Get Real Johnson City is a campaign with the goal of increasing LGBTQ+ equality efforts in Johnson City, TN. The Human Rights Campaign puts out a yearly Municipal Equality Index that scores cities on their efforts at increasing LGBTQ+ equality at the municipal level. In 2023, out of 100 possible points Johnson City scored a 12. In reaction to this report, our founder, Tessa Williams, designed this campaign to help Johnson City become a more welcoming and equitable city for the LGBTQ+ community. They identified that the first step to achieving this goal was to establish a Human Rights Commission in the city. This commission would act as a bridge between the city and it's constituents giving the LGBTQ+ and other minority communities a voice in their local government. From there, the city and community could work together to make Johnson City a safer, more hospitable, and more equitable city for all.
Blue Plum Festival in Johnson CIty, TN June 7-8th, 2024
Rainbow Festival in Johnson City, TN June 29th, 2024 10am - 8pm
Color Appalachia with Pride in Bristol, TN October 12th, 2024
This T-shirt design is inspired by the iconic Silence = Death poster created during the aids pandemic that reclaimed the pink triangle. Originally used as an identifier for homosexuals in Nazi concentration camps, it is now a symbol of strength and unity in the face of stigma and oppression.
The design for this hat was inspired by the Lavender Menace shirts created by a self describe group of "Radicalesbians" who reclaimed the term that was originally used as a derogatory term for lesbians who were seen as a threat to the women's liberation movement.
This button is an original design for the campaign, but takes inspiration from the impact campaign buttons and their messages had for the LGBTQ+ movement throughout history.
Show your support with this campaign sticker designed to represent the voices of the LGBTQ+ community in Johnson City that demand to be heard.
We determined that the first step in enacting change for the LGBTQ+ community in Johnson City is to establish a Human Rights Commission. These commissions do important work in identifying and eliminating discrimination by investigating complaints, educating the city, and giving a voice to minority communities. Sign the petition to support establishing a Human Rights Commission in Johnson City, TN.
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