Taylor Swift Puts Her Money Where Her Politics Are with Hefty Donation to Fight Anti-LGBTQ Legislation

After years of silence on political and social issues, a newly proactive Taylor Swift has put her money where her politics are with a sizable donation in her home state of Tennessee to fight anti-LGTBQ+ legislation.

Executive director Chris Sanders of the Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) took to the organization's Facebook page with the news that the singer has donated $113,000 to the cause.

He included in his post an image of the handwritten letter Swift wrote to accompany her donation, where she applauded faith leaders in the state for "standing up against the 'Slate of Hate' in our state legislature."

"Slate of hate" is an expression coined by TEP to describe the bills which the organization says "promote state-sanctioned discrimination."

"Taylor Swift has been a long-time ally to the LGBTQ community," wrote Sanders. "She sees our struggle in Tennessee and continues to add her voice with so many good people, including religious leaders, who are speaking out for love in the face of fear."

The full text of Swift's letter follows:

April 8, 2019

Dear Chris,

I'm writing 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 stage legislature. 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.

Sincerely,

Taylor Swift

There are a dozen bills being targeted by TEP, with Swift's support, including topical issues like adoption discrimination, transgender bathrooms, marriage equality and more, as detailed on the group's official site and NBC News. More than 100 faith leaders have signed a statement denouncing the bills that supporters say are about protecting religious freedom.

Swift has admitted she is only recently finding her voice on political and social issues, shocking the world when she came out publicly in support of the Democratic candidate in her home state's Senate race. One of the primary reasons for her endorsement -- as well as a successful call for voter registration -- was former Gov. Phil Bredesen's support for LGBTQ+ rights.

The singer indicated then that she wants to get more involved moving forward in her career, and clearly she meant it.

Got a story or a tip for us? Email TooFab editors at tips@toofab.com.