Over the past year, our nation has seen a shocking increase of almost 150% in anti-Asian American hate crimes against our Asian neighbors, friends, colleagues, and community members. In recent weeks, harassment and physical violence against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has escalated, including the most recent killings in Georgia.
The racism and xenophobia that fuels these attacks on Asians are not new if you are a member of any marginalized community, but the level of hate and boldness of attacks are. All diverse communities must stand together and fight back against these dangerous and hateful actions. We have stood with our Muslim, Black, Jewish, Hispanic, Sikh, and too many other communities when they have also been targeted and attacked, and those communities have supported the LGBTQ+ community when we are attacked.
It is time again to stand up as one unified community to demand action and declare together that discrimination, bigotry, and violence against any fellow human being is wrong and will not be tolerated. The Nashville LGBT Chamber stands in solidarity with all who believe, as we do, that we must #StopAAPIHate.
You can see the full press release here with more information on ways to show support, educate yourself, and take action.
Next week will be the worst week we have seen at the State Capitol in regards to LGBT discrimination. There are 9 anti-LGBT discriminatory bills that will be heard and voted on. We will be doing everything we can to stop all of them but the road ahead is looking very rough. Read the full breakdown in the ADVOCATE section below and take action.
We held our 12th PM Brewing Up Business Thursday. One complete year of virtual connection and networking with the program that started us off as an organization 23 years ago. Oh how our programming has developed and grown along with our membership and our community. We are where we are because of you the members and supporters and we are going to emerge stronger than ever! Hang in there and stay focused a little while longer.