Arts & Entertainment
Taylor Swift donates $113,000 to Tennessee LGBTQ advocacy group
The ‘Delicate’ singer has become more politically vocal

Taylor Swift donated $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project on Monday along with a handwritten note on how a petition signed by
Chris Sanders, Tennessee Equality Project’s leader, posted the note to the organization’s Facebook group.
“I’m writing you to say that I’m so inspired by the work you do, specifically in organizing the recent petition of Tennessee faith leaders standing up against the ‘Slate of Hate’ in our state legislature,” Swift writes.”Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and those leaders are doing. I’m so grateful that they’re giving all people a place to worship.”
The Tennessee Equality Project is fighting a series of bills, which some refer to as the “Slate of Hate,” that would target LGBTQ individuals. One bill would allow adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples on the basis of religious beliefs. Another bill would ban gay marriage in Tennessee while another would prevent government agencies from considering a business’s nondiscrimination policies before selecting a contract.
Swift was known for not speaking out about her political beliefs but last year she publicly endorsed former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen (D) over former Rep. Marsha Blackburn (R), who won the seat, in the Senate race. She cited Blackburn’s anti-LGBT views as part of the reason she supported Bredesen.
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PHOTOS: Shenandoah Valley Pride
LGBTQ celebration held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va.
The 2026 Shenandoah Valley Pride Festival was held at Turner Pavilion in Harrisonburg, Va. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
(Washington Blade photos by Landon Shackelford)
















Whitman-Walker Health held the 40th annual Walk and 5K to End HIV at Anacostia Park on Saturday, Sept. 19.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)



















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PHOTOS: Wanda Alston Foundation Fall Reception
LGBTQ youth services organization honors Robert White, Japer Bowles, Washington Capitals
The Wanda Alston Foundation held its Fall Reception at the Penthouse Rooftop at The Wharf on Friday, Sept. 18. Honorees included D.C. Councilmember Robert White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs Japer Bowles, and the Washington Capitals. Rayceen Pendarvis served as the emcee and entertainment was provided by the Thomas Circle Singers.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)





















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