This month, Georgia Equality met with U.S. Representative Lucy McBath (GA-06) to discuss the need for nationwide non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people. Board Chair, Michael Shutt, Reverend Caroline Magee, Archdeacon Carole Maddux, trans activist Monica Helms, and Faith in Public Life advocate Graham Younger shared their stories with Rep. McBath and thanked her for her position of support. Monica Helms, the creator of the trans flag, discussed the harm of the trans military ban and presented Rep. McBath with an autographed trans flag. Reverend Magee of St. Bede’s and Archdeacon Maddux of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta shared their stories as faith leaders that supported LGBTQ equality. Michael Shutt, Senior Director for Community at Emory University, shared the difficulties many LGBTQ centers have faced at institutions of higher learning in Georgia.
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AIDS Watch Participant Shares His Experience
Submitted By: Darren Allwood
If someone had asked me a year or two ago about my interest in advocacy, I probably would have said zero, because advocacy wasn’t something I had considered because I didn’t see examples of what that looks like. Today, I am a full-fledged advocate for HIV and homelessness due in large part to my experiences over the past year. I was more exposed to policy and advocacy by working with partner organizations like Thrive SS and GE and being a part of Georgia Equality’s Youth HIV Policy Advisors Program. I also attended AIDS Watch in Washington, D.C. which granted me the opportunity to gain knowledge around HIV policy, network with other advocates, and expand my personal advocacy.
On the first day of the conference, we heard from CDC Director Robert R. Redfield. During his talk, Dr. Redfield pointed out how treatment and access to care helps those “infected.” After saying “infected” several more times, activists interrupted him and spoke to the importance of using “people first language” which eliminates generalizations, assumptions, and stereotypes. This was a powerful moment for me. I later had the chance to attend a workshop on the power of storytelling in advocacy. I utilized what I learned when we met with our congressional representatives and I shared my story as a person living with HIV who has been housing unstable. AIDS Watch was an informative opportunity and I appreciate Georgia Equality and Thrive SS to have had the experience.
Georgia Equality’s Statement on Morehouse College
The Nation’s Only All-Male Historically Black College Will Admit Transgender Men Starting Next Year
ATLANTA (April 15, 2019) – Over the weekend, Morehouse College, the nation’s only all-male historically black college, announced that it will update its admissions policy to include transgender men. This comes on the heels of neighboring women’s institution and historically black college, Spelman College, adopting an admission policy inclusive of transgender women in 2017.
The policy, which is set to go into effect in 2020, marks a major shift in the school’s 152-year history, and comes at a time when colleges across the country are evaluating more inclusive policies for LGBTQ and gender non-conforming students.
“This is a great first step for Morehouse that should be celebrated, especially as trans rights are federally under attack,” said Georgia Equality Deputy Director and Morehouse Alumnus, Eric Paulk. “However, it’s important to be mindful of the work that has to happen between now and the implementation of the new policy to ensure an atmosphere of equity and safety for trans students and LGBTQ+ students on campus. This means ensuring that these voices lead and are centered in every step of the process.”
2019 Georgia Legislative Session Wrap-Up
The 2019 Georgia legislative session is officially behind us, and we have a lot of bills to update you on! Thanks to you, our supporters, we saw progress on a historic number of bills on our legislative priorities. Here’s an update on the bills Georgia Equality worked on this session:
SB 106: Patients First Act (Medicaid Waiver)
This bill would allow the State Department of Community Health to apply for two waivers from the US Department of Health and Human Services. One waiver will allow the Governor to expand Medicaid to individuals and families who make up to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. The second waiver will allow the state to develop a system to help people making between 100% – 138% of the Federal Poverty Level to purchase insurance policies. While this is not the full Medicaid expansion we have long advocated for, it is estimated that as many as 16,000 people living with HIV could gain access to Medicaid through this waiver process.
Status: Signed into law by Governor Kemp
SB 221: Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA)
This bill would allow individuals and companies to refuse to follow nondiscrimination laws and policies if they are in conflict with someone’s religious views.
Status: Stalled in Senate Judiciary committee without a hearing, however, the legislation will remain live and could move in the 2020 legislative session.
Eric Paulk Named New Deputy Director
We’re excited to announce that after an extensive search for our Deputy Director, the decision has been made to promote our HIV Policy Organizer, Eric Paulk to the role.
As HIV Policy Organizer, Eric successfully led our HIV policy efforts including the Youth HIV Policy Advisors Program. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Morehouse College and a Juris Doctor from Pace University.
Throughout the interview process, he developed a vibrant vision for bringing on new staff positions to better support the administrative functions of the organization and support the programmatic work of the staff. His proven leadership and understanding of working within coalitions will be an invaluable asset to the organization as we begin the process of developing our next strategic plan.
Please join our board and staff in congratulating Eric on his promotion!