We’re in a time of change, both nationally and here in the state Georgia. Our country has welcomed a new president while our state legislature is convening, and considering the priorities that will set the tone of our state for the coming year. It’s a time fraught with uncertainty but also opportunity.
There is a growing progressive movement in Georgia. Discussions are being had around inequality and inequity, around race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity. There is an increase in the number of cities across the state adopting broad policies that protect LGBTQ people, promote diversity in city contracting and purchasing, and that create citywide campaigns for equity. Currently, 11 cities in Georgia have passed some form of a non-discrimination policy, including the city of Columbus. The counties of Augusta-Richmond, Macon-Bibb, and Athens-Clarke are in discussion and considering passing their own non-discrimination ordinance.
State governments across the nation, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, are hearing the demand for equal protections. In response, many local governments are creating programs and enforcing laws that would positively impact many underserved communities. These actions are encouraging, but the journey has just begun. Local LGBT communities across Georgia are preparing to push legislative agendas, and Pride events are expected to slowly make their way back in this Covid landscape.
Columbus
LGBT Advocates out of Columbus are excited to kick off 2021 with a bang. “With a vaccine in almost every hand, or arm rather, we are now officially going back to Broadway starting March 2021 for our Diversity Saturdays,” stated Jeremy Hobbs, Executive Director of Colgay Pride, Columbus, GA.
Colgay Pride has announced that Pride festivities will be hosted on June 4th and 5th on Broadway in downtown Columbus. Hobbs stated that Covid-19 safety measures will be in full effect. Colgay Pride acquired multiple Street permits to ensure ample social distancing for vendors and crowds. They are excited to get back to work doing what we love promoting quality and building a better diverse Columbus that serves all.
Diversity Saturdays will take place the first Saturday of every month, and will be held alongside the city’s Saturday Market Day from 9:00 a.m. to noon. There will also be LGBT block parties held from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Broadway in downtown Columbus.
Also, leaders of Colgay Pride have taken steps, weekly, to promote Mental Health resources for those who are part of the LGBT community. There is a LGBT Zoom support group every Tuesday night. It is made available for anyone that wants to be a part of it. Members of the support group want to note that there is a maximum of 100 people that can be involved, so please plan accordingly. For more information, please be sure to visit Colgay Pride’s Facebook page.
Macon, GA
Last November, Macon-Bibb County’s former Mayor, Robert Reichert, vetoed the County Commission’s narrowly approved, broad new nondiscrimination policy that would further protect the LGBTQ community. LGBTQ advocates and allies in Macon have stated that they, “do not give up so easily”, and are looking to push towards an non-discrimination ordinance in the coming year.
Currently, those advocates are channeling their hopes and energy into educating their community about comprehensive civil rights protections. To address any concerned citizen, the Macon-Bibb CCR Committee is planning a countywide discussion on April 22nd and 23rd, 2021. This two-day discussion will be made up of four virtual panels highlighting how non-discrimination ordinances reference and affect local law, businesses, Religious Freedoms, and People of Color. Please follow the “Comprehensive Civil Rights Ordinance Macon” Facebook page for further updates.
Like many Pride and Equality festivals across the Gerorgia, The Macon Pride Board Committee is discussing the planning of an in-person Pride festival. Scott Mitchell, a lead coordinator of Macon Pride stated, “With the uncertain path of Covid relief, there are concerns about hosting large in-person Pride events in June”. Mitchell did note that the Macon Pride board is considering moving Macon Pride festivities to the Fall months allowing for more planning of safety measures. For more information, visit the Macon Pride Facebook page.
DeMarcus Beckham
Southern Field Organizer
He, Him, His
Georgia Equality | Equality Foundation of Georgia