Transgender Trailblazer: Monica Helms

In honor of Transgender Awareness Month, Georgia Equality was fortunate to interview transgender trailblazer, Monica Helms. Monica Helms is the creator of the transgender pride flag and the founder of the Transgender American Veterans Association.

The interview is conducted by Jessica Douglas, Development & Communications Manager, denoted by “J,” and Monica Helms, “M.”

J: Monica, I am really glad that you were able to take the time to speak with us.

M: Yeah, definitely, I’ve always supported Georgia Equality. I enjoy the work they do; it’s great stuff.

J: Thank you so much, I really appreciate that. Let’s go ahead and get started then. Let’s start with a bit about your background and sort of how you got into this work. Continue reading


Asexuality Awareness Week 2023: Visibility for the Invisible Orientation

by Yaron Bernstein, Development & Communications Intern

Do you know what the A in LGBTQIA+ stands for? Until a few years ago, I assumed that it meant ally, a label I was fairly confident applied to me. Then, I learned about asexuality through an online video and learned that it is what the A actually stands for. Shortly thereafter, I began identifying as asexual; it turns out the only reason I hadn’t known I was asexual all my life is because I didn’t know it was a thing that I could be. This is a story not unique to the asexual experience, but the degree of unawareness of, even within the LGBTQIA+ community, has led to its being known as the “invisible orientation,” which is why events such as Ace Awareness Week– October 22-28– and International Asexuality Day–April 6th– are so important. It’s not just about showing pride and supporting our community, it is about reminding the world, and ourselves, that we exist. It is making the invisible visible. Continue reading


Federal Judge Restores Access to Gender-Affirming Care for Georgia Transgender Youth

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ATLANTA, GA (August 21, 2023) – On Sunday night, a federal judge issued a temporary injunction halting provisions of Senate Bill 140, Georgia’s restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, from taking effect while a legal case challenging the legislation proceeds.

“The federal Judge confirms what so many families and transgender youth have been saying all along: that bans against healthcare are harmful, dangerous, discriminatory, and illegal,” said Georgia Equality’s executive director Jeff Graham. “It is our hope that this loss, and its echoes all over the country, along with overwhelming public opposition, will discourage any further legislative action targeting trans folks when the General Assembly convenes again in January.” 

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Apply Now: Development & Communications Intern

Fall Semester Development & Communications Intern

Duration: 10-12 weeks

Students receiving course credit preferred, not required.

Hours: The candidate must firmly commit to at least 10 hours per week with daily hours depending on the student’s class schedule and availability.

Location: Internship will be primarily remote, with some in-person, off-site events to be done. Occasional visits to Georgia Equality office (1530 DeKalb Avenue, Atlanta, GA) may be requested. Continue reading


Dr. Fred Richter, Champion for Equality

On July 29, 2023 in Statesboro, Georgia Equality was proud to honor Dr. Fred Richter with the Champion for Equality Award due to his hard work to advance fairness, safety, and opportunity for LGBTQ+ people in Statesboro and across Georgia. This is Dr. Richter’s acceptance speech:

I am deeply grateful for this honor, but in truth, all I’ve ever done is SAY GAY. The incriminating word was “homosexual” when I was a boy, and I said it to myself in my closet of despair. A crime, a sickness, a sin. Heavy burden for any young boy or girl.

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