Over the last few weeks, you’ve heard from Brendan, Erin, Joey, and Sam about Georgia Equality’s work over the past year. I hope you read what they had to say because after all, you and your support are the reasons why Georgia Equality has worked so hard this year.

We are stronger together and together in 2016 we have:

• Squashed more than 10 bills- more than we’ve ever seen- that threatened to undermine the equal rights of LGBT people
• Narrowly avoided North Carolina’s fate by convincing Governor Deal to veto shameful legislation that would have given license to discriminate against LGBT Georgians under the guise of religion
• Elected a record number of LGBT legislators who will push for nondiscrimination protections
• Registered nearly 2,000 new voters in Georgia, and organize hundreds of volunteers who have had thousands of conversations about why updating our nondiscrimination laws to include transgender people is so important
• Advocated for stronger programs crucial to curtailing HIV disparities and finally ending the HIV epidemic
• Grown the next wave of advocates through our legislative advocacy training and transgender competency trainings for police officers

We are facing unprecedented and far-reaching challenges to the gains we’ve made toward equality for LGBT communities and our allies throughout the state. For the work ahead I need you to reach deep with your gift to Georgia Equality– and please know that I’d be deeply grateful for any level of support you can provide.

We are fighting the biggest tidal wave of anti-LGBT legislation that we’ve seen since the 2004 marriage amendment fight in Georgia. This isn’t just about homophobia, racism, or bigotry. This is about standing up for what is right, standing up for your friends, family, neighbors, and even standing up for those you don’t know.

In January, legislators will return to the State Capitol, and there are already threats to reignite anti-LGBT discrimination but with your support, Georgia Equality will be watching and fighting for equality.

It will be hard- but we know that hard work makes a big difference. Each day we get closer to a more equal Georgia, and each person who stands with us makes it happen even faster. So I’m not stopping now, and I hope you won’t either.

Fighting for equality,

Jeff Graham, Executive Director

P.S. Advocate for equality by becoming a monthly contributor- an easy and affordable way to make your gift go further in protecting basic rights of LGBT Georgians.