OUTMemphis statement on State of the City protest and response

OUTMEMPHIS: MAYOR YOUNG OWES AN APOLOGY

Response to interruption by trans activist showed community wide disrespect

MEMPHIS — OUTMemphis CEO Molly Quinn released the following statement on the mayor’s response to a heckler at his State of the City address Feb. 10:

”I’m personally disappointed in the way the mayor misgendered a local activist, who he is likely familiar with, and the lack of kindness and respect it reveals. This was a public address for the entire community, and his actions to diminish a trans person from a powerful seat will only create more public permission for even meaner behavior in private settings.

“Protest is one of the only ways marginalized people can be heard, and OUTMemphis will always stand with the right to protest. Dissent is essential to democracy, and the mayor had a choice between disrespect or care in his response. We wish he had chosen care.

”Mayor Young has stood with us in the past, but he’s also collaborating with federal law enforcement and Elon Musk, who are doing us harm. This incident further challenges our faith in his willingness to protect us. I hope he can make this right and move forward. The mayor owes the community an apology and a promise to repair the damage.”