Tennessee Transgender Flag

[Guest Erika_1984]

This was an idea of a flag I had made in Inkscape (using the transgender symbol from Wikipedia), and even negotiated with a local flag-making company, but it would have costed a $100 at minimum and no one would fund it. It's based on Tennessee's flag, adding the transgender symbol in and making it like the Swiss flag, with it's fly and hoist having the same length. Nevertheless, this is the flag in question:

[Carolyn Marie]

I think its lovely, Erika. Very nice work.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[Guest damera]

Having lived in TN for 17 years I wish there was room in the minds of most folks for that flag. I think it is well done, very creative. Unfortunately in a state that wants everyone to carry a gun everywhere (except the state legislature) and where people vote against their own best interests I would be afraid for your safety.

I am a crossdresser and don't dare be seen even in Knoxville. I can only imagine the grief you have experienced. Please know at least one crossdresser and his wife support your cause. Damera

[Guest Kalie Aowynn]

Damn Erika,

You have caused my brain to start seeing the possibilities of an Arizona trangendered flag now lol. I really want to be the one to design it too. Thank you so much for that.

Kalie

[Guest sydney]

Awesome Flag. Even though I don't live in TN anymore (was born in Knoxville) I still have friends and family there. (All my friends have given my 100% support, and most of my family.) I will probably be in Knoxville and Kingston on Memorial Day Weekend. Even though TN has some really messed up legislators, there are a lot of people that support the LGBT community in TN.

[Guest Nikkichick33]

Hi Erika, Lovely flag. But,Here is the best advice i can give. pack up,Move out of that backwards pathetic state and do not even look back!! i wish you the very best..

Nikki.

[Guest ashleynikole]

That's sort of close to the TTPC logo now. http://ttgpac.com/

@Sydney, if you make it to the Nashville area, let me know, I'd love to hang out and chat.

[Guest Nikkichick33]

Sydney, R U losing it girl! :-) Lots of people that support LGBT in TN! The most backwoods,Sad pathetic state ever.. I totally doubt that one!

Nikki.

[Guest Erika_1984]

Hi Erika, Lovely flag. But,Here is the best advice i can give. pack up,Move out of that backwards pathetic state and do not even look back!! i wish you the very best..

Nikki.

My cardiologist of all people has suggested the same thing (as she talks to you about other aspects of your life), saying that I should leave Tennessee for my mental health. Basically, I'm waiting to see if I can get SRS covered through my present employer self-funded plan before doing that, though. It's been a long process and I even haven't had my first answer back yet (which will probably be 'no' even with the best paperwork; then again, I know a lot on individual plans in states like California where exclusions were made illegal have to deal with appeals, too). If I ultimately fail in my request for preauthorization, then leaving this state would probably move up higher on the list.

[Guest Nikkichick33]

Yes, I totally understand. I live in knoxville. I have heard that even with SRS, They still will not allow you to change your gender marker on anything. can you imagine. Having female plumbing but still being seen as male when applying for jobs and having to use male bathrooms! This state is sooo totally behind the times.

Nikki

[Guest sydney]

Sydney, R U losing it girl! :-) Lots of people that support LGBT in TN! The most backwoods,Sad pathetic state ever.. I totally doubt that one!

Nikki.

Only in certain areas. (The more transient parts, like UT, West Knoxville, etc.)

Yes, I totally understand. I live in knoxville. I have heard that even with SRS, They still will not allow you to change your gender marker on anything. can you imagine. Having female plumbing but still being seen as male when applying for jobs and having to use male bathrooms! This state is sooo totally behind the times.

Nikki

I was in the Knoxville area 2 weeks ago just for a few days to see wife's family in Kingston. (Not LGBT friendly.) We went to West Towne mall in West Knoxville to the Apple store to upgrade my mother-in-law's phone to an iPhone. (We share a family account even though we are in NJ.) Since the account is in my male name (I still have a male ID till June) I had to show my male ID to the Apple employee to upgrade the phone and didn't have any issues. (Of course Apple has great LGBT corporate policies.) If this had been in North Knoxville, Halls, any Maryville, I'm sure it would have been different.

I didn't have any issues using the women's room, but I admit I did get scared during one incident, but it was all in my head. When we were driving through Cleveland, TN (I-75) we stopped at a Love's Truck Stop for some coffee and bathroom break. I was walking out of the women's room (I've been passing 100%) and a female sheriff's office starts walking towards me. (I do have a letter, but I don't think that would help in TN.) The worst thoughts on what was about happen entered my head. All she did was smile and said hello and I answered back and she continued into the women's room.

I have heard on someone in Knoxville that was able to get there gender and name changed on their driver's license (only) in Knoxville without SRS. However it wasn't easy and really depends on the judge you get from what they said. However, no matter what birth certificate can't be changed for any reason.