Mississippi poised to elect state's first-ever Gay legislator
Voters in Mississippi's House of Representatives District 66, located in the Jackson metro area, handed Fabian Nelson, a Gay Black man, a victory in the Democratic primary runoff election against Roshunda Harris-Allen, ensuring his victory in November's uncontested general election.

According to Advocate.com, Nelson, a 38-year old real estate professional, will be the state's first out Queer legislator in its history. Mississippi is one of only two states (with Louisiana) never to have had openly Queer members of the state legislature.

"I still think I'm in a dream. I'm still trying to process it and take it in," Nelson told the Associated Press Wednesday. "It's still shocking to me, I have to be honest."

The district's incumbent, Democrat De'Keither Stamps, did not seek reelection, as he is running for the Mississippi Public Service Commission. Nelson had run unsuccessfully against Stamps for the District 66 House seat in 2020.

Nelson's priorities as a state representative will include better funding for education, supporting small businesses, and expanding Medicaid. He plans to be a voice for marginalized people in the deeply conservative state.

Nelson's victory "sends a real message in a time when we are seeing attacks legislatively and through violence against the LGBTQ+ community that the majority of people reject that kind of animus," Rob Hill, state director of HRC's Mississippi chapter, told the AP. "I think a lot of youth around the state who have felt like their leaders are rejecting them or targeting them won't feel as lonely today."

Nelson vowed to fight legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ people and other oppressed groups in Mississippi. "At the end of the day, I put my suit on the same way every other person who walks in that statehouse does," he told the AP. "I'm going to walk in there, and I'm going to be a sound voice as to why things like this can't continue to go on in the state of Mississippi."

Judge blocks Tennessee drag ban
A federal court has issued a decision temporarily suspending the enforcement of Tennessee's controversial anti-drag legislation for an upcoming event, the Blount County Pride Festival.

According to Advocate.com, the legislation, officially referred to as the Adult Entertainment Act, restricts certain performances, such as drag shows, from occurring in public venues that could be frequented by minors. The festival faced concerns when local law enforcement authorities signaled their intent to enforce the contested law, despite a prior court having ruled it unconstitutional.

The suspension effectively prevents the enforcement of the anti-drag legislation in the context of the festival. The ruling allows organizers to proceed with the event without the immediate danger of legal repercussions.

Blount County Pride Festival's headliner, Matthew Blake Lovegood, known for performing in drag as Flamy Grant, responded to the situation by taking legal action against Blount County District Attorney Ryan Desmond and other public officials.

Lovegood filed a lawsuit in the US District Court in Eastern Tennessee, arguing that Desmond's letter was a "blatant attempt to chill Plaintiffs' speech and expression protected under the First Amendment." In the suit, Lovegood sought a temporary restraining order to prevent the enforcement of the Adult Entertainment Act at the event.

Judge Ronnie Greer ruled in the festival's favor, acknowledging that Pride organizers and Lovegood are likely to succeed in their suit. He emphasized that they would probably suffer "irreparable harm" if the anti-drag law's enforcement proceeds.

Notably, Judge Greer highlighted that "District Attorney Desmond appears to concede that Plaintiffs would pose no harm to children through their onstage performances."

The American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, representing the plaintiffs, released a statement celebrating the court's decision. Legal Director Stella Yarbrough stated, "This ruling reinforces that drag performance is constitutionally protected expression under the First Amendment, regardless of where in the state it is performed. To anyone else seeking to restrict the constitutional right of drag performance, you'll see us in court."

Ari Baker, president of Blount County Pride's board, expressed relief and gratitude, saying, "We are relieved that the court has taken action to ensure that law enforcement will not wrongly apply this unconstitutional law. This ruling allows us to fully realize Blount Pride's goal of creating a safe place for LGBTQ people to connect, celebrate, and share resources. We appreciate the community support and look forward to celebrating with you all on Saturday."

Lovegood, who has recently achieved recognition on iTunes Christian album and singles charts, emphasized the importance of the First Amendment rights in this context. "This ruling confirms that despite continued attempts to remove LGBTQ people from public life, our First Amendment rights matter just as much as anyone else's. Our fundamental right to exist as we are and to gather in celebration with our community is protected by the First Amendment on and off the stage."