June is Pride month and there is so much to celebrate! Despite the year in quarantine and isolation, Georgia Equality has refused to pump the breaks, continuing to advance LGBT rights throughout our state.
We first acknowledge those who have come before us. The LGBT community has a vast history that both transcends and maintains roots in race, religion, class, and regional cultural traditions. Pride is about understanding who we are, expressing ourselves, and embracing our voice. This month we take the time to reflect and to celebrate where we have been and where we hope to be.
Georgia Equality has been instrumental in passing comprehensive non-discrimination ordinances in 12 cities, has successfully stopped all anti-LGBTQ legislation in Georgia for the 8th year in a row, and continues to be a leader in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Georgia Equality contiunes to be a driving force at the Georgia State General Assembly, helping to protect your right to vote, and the rights of our transgender children statewide; all of this being achieved on the heels of our crucial engagement in the 2020 general and run-off elections.
But while there have been huge gains, there is still much work to be done. The recent attacks on voting rights, the passage of Senate Bill 202, and the attack on the rights of trans youth athletes will likely persist. This will require Georgia Equality and our community at large to continue to be persistent and diligent in the fight for a more fair and just state.
As we all celebrate our pride, let us also continue with the forward momentum, picking up the torch that was lit for us years ago. Let’s continue to take a stand, using our voices and utilizing our resources to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for the LGBTQ community and our allies throughout the state of Georgia.
Today, the U. S. Supreme Court issued their decision in the case of Fulton v City of Philadelphia. The court ruled that while the government generally may require government service contractors to not discriminate against LGBTQ people and others, Philadelphia’s treatment of Catholic Social Services violated the agency’s constitutional rights due to the unique terms of Philadelphia’s standard foster care contract. While the contract prohibited LGBT discrimination, its flaw was that it allowed for exemptions to that very policy. 
