Since the General Election, the rest of the country has turned their attention to Turkeys and Holiday lights, and maybe checking in on the political theater in Georgia every day or so. And while watching Rudy Giulliani’s antics during a 7-Hour Elections Hearing at the State Capitol yesterday was… interesting, it doesn’t reflect the reality of what’s really been going on here. Because what’s really going on is that Georgian volunteers are digging deep and showing up – AGAIN. We put it all on the line on November 3^rd, and the hectic days afterward. Working at the polls, observing a fair count, calling voters that had a problem with the ballot – all of that and more helped us make history.

But now we need to do it again. Since the General Election, Georgia Equality volunteers have made 11,548 calls, sent 157,332 texts, and helped 5,651 voters. While everyone is asking “How Did Georgia Turn BLUE?!” here at home we know the answer. We made history with good old-fashioned, person-to-person organizing. We talked to our friends, family, and neighbors. We partnered with PFLAG chapters and LGBT-friendly churches. We worked in OUR communities to create the change we are looking for.

If you want to be a part of the change, I encourage you to join us for one of our volunteer actions. It’s easy, fun, and helps you connect to a passionate and talented community of LGBT activists. Sign up at www.georgiaequality.org/volunteer to receive weekly opportunities. Together, we can make a difference. Come join the fight.

 

–Shannon Clawson

State Outreach Manager

In early November the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved broad new non-discrimination protections with a narrow 5 to 4 votes. The ordinance will ban discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based on race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, or military status. Under the ordinance, businesses cannot discriminate by withholding any goods, services, or accommodations.

“To go through the federal process is very time consuming, it’s very expensive and basically for many if not most, it’s a complete turnoff. This is to provide a local mechanism to handle these situations,” said one of the ordinance’s sponsors, Commissioner Larry Schlesinger.

Schlesinger noted a Bibb County case where a former Lowe’s employee is suing the home improvement giant for allegedly discriminating against him because of his sexual orientation.

Before the vote on this historic decision, Mayor Robert Reichert opened the Macon-Bibb Co. Government Building Chamber to a limited number of county citizens for public comment on the ordinance. Faith leaders, business owners, local lawyers, and others made their arguments for and against the ordinance during a virtual public hearing that included several transphobic comments.

Commissioner Mallory Jones was one of the opposition Commissioners. Jones says he isn’t against the entire ordinance but just one part, gender identity.

A week after the Commissioners passed the ordinance Mayor Robert Reichert sent out a statement vetoing the legislation. In his veto, he wrote that emotions are running high in this case, but he ultimately vetoed it after considering what would be the best outcome for the community as a whole.

If signed by the Mayor the ordinance, Macon-Bibb County must review initial complaints of alleged violations, then refer cases to an independent mediator for non-binding and voluntary mediation. A complaint must include a $75 filing fee and come within 60 days of the alleged act of discrimination.

If mediation fails to resolve the complaint, the case goes to an independent hearing officer. Fines against any violation by person or business go up to $500.

The non-prevailing party in the complaint pays the mediator and hearing officer fees.

The ordinance carves out exceptions, including non-profit private clubs not open to the public and religious organizations operating non-commercial facilities. The ordinance does not address hate crimes, as some measures passed in other cities do.

 

–  DeMarcus Beckham

Southern Field Organizer

Georgia Equality | Equality Foundation of Georgia

In celebration of our 25^th year, and in lieu of our usual Evening for Equality gala, Georgia Equality hosted “Invest in Equality”. This free virtual event series allowed us to share the story of how our organization came to be, and where we are headed in the future.

We kicked off Invest in Equality by recognizing the lifetime achievements of past Georgia Equality executive director, and long-time fighter for justice, Reverend Harry Knox. Reverend Knox spoke a bit about his management and advocacy experience, as well as his time pastoring churches, working with the Human Rights Campaign, and his appointment by President Obama to the White House Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships.

Our second installment of this series was a two-part conversation, hosted by Georgia Equality Board Chair Kenyatta Mitchell. The panel discussion featured the voices of women who have been instrumental in the past 25 years of fighting for LGBTQ equality in Georgia, as well as conversation about the next 25 years of working towards equality in our home state.

We rounded out our virtual celebration with an evening of musical performances, the event being hosted by Kia “Comedy” Barnes. Featured artist included, Jamie Barton, Daisia Iman, Thea Jones, Cathleen Quigley, and Exquisite Gender.

This year has been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, and so were our original plans for sharing our 25th year with you. But you joined us and tuned in, making our 25^th year of fighting for a fairer Georgia even more special than we could have imagined. As always, Thank you for your continued support. It is for the LGBTQ community that we will keep pushing and striving for a safer Georgia for all.