LGBTQ+ Equality
ACLU has been fighting for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people since 1936, when it brought its first gay rights case. Our goal is an America where LGBTQ+ people can live openly, with their identities, relationships and families respected. We fight discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, working for fair treatment on the job and in schools, housing, public places and health care.
The Latest
ACLU of Tennessee Files Appeal Brief to Protect Free Speech Rights of Blount County Pride
Court Cases:
Blount Pride, Inc. v. Desmond
ACLU of Tennessee Asks Court to Block Tennessee’s Anti-Transgender Driver’s License Rule
ACLU-TN and Holland & Associates PC filed a petition in Davidson County Chancery Court today challenging the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (TDSHS) refusal to issue accurate driver’s licenses and state identification documents to transgender Tennesseans.
Families Respond to United States’ Position Change in U.S. v. Skrmetti
The Department of Justice notified the Supreme Court that the United States has changed its position in U.S. v. Skrmetti.
Issue Areas:
LGBTQ+ Equality
Court Cases:
L.W. v. Skrmetti | U.S. v. Skrmetti
Cases, Campaigns & Legislation
June 24, 2026
Blount Pride, Inc. v. Desmond
Blount Pride, Inc. (“Blount Pride”) planned a Pride event that would feature drag performances, including a performance by drag queen Flamy Grant. The event was to occur on September 2, 2023 at Maryville College in Maryville, Tennessee. On August, 29, 2023, four days before the event, District Attorney for Tennessee’s Fifth Judicial District, Ryan Desmond, issued a letter to Blount Pride saying that he would enforce the anti-drag law that had been passed in 2022.
In an effort to protect the free speech rights of drag performers, ACLU-TN and attorneys Brice Timmons, Melissa Stewart, Daniel Horwitz, Melissa Dix, and Justin Gilbert filed a complaint and emergency motion for a temporary restraining order on August 30, 2023 on behalf of Blount Pride and Christian artist and drag performer Flamy Grant.
United States District Court Judge Ronnie Greer, in the Eastern District of Tennessee, granted the temporary restraining order and the Pride event proceeded as planned. Defendants then agreed to a preliminary injunction while a previously filed challenge to the anti-drag law, Friends of George’s v. Mulroy, continued on appeal in the Sixth Circuit.
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