Franklin, a historic town located about 30 minutes away from Nashville, has held a Pride festival without incident for the past two years. However, this year’s Pride festival has become a point of contention in a town that has seen an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ activism.
The city’s governing board is set to vote on whether to approve the festival’s permit, along with a “community decency” resolution that would define indecent behavior. The vote comes after a public forum where citizens vehemently denounced the Pride event and LGBTQ+ people in general. Many of the speakers used anti-LGBTQ+ myths in their testimony, citing the Bible and religion as well.
While six people, mostly Pride organizers, spoke in favor of granting the festival’s permit, 30 attendees wore “Choose Decency” stickers, calling for the cancellation of the event. Some speakers claimed that the event is part of a social change agenda seeking to destroy religion, community, and family. The organizer of Moms for Liberty, a right-wing group, echoed these sentiments.
LGBTQ+ Franklin residents expressed dismay that the Pride festival has become so controversial. Franklin Pride’s president, Clayton Klutts, said that not allowing a Pride event in 2023 is hard to fathom. He also expressed concerns about the “community decency” measure, which could limit public displays of affection.
Retired teacher Tom Rice noted that some who testified against the Pride permit were “vicious.” He told NBC that they “wish we didn’t exist.”
Tennessee has been in the forefront of passing anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including a ban on gender-affirming health care for trans youth and restrictions on drag shows. Franklin Pride organizers agreed not to include a drag performance in this year’s festival, but the drag show law remains blocked by a court.
The vote on the Pride festival permit and the “community decency” resolution will determine whether Franklin, Tennessee, joins the fight against LGBTQ+ rights. The town’s residents await the decision anxiously.
Spencer Lyst, a gay high school student, testified in favor of the Pride festival and assured opponents that he is not motivated by Satan. He hopes that the city board will allow him and others to “be free to be myself.”