Whether they were talking about it or eating it, “gumbo” was on everybody’s lips at the Tennessee Equality Project Gumbo Contest, held February 16th at the Memphis Sports and Events Center.
Kristie Jeffrey
Ashley Moore
Pat McCooter
More than 200 people turned out for the event, which featured 11 teams, says Dabney Ring, an event committee member.
It was the project’s 12th gumbo contest, Ring says. “It went well,” she says. “We had a bigger crowd and raised more money than last year. It’s important because the money raised goes for state and local advocacy for the LGBTQ community.”
And, she says, “Not only do we talk with our state reps and senators, but we also do outreach and education all over the state, including — and probably most importantly — the rural areas that don’t really have a lot of resources. So, we try and provide everything that we can.”
Sister Squeegee Jubilee of Blue Suede Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
Maniae Valentine
As for how much money they raised, Ring says, “We raised above expectations.”
AD and the Vibe played music to eat gumbo by.
