Image Credit: Memphis Public Libraries – Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library (Benjamin L. Hooks Central) / Facebook & OUTMemphis
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
A Memphis LGBTQ group responsible for a Drag Queen Storytime this past Saturday at a local public library financially supports illegal aliens through its OUTLast Emergency Assistance program.
OUTMemphis, a nonprofit group that hosts a variety of support groups and services for gay and trans youth and adults, provides financial support for LGBTQ adults “who are the most disenfranchised from social services and community support.” This includes Trans People of Color, LGBTQ Seniors, HIV positive adults, and Undocumented LGBTQ individuals.
An illegal alien who identifies as gay or trans may apply every month for help towards rent or utilities, groceries, or travel expenses.
On the application form, if identifying as undocumented, the definition for undocumented reads “undocumented means you are a person who entered the U.S. without inspection and proper permission from the government, or someone who entered with a legal visa that is no longer valid. This does not apply to someone who just happens to not have a government issued ID.”
If approved, a person in the country illegally could receive up to $500 towards rent or utilities once a quarter, a $100 Kroger gift card, or up to $50 for travel expenses such as a bus pass, Uber/Lyft, or for gas.
An audited financial statement from 2021, lists a local government grant of $103,247 to OUTMemphis. The group also has agreements at the county, state, and federal levels to receive federal grant money in exchange for providing certain services.
On September 7th, the Benjamin Hooks Central Library hosted Pride Fest which included a “Rainbow Family Storytime.”
Rainbow Family Storytime appears to be just another moniker for Drag Queen Storytime. An attendee had nothing but compliments for the storyteller, “Ms. Mothy, who is an activist and drag queen and a complete and total vision in blue-green.”
The “Magical Miss Mothie” says on his official Facebook page intro that he is an “Artist, Entertainer, and sociopath.” On his website, Mothie – also known as Moth Moth Moth – states that he is “an inter-dimensional insectoid witch princess, who’s taken refuge on Earth.”
According to Memphis Public Libraries (MPL), the Rainbow Family Storytime in Memphis has been part of MPL’s efforts to provide for the “growing need for LBGTQ+ inclusive programs” since 2019. The storytime sessions “ensure that library offerings are reflective of [the] diverse composition of the City of Memphis.”
MPL was “inspired” to work with OUTMemphis and host the storytimes due to Tennessee becoming “the first state to restrict public drag performances” and banning “gender-affirming healthcare for transgender youth.” And while stating that the reason for creating the program was due to politics, they claim that “the library is not a political battleground” but a “safe space.”
The youth arm of OUTMemphis – PRYSM – was also represented at Pride Fest on Saturday. Some of PRYSM’s services throughout Shelby County, include connecting families with children as young as 12 to “gender-affirming care” and the “perfect therapist,” providing support for social transitioning, and help with name and gender marker changes.
Youth Services (PRYSM) – Includes Social Support Programs, Such As Group Meetings And Events, For 12-17 Year Olds And Their Caregivers; Mental Health Support Groups For Caregivers; Advocacy For Adolescent And Parent Rights, Including School, Healthcare, And Other Areas; And Healthcare Navigation, Including Comprehensive Referrals And Case Management For Physical, Mental, And Gender-Affirming Care.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Memphis, TN’s dark spot, Jackson too.