Taylor Swift Just Donated $113,000 To An Organisation That Fights Anti-LGBT Laws In Tennessee

    "She sees our struggle in Tennessee and continues to add her voice with so many good people ... who are speaking out for love in the face of fear."

    Ellie Bate
    by Ellie Bate

    BuzzFeed Staff

    Taylor Swift has donated $113,000 to the Tennessee Equality Project, a nonprofit organisation that actively fights anti-LGBT legislation in the state of Tennessee.

    Axelle / FilmMagic

    In case you're curious about the very specific sum, 13 is Taylor's lucky number.

    The group's leader, Chris Sanders, shared the news on Facebook on Monday alongside a photo of a handwritten note from Taylor explaining why she decided to make the donation.

    Chris Sanders / Facebook: tnequality

    "Taylor Swift has been a long-time ally to the LGBTQ community," he wrote in the post. "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."

    Taylor's note reads:

    Dear Chris,

    I'm writing you to say that I'm so inspired by the work you do, specifically in organising the recent petition of Tennessee faith leaders standing up against the 'Slate of Hate' in our state legislature. Please convey my heartfelt thanks to them and accept this donation to support the work you and those leaders are doing.

    I'm so grateful that they're giving all people a place to worship.

    Sincerely, Taylor Swift

    In October last year, Taylor cited the importance of LGBT rights as one of her reasons for endorsing Democratic candidate Phil Bredesen for Senate.

    In fact, Taylor has been vocal about her support for LGBT rights for quite some time now.

    Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

    She recognised Pride Month this past June, dedicating her song "Delicate" to the LGBT community during a show of her Reputation Stadium Tour.

    lovestory.tumblr.com

    Taylor also dedicated a performance of another song — "Invisible" — to a fan who told her it had helped him come out, and she surprised fans with a performance of "Delicate" alongside Hayley Kiyoko at an Ally Coalition show in December.

    Many people — including stars like Ellen DeGeneres and Katy Perry — shared their appreciation for Taylor's support of the community.

    Ellen DeGeneres @TheEllenShow

    .@TaylorSwift13, this lit up my heart. https://t.co/xfkRNvbPOt

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    Taylor Swift Updates @TSUpdatesNY

    📲 | Katy Perry liked these tweets about Taylor’s $113k donation to the TEP Foundation 🏳️‍🌈

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    Nashville LGBT Chamber @NashLGBTCC

    What an ally the community has! Taylor Swift, thank you so much for supporting our community and standing for equality. The Tennessee Equality Project is an incredible partner and organization and worthy of your incredible support. https://t.co/ria19mvB9a

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    abigail🦋 @rainstormmswift

    on today's episode of "i didn't think i could love taylor swift any more than i already do but here i am"

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    CORRECTION

    Phil Bredesen's name was misspelled in an earlier version of this post.