In commemoration of World AIDS Day 2021, Georgia Equality, in partnership with other local and statewide organizations, hosted multiple events, bringing attention to the HIV epidemic, working to increase awareness and knowledge around HIV, and to call for an increased response to move toward ending the HIV epidemic.

 

VIRTUAL

On Wednesday, December 1st, Georgia Equality’s Youth HIV Policy Advisor cohort along with our Ending the Epidemic Fellows, conducted a Virtual Youth HIV Policy Summit, focusing on equitable access in rural, non-metropolitan areas of Georgia on The discussion was centered around how you, your fellow elected officials, and other civic leaders can help end the epidemic in this state. 

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The Board of Directors of Georgia Equality, the state’s largest political advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Georgians and our allies, is proud to announce two additional endorsements in the upcoming runoff elections for Atlanta City Council — Keisha Waites for Post 3, at-large and Jason Dozier for District 4.

Atlantans should visit the Secretary of State’s My Voter Page for more information on where to vote and make a plan to vote on election day — November 30, 2021. 

 

Key Election Dates:

Early voting happening now until November 24, 2021. 

Runoff Election Day: November 30, 2021

 

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City of Atlanta

City Council, Post 3, at-large

Keisha Waites

I am the only candidate in the race that has successfully served 3-terms in a legislative capacity. It is my belief given the challenges we are facing are facing citywide, we must have a representative that has the experience and relationship to navigate the current volatile political current. Secondly, given the adversarial role between the state of Georgia and the City of Atlanta, I have the capacity to serve as an olive branch and conduit to improving relations.

 

To volunteer or donate, please visit Keisha’s website at https://www.keishawaites.com

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City Council, District 4

Jason Dozier

I believe that District 4 should be welcoming to everyone, regardless of race, class, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual identity. Same sex marriage was recognized as a legal right just six short years ago, and many across the country celebrated the recognition of that right. But I also believe our work is not yet done. Our LGBTQ community members are victimized by discrimination and violence every single day and I will work to ensure that Atlanta strives to foster a community that uplifts our LGBTQ community members

Our nation becomes stronger in the midst of great challenges, and many of these challenges continue to exist in our neighborhoods today. Atlanta must continue its commitment towards addressing the needs of our LGBTQ citizens, and I am personally committed to ensuring that that happens. I stand ready to serve as an ally and advocate in the march towards equality and justice for all Atlantans.

 

To volunteer or donate, please visit Jason’s website at https://votedozier.com

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In a period in which many people seeking elected office are supportive of the LGBTQ community, the Georgia Equality Board of Directors will issue an endorsement for a candidate who we feel is best placed to advance our policy agenda.  The lack of an endorsement should not necessarily be viewed as a negative reflection of a particular candidate’s views on LGBTQ issues in general.

Georgia’s 14th city to pass such an ordinance.

Augusta, GA, November 16, 2021 — Today, by a unanimous vote, the Board of Commissioners in Augusta, Georgia passed a nondiscrimination ordiance that provides needed protections to LGBTQ folks and other marginalized groups. This makes Augusta Georgia’s 14th city, and second county (after Athens-Clarke earlier this year) to provide such protections.
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The Board of Directors of Georgia Equality, the state’s largest political advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) Georgians and our allies, is proud to announce its endorsement in the upcoming runoff Election for Atlanta City Council President — Doug Shipman.

“Doug’s clear understanding of the crisis facing the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program and the role city council must play in the oversight of the program was a deciding factor in our decision to endorse at this time,” said Kenyatta Mitchell, Chairperson of Georgia Equality’s Board of Directors.

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City of Atlanta

City Council President

Doug Shipman

“I have shown that I willl bring deep knowledge and commitment to my role futhering and consistently including LGBTQ+ people and issues across the entire spectrum of my work. My record includes the inclusion of LGBTQ+ stories and programs from the very beginning of building the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to founding the LGBTQ+ Institute at NCCHR to my work to support and diversify LGBTQ+ artists and arts at the Woodruff Arts Center and beyond to my family’s longtime support of HRC, GA Equality and HIV/AIDS-related organizations and initiatives. “

 

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It’s that time of year again – open enrollment is back! From now until Dec. 15th, you can find health insurance that fits your needs and your budget for 2022. Millions now have health insurance thanks to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including many LGBTQ+folx. 4 out of 5 HealthCare.gov customers found a plan for less than $10/month. You may even Qualify for a free plan! Even if you’ve looked before, it’s time to check out your options and find the plan that’s right for you. 

Visit www.healthcare.gov to learn more about your options now!

Our LGBTQ+ family still has access to financial help for health insurance and should be treated with respect thanks to the ACA’s nondiscrimination protections. Our community is still protected from discrimination in health insurance, at the hospital or clinic, and with our doctors. You should never be disrespected simply for being who you are.

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