Last month Taylor Swift wrote an essay for Elle titled “30 Things I Learned Before Turning 30.” From her love of Command tape to the crumbling of her infamous squad, Taylor wrote a touching, honest piece for her fans. She also wrote about getting involved in politics, which she previously had kept private. She wrote:
“I saw so many issues that put our most vulnerable citizens at risk, and felt like I had to speak up to try and help make a change.”
Though critics felt her involvement in politics should have happened sooner given her platform, Taylor sure made up for it. She’s donating $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project, a group that advocates for LGBTQ equal rights in the state.
Taylor also sent a handwritten note to the organization’s leader, Chris Sanders. In her letter, Taylor explained her generous donation. Sanders then posted the letter to Facebook. “I’m writing you 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 state legislature,” she wrote. “Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and these leaders are doing. I’m so grateful that they’re giving all people a place to worship.”
The work the Tennessee Project is currently undertaking is critical to the LGBTQ+ community. The advocacy group is fighting anti- LGBTQ bills, such as one that allows adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples. The basis of the argument: religious beliefs. Plus, there is a “bathroom” bill that could lead to transgender discrimination. Sanders wrote in his post on Facebook, “Taylor Swift has been a longtime ally to the LGBTQ community. 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. Tennessee Equality Project is honored and grateful to reveal Taylor Swift has made a donation of $113,000 to support our efforts at this critical moment.”
And in typical Taylor Swift style, she left a little Easter-egg for her fans. She Taylor-made (pun intended) the donation the number 13, her longtime favorite number. Fans took to Twitter to express their love and support, including Ellen DeGeneres. “@TaylorSwift13, this lit up my heart.” Us too, Ellen, us too!