Synopsis: As we close out Pride month, we thought it was a good time to check in with two leading voices for LGBTQ rights in the South: Chris Sanders of the Tennessee Equality Project and Jeff Graham of Georgia Equality. We spoke just a few days after the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the case of U.S. v. Skrmetti, and Sanders and Graham had a lot to say about the ongoing political and legal attacks on transgender people and the queer community more broadly. Both said they hear a lot of anger and fear, but also a determination to keep fighting for equality. Also: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pulls a last-minute reverse on the state's ban of hemp-derived THC products; Mississippi faces a lawsuit over yet another anti-DEI bill; and with a group of six Southern state university systems announces the formation of a new accrediting body, which Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis promises will challenge what he called the "woke accreditation cartels." Plus: a look at some of the oldest and most creative 4th of July celebrations across the South.

Show Notes: "Gov. Greg Abbott vetoes THC ban, calls for regulation instead" The Texas Tribune "Game changer? Fresh face enters Texas governor race" San Antonio News

"Teaching the Holocaust Just Got Harder in Mississippi" The Bulwark

Mississippi House Bill 1193

Gatlinburg 4th of July Midnight Parade

Thunderfest(Bowling Green, Ky.)

Panama City Beach 4th of July

CONTACT: Jesse Mayshark [email protected] (865) 214-7764