Georgia has been on the mind of so many across the nation. The 2021 Senate and Georgia Public Service Commission runoffs were historic.  For months, Georgia Equality staff have been strategically planning outreach efforts and setting goals to reach all pro-equality voters in hopes that every state resident would be able to exercise their right on election day. We believe that the recent election results are a great step towards equality for those who identify as LGBTQ on the state level. Our efforts were made possible by supporters of Georgia equality, partners of the Equality Foundation, and volunteers from across the United States. But it was the voice of Georgia voters, state residents in rural spaces, showing up to the polls, that made all the difference. 

Georgia Equality’s voter education initiatives have played a significant role in organizing and mobilizing LGBTQ residents and allies around the state. In recent years, Georgia Equality staff and board members have made strides towards ensuring that our outreach efforts are more intentional in suburban and rural communities across the state. We are working to connect both staff and board members from Augusta, Savannah, Athens, Macon, and Columbus to statewide influencers and dedicated leaders. 

During the runoff elections, through our partnerships with local grassroots organizations, and other statewide nonprofits, we were able to help voters find transportation to the polls via buses and ride shares. Staff members attended virtual election board meetings demanding that polling locations in rural counties stay open, they poll watched, and they acted as line warmers at polling locations in Americus, GA. 

This election season allowed for new connections to be made across the state. This experience is a continuation of Georgia Equality’s agenda and mission. We as an organization are actively advocating and working towards advancing fairness, safety, and opportunity for Georgia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and allied Georgians. Through our work and our statewide partnerships, we plan to continue our fight for equality going into this year’s General Assembly  session and beyond. 

 

DeMarcus Beckham, Southern Field Organizer

He, Him, His

Georgia Equality | Equality Foundation of Georgia