Georgia Equality

Watching the DNC this week? We've been delighted to see a few familiar faces in the crowd, including our friend and supporter, Blake Robinson, who is serving as a delegate for Georgia's 8th Congressional District.

Blake gives Georgia Equality a great shoutout in this feature from GLAAD on southern LGBTQ delegates– check it out!

https://glaad.org/making-history-being-heard-lgbtq-southern-delegates-are-taking-up-space-at-the-dnc/

In honor of Southern HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on August 20, the Georgia Equality team was proud to launch our first ever Monthly Youth Zine. This first issue, called "Georgia's Red Ribbon Chronicles," reviews the history of HIV in Georgia.

Understanding the history of HIV/AIDS is crucial because it shows us the struggles and triumphs of those who fought to overcome stigma, save lives, and bring about change. By learning about the past, we can better appreciate the progress made in treatment, prevention, and awareness while staying informed to protect ourselves and others.

Read the zine here: https://georgiaequality.org/zine-1

In honor of 🏳️‍⚧️ Transgender Flag Day 🏳️‍⚧️, today we're re-sharing our interview with the creator of the transgender flag, Monica Helms. On this day in 1999, Monica designed the flag to represent the journey of transition and the diversity of the gender spectrum.

Despite being best known for her creation of the flag, Monica has been a trailblazer throughout her life. To learn more about her life and work, please check out our interview with her: https://georgiaequality.org/2023/11/trans-trailblazer-monica-helms/

Big news! The Board of Directors of Georgia Equality is proud to announce its endorsements for the state legislature in the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024. We are fortunate to have an impressive slate of pro-equality candidates this year, and we look forward to supporting their candidacies!

Be sure to keep an eye out for local race endorsements still to come closer to the election.

See our endorsements: https://georgiaequalitypac.org/2024-endorsements/

Heads up! Our monthly newsletter is coming out tomorrow. Sign-up now to receive key news updates, action alerts, and upcoming events relevant to Georgia's LGBTQ community.

Go to https://georgiaequality.org/emails to get started.

Looking for a mid-week pick-me-up by helping advance LGBTQ+ equality? Join us in-person at the Georgia Equality office for volunteer night, happening every Wednesday evening from 6-9pm!

Our volunteers play a vital role in spreading word about our work statewide, helping us to turn out the vote, and more.

Food will be provided, but space is limited. Please RSVP first to [email protected] for more details!

In honor of the Olympics ending this weekend, today we're highlighting a little-known piece of our local history: how the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta impacted the larger fight for LGBTQ equality in Cobb County.

This past month, BBC Sports released a podcast series called "Olympics out of Cobb," which does a deep dive into this historic campaign. As we work to expand non-discrimination protections in Cobb County, this oral history is especially relevant.

Listen now: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0jcg3lj

And find the full list of episodes here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p016tmfz/episodes/player

Did you hear the news? Georgia Equality is proud to once again be a beneficiary for AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run! Not only is this a critical, awareness-raising event, but it's also vital towards funding our advocacy work for LGBTQ Georgians and all those living with HIV in Georgia.

Every dollar you give to Georgia Equality will be MATCHED– meaning double the impact and double the good we're able to do.

Consider joining our team to walk with us or supporting with a donation at: http://www.aidswalkatlanta.org/goto/Georgia_Equality

The Georgia Equality team is glad to be back home in Georgia after spending last week in Portland, Oregon for the annual Equality Federation Institute Leadership Conference!

We got to meet with other state-based partner organizations, connect with national partners and funders, and learn from one another to better serve our communities. Georgia Equality staff were also able to present at several sessions about our work– everything from independent expenditures, to funding partnerships, to creative programmatic work to serve LGBTQ+ Georgians.

Thanks to all of our friends at the for a great week and we can't wait for next summer to do it all again!

Anti-LGBTQ activists are pushing harder than ever at the ballot box. You may have heard of “Project 2025,” a playbook that encourages the federal government to implement dangerous policies that attack our rights.

The “Project 2025” playbook is an existential threat to us, our families, and the broader LGBTQ community. This year, communities have rejected anti-LGBTQ politicians' attacks in states across the nation. LGBTQ people, our families, health care providers, teachers and more, are fighting back against dangerous bills and turning the political tide.

This November, we have an opportunity to elect leaders who will defend the individual freedoms of ALL Americans. Make sure you’re registered to vote at: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/

Georgia Equality had so much fun cohosting a Pride is on the Ballot event last night with Voters of Tomorrow Georgia! We are glad our space can be a community space where the LGBTQ+ community can come together and have moments of while we organize together.

Thank you to everyone who came out including our friends at HRC Atlanta, JD Jordan for the 56, and Voters of Tomorrow!

Are you savvy with social media? Spend too long scrolling your FYP on TikTok? Passionate about advancing LGBTQ rights in Georgia?

Georgia Equality is looking for a full-time digital media and storytelling organizer to join the communications team for a one-year fellowship! The fellow will play a key role in mobilizing digital engagement in the fight for LGBTQ equality.

See the job listing: https://georgiaequality.org/2024/07/digital-organizing-fellow/

Today is Zero HIV Stigma Day, a day of action to reshape perceptions, inspire empathy, and drive collective action towards a world free from HIV-related stigma.

HIV stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and discrimination that people affected by HIV may experience. It involves both institutional and individual prejudice and marginalization– which in turn can have detrimental impacts on those affected by HIV by hindering access to prevention, care, and support.

The HIV epidemic can't be ended without also ending HIV stigma. Only by having open conversations about HIV prevention, treatment, and care, while also shifting perceptions, can we collectively create a world that supports people living with and affected by HIV that fosters community resilience and empowerment.

Pride Month may be over, but supporting LGBTQ rights is a year-round activity!

We are so grateful to those who have supported our AIDS Walk Atlanta team so far. Special shoutout to Team Lis Smash strength training for turning their $8,000 raised during the Rainbow Deadlift Showdown into $16,000 by donating through AIDS Walk Atlanta!

That's right: every dollar raised for Georgia Equality through AIDS Walk Atlanta will be MATCHED dollar for dollar! AIDS Walk Atlanta is one of the best ways to make your money go even further.

Interested in supporting our work? Join Team Georgia Equality or make a donation to support at: http://www.aidswalkatlanta.org/goto/Georgia_Equality

Today is International Drag Day, a day to celebrate and honor the art of drag and drag culture!

In a time when drag is being increasingly targeted by hateful, misinformed attacks, it's important to remember that the art of drag has a rich, long-standing history and that .

Today is International Non-Binary People's Day! Today, we recognize and honor the unique experiences of non-binary people.

When so many are raised to believe that they must fit within the traditional gender binary, it is incredibly important to uplift non-binary visibility and to affirm non-binary identities, demonstrating that non-binary folks are valid and deserving of love and support.

Non-binary friends, we see you, we hear you, and we celebrate you today and every day! 💛💜🖤

With the general election quickly approaching, now is the time to check or update your voter registration!

If you've recently...
- Turned 18
- Moved
- Changed your name
- Gotten 'off paper'.. then you need to update your voter registration!

Go to www.georgiaequality.org/registertovote to get started.

Heads up! Our monthly newsletter is coming out soon. Sign-up now to receive key news updates, action alerts, and upcoming events relevant to Georgia's LGBTQ community.

Go to https://georgiaequality.org/emails to get started.

In response to the Biden administration’s recent position statement opposing the full continuum of medical care for transgender youth, Georgia Equality reaffirms that we stand unequivocally on the side of trans youth and of best practices medical science.

This wide range of best practices medical care for trans youth includes both medical and mental health support to ensure all transgender and gender expansive youth are able to grow into healthy, thriving adults. Comprehensive access to medical care for trans youth is supported by every major medical association.

The Biden administration’s statement is deeply disappointing following their assured support of trans youth, and we encourage the administration to prioritize trans youth, their families, and medical professionals over politics.

The Georgia Equality team had a great day at yesterday, and we were especially grateful to meet , the first Gen Z member of Congress!

His brief speech encouraged young people to register to vote, and our canvassers and volunteers got to see folks change their minds in real time about engaging in our democracy by registering to vote with us.

What a special day! Thanks to all who came out to see us and especially to Congressman Frost!

NOW HIRING: Georgia Equality is seeking a talented Deputy Director to join our team.

The Deputy Director plays a vital role in supporting the Executive Director’s management and leadership; ensuring that all Georgia Equality programs advance our strategic priorities, are professionally implemented, and are integrated with each other; and facilitating smooth organizational operations.

Interested or know someone who would be a great fit? Check out the job description and apply at: https://georgiaequality.org/2024/06/apply-now-deputy-director/

Today is National ! The theme for 2024, “Level up your self-love: check your status” emphasizes valuing yourself, showing yourself compassion and respect, and honoring your health needs with self-love. Knowing your HIV status helps you choose options to stay healthy!

No matter how you test, no matter your test results, you can take this important next step for your health. Find HIV testing options: https://bit.ly/3LVPmav

The Georgia Equality team was out in full force in coastal Georgia today at both and ’s Stonewall Block Party!

Thanks to all who came out to see us today! 🏳️‍🌈🩷🏳️‍⚧️

BREAKING: We are so proud to announce that for the third year in a row, Georgia Equality been selected as a beneficiary of AIDS Walk Atlanta & 5K Run!

Dozens applied, but we will get to fundraise with a guaranteed MATCH– that's 2x the impact– to support our work of advocating for LGBTQ Georgians and all people living with HIV throughout the state!

Join our team & support: https://www.aidswalkatlanta.org/goto/Georgia_Equality

On this day, we recognize and honor Juneteenth. On June 19, 1865, news of the ratification of the 13th Amendment came to Galveston, TX, bringing freedom to some of the last enslaved Black Americans.

With Juneteenth taking place during Pride Month, we also use this day to recognize the intersections of oppression– highlighting the ways that white supremacy and cultural hegemony have compounding impacts on Black LGBTQ+ people.

This day also reminds us of the ongoing impact that our nation's history has on the lives of marginalized individuals and their communities. Only when we honor and acknowledge our history can we begin to right historical injustices.

We wish all a Juneteenth full of reflection, rest, and community.

🚨🚨Preliminary runoff election results: Three of Georgia Equality’s endorsed candidates facing runoffs won their elections tonight!

Congratulations to Kenya Wicks, Mo Ivory, and we are particularly proud to congratulate Rashaun Kemp who won his primary race for Senate District 38 after a tough campaign, and thousands of texts and mail from Georgia Equality PAC and our volunteers. If Rashaun wins in November, he’ll become only the second openly LGBTQ+ state senator in Georgia!

Today is the runoff election for the primary and nonpartisan elections! The polls are open today, June 18th, until 7pm.

Georgia Equality has 4 endorsed candidates currently in runoff races, including:
- RaShaun L. Kemp for Senate District 38
- Vote 4 Kenya Wicks for Senate District 34
- Juawn A. Jackson for House District 145
- Mo Ivory for Fulton County Commission District 4

As a reminder, legislative districts have changed this year. Check your precinct location and view your sample ballot here: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov/s/

And for more on our endorsements, click here: https://georgiaequalitypac.org/2024pnpendorsements/

Thank you, Senator Jon Ossoff, for your wishes for a happy Pride Month! “Please know that I will remain a steadfast ally for human rights and for equality, for the dignity of every single Georgian, every single American, and every single human being,” Sen. Ossoff said.

We're grateful to have a Senator committed to advancing fairness, safety, and opportunity for LGBTQ Georgians.

Sen. Ossoff 2024 Pride Month Message

The June 18 runoff for the primary and nonpartisan election is quickly approaching, and early voting is HAPPENING NOW! You have until Friday, June 14, to cast your ballot early.

Hours for early voting may vary by county, so be sure to check your county's elections website to confirm precinct locations and hours.

Georgia Equality has 4 endorsed candidates currently in runoff races, including:
- RaShaun Kemp for Senate District 38
- Kenya Wicks for Senate District 34
- Juawn Jackson for House District 145
- Mo Ivory for Fulton County Commission District 4

Remember that state legislative districts have changed, so please confirm your voting information before voting at: https://mvp.sos.ga.gov

Early voting is happening this week for the June 18 runoff and we need your help to get out the vote across the state of Georgia!

Join us in-person at the Georgia Equality office for in-person volunteer night, happening Wednesday, 6/12, from 6-9pm.

Food will be provided, but space is limited. Please RSVP first to [email protected] for more details.