On August 20, 2020, the LGBTQ Law & Policy Series launched. The series is hosted by Equal Footing LLC and Transformation Journeys Worldwide along with Georgia Equality and Lambda Legal, and focuses on laws and policies currently impacting companies, their

LGBTQ employees (and their families) and their communities. Leaders and employees from a wide range of industries around the nation attended. 

Sponsored by UPS, the first event’s discussion was held by Georgia Equality’s Deputy Director Eric Paulk and Lambda Legal’s Michael Shutt unpacking the local and national impact of the June SCOTUS decision regarding gender identity and sexual orientation under Title VII. Sandy Mollett, of Equal Footing LLC, hosted along with Gabrielle Claiborne and Linda Herzer of Transformation Journeys Worldwide, navigating the discussion to cover important take-aways for each organization: 

• Greater insight into issues that impact LGBTQ employees 
• How the Supreme Court decision impacts employees, employers and communities 
• Broader knowledge that will enable quality discussions within organizations 
• Information that will support more informed business decisions 
• Awareness of action steps that can be taken by your organization and individual employees 
• A better understanding of Georgia Equality and Lambda Legal and their critical role in the LGBTQ community 
• Availability of additional educational resources 

  Session 2 will focus on what organizations can do to promote equitable healthcare for LGBTQ+ employees. Many are unable to find services in their area, encounter discrimination or refusals of service, or delay or forego care because of concerns of mistreatment. 

Many states are working to pass laws to protect LGBTQ+ people, but we are also seeing proposed rules and bills that target LGBTQ+ (specifically Transgender) people. These bills could override local protections and may allow use of religion to discriminate. 

Are you interested in signing your company up for the second event? Please email Dani Quesenberry at danielle@georgiaequality.org.