No Kings, Only Queens— OUTMemphis opposes National Guard Deployment

Safety

Oct 1

Last Updated: October 3, 2025

OUTMEMPHIS OPPOSES NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT

MEMPHIS — In solidarity with our fellow community organizations and the Free the 901 campaign, OUTMemphis stands in strong opposition to any proposal to use the National Guard to police our city.

“This is not a plan to make our city safer. It’s a show of force designed to intimidate opposition, politically divide our city and create the necessary unrest for the suspension of civil liberties,” said Molly Quinn, CEO of OUTMemphis. “As the leading service provider for the LGBTQ+ community in the Mid-South, we know what our community needs. People who have a job, health care and housing are unlikely to commit crimes of poverty or turn to violence.”

The LGBTQ+ community is especially vulnerable to adverse treatment by police, and an outside occupying force could be worse. A wide-ranging 2024 survey found that:

1 in 4 trangender people report experiencing physical force by police.
Trangender respondents were 3 times more likely to experience insulting language by police.
Almost 20% of LGBTQ+ people and 30% of transgender people have been arrested by police, compared to 14% of non-LGBTQ+ people.

“We are grateful to our allies across the progressive movement who are leading opposition to this, and we’re hoping for a more unified response from city and county leaders. LA and Chicago have proven that cities can stop this, but it takes courage and creativity to get it done.”

To join the campaign, educate yourself and your loved ones about risks to our community, and support the safety and well-being of all Memphians.

Learn more at upcoming informational sessions through: