<BillNo> <Sponsor>
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 52
By Behn
HJR0052
001851
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A RESOLUTION to honor the life and legacy of Darek Tanner.
WHEREAS, we wish to honor the life of Darek Tanner, a beloved member of the
Nashville LGBTQ+ community and the longtime proprietor of Canvas Lounge, for his
extraordinary contributions to creating a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for all; and
WHEREAS, Darek Tanner opened Canvas Lounge in 2010 with a vision to provide a
space where everyone could feel at home, regardless of their background, identity, or self-
expression. Through his dedication, Canvas Lounge became a sanctuary for many in the
LGBTQ+ community and beyond, hosting drag shows and dance parties and forming
partnerships with organizations such as Nashville CARES; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Tanner's legacy extends far beyond Canvas Lounge; his life was a
testament to kindness, love, and the power of community. He created a place where individuals
could find chosen family and express their authentic selves, embodying his philosophy that
everyone deserves to be celebrated and accepted; and
WHEREAS, his relocation of Canvas Lounge to East Nashville in 2022 further
demonstrated his commitment to fostering connections and being woven into the fabric of his
neighborhood; the establishment enriched the lives of all who came through its doors; and
WHEREAS, the Nashville community mourns the loss of a trailblazer who turned a
dream into a reality, leaving an indelible mark on countless lives through his compassion, vision,
and steadfast dedication to inclusivity; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED
FOURTEENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE SENATE
CONCURRING, that we honor the memory of Darek Tanner for his lifelong contributions to the
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LGBTQ+ community, his leadership in making Nashville a better and more loving place, and his
legacy of creating a space where all could feel safe, valued, and celebrated.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Tanner's
family, friends, and the entire Canvas Lounge community and that a copy of this resolution be
presented to his loved ones as a symbol of our respect and gratitude for his enduring impact.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared
for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy and upon proper request made to
the appropriate clerk, the language appearing immediately following the State seal appear
without House or Senate designation.