Divers iTea Café GLBT youth support group, and  the Knoxville chapter of P-FLAG.  According to one private report received by TTPC, one of the victims was the foster parent of a transgender girl.   Among those who were present in the church at the time of the shooting were two members of TTPC, our website manager and her partner.  We are thankful that the two of them were both unharmed. 

Nationally, Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations has several openly transgender ministers and has long included gender identity in its mission statement and non-discrimination policy.  Across the nation, many transgender support groups meet in UU Churchs. In 2005, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations was one of over 30 organizations that signed a joint letter to Congress urging adoption of the Hate Crimes bill which included gender identity, and rejection of a separate Hate Crimes bill which did not in a show of support for all GLBT people.

At a recently concluded press conference, Knoxville Police Chief Sterling Owen reported that the gunman left a four page letter with "stated hatred for the liberal movement," which included a dislike of the church's support for the GLBT community.  This crime is being investigated as a hate crime.

The Tennessee Transgender Political Coalition wishes to extend our thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.  

We have also included below a letter released by TVUUC inviting supporters to a special service this evening.  We encourage all who live in the Knoxville area to attend.

Marisa Richmond
President

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less