This month, Georgia Equality met with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) to discuss the need for nationwide non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Board Chair, Michael Shutt, Reverend Caroline Magee, Archdeacon Carole Maddux, trans activist Monica Helms, and Faith in Public Life advocate Graham Younger shared their stories with Rep. McBath and thanked her for her position of support. Monica Helms, the creator of the trans flag, discussed the harm of the trans military ban and presented Rep. McBath with an autographed trans flag. Reverend Magee of St. Bede’s and Archdeacon Maddux of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta shared their stories as faith leaders that supported LGBTQ equality. Michael Shutt, Senior Director for Community at Emory University, shared the difficulties many LGBTQ centers have faced at institutions of higher learning in Georgia.

Rep. McBath was grateful to hear from us and expressed strong support for LGBTQ non-discrimination protections. Speaking of her faith, she affirmed the importance of respecting all individuals and that her beliefs inspired her to enter public service to support her LGBTQ brothers and sisters. She encouraged her constituents to share their stories as LGBTQ Georgians so that she could better advocate for their needs in Congress.

Georgia Equality will be collecting stories from LGBTQ Georgians and working with members of Congress to educate them on the need for LGBTQ protections. Click here if you would like to support the passage of bills like the Equality Act that provides nationwide protections for LGBTQ people.