Here Are The Facts, Have Our Backs: Educational Event Success!

long shot of YHPA event

Georgia Equality’s  Youth HIV Policy Advisors’ Program

In response to high and increasing HIV rates among youth in Atlanta, Georgia Equality launched the Youth HIV Policy Advisors Program in April of 2015. This program matches selected elected officials with youth advocates who will serve as their Special Advisors on Youth HIV. Youth works one-on-one with policymakers to address policy barriers to HIV prevention.

On October 14, the participants held their first youth-led successful educational event luncheon with local elected officials and community leaders, Here Are The Facts, Have Our Backs.  The YHPA participants were able to tell their stories of the realities of living with HIV in Atlanta and educate their elected officials on needs and recommendations moving forward

See more event photos at https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaHivAdvocacyNetwork?fref=ts

The Youth HIV Policy Advisors Program offers an extensive training series to youth advocates throughout the summer and involves three educational sessions with elected officials and community leaders October-December. It concludes on World AIDS Day- December 1st- with the second annual World AIDS Day- Atlanta Policy & Action Luncheon where youth will announce their 2016 Youth HIV Prevention & Care Policy Agenda. Save the Date – December 1st for another amazing event!


Georgia Equality Pride 2015

pride march picGeorgia Equality had two booths at Atlanta Pride last weekend! All weekend, volunteers and staff members were collecting signatures on our petition to the Governor, asking for his support of legislation that protects the LGBT community in Georgia rather than targeting it.

We had a great weekend, and got over 850 petition signatures! On Sunday – we marched in celebration of our 20 year history. See more and photos here: https://www.facebook.com/georgia.equality


Join with Georgia Equality as we celebrate ATLANTA PRIDE 2015!

Join with Georgia Equality as we celebrate ATLANTA PRIDE 2015!

We are excited about this upcoming weekend and will have two booths this year (Y30 & Y31 – YELLOW) http://atlantaprideorg.c.presscdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Screen-shot-2015-09-30-at-6.35.37-PM.png with lots of fun surprises including a prize wheel!

We will have a special exhibit on Saturday between 2-4pm with local artist, Buzz Busbee who has partnered with Georgia Equality to offer this commemorative poster, honoring the day the US Supreme Court recognized marriage equality. He will be at the booth to sign the prints that are available to purchase with the proceeds going to support our work.

Buzz designed the “It is so ordered.” poster after being inspired by the historic same-sex ruling by the Supreme Court on June 26, 2015. Using the profound statement by Justice Anthony Kennedy as its foundation. To see the print image and find our more – https://equalityfederation.salsalabs.com/o/35006/p/salsa/donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=7976

Join for the March on Sunday too!!

The parade assembles at the MARTA Civic Center Station at the intersection of West Peachtree St and Ralph McGill Blvd.   Georgia Equality has been assigned the parade space: B22 – we are placed between Cox Enterprises (B21) and Racial Justice Group (B23).

We are asking our participants to begin check-in at 11:00 and to arrive no later than noon. Look for the Georgia equality posters and two organizers for the day are Wes Sanders and Amanda Hill-Attkisson. We will giving out T-shirts to our participants to wear in the march while supplies last – please wear white, blue or orange t-shirts just in case.

Please use MARTA to get there as there is no parking.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone this weekend!


Georgia Equality Compass Newsletter: October

Georgia Equality honored with ADAP Leadership Award

The ADAP Advocacy Association hosted its 5th The Latest CompassAnnual ADAP Leadership Awards Dinner on Saturday, September 26th at 7:00 pm in Washington, DC.   The event recognized individual, community, government, media and corporate leaders who are working to improve access to care and treatment under the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, and Georgia Equality was among those recognized.

READ MORE – Click Here for the Full Newsletter