by Torrian Baskerville

“Hey Torrian. I spoke with Devin and he suggested you speak at the
Georgia Legislative Black Caucus Community Hearing that is being organized… I think it’s a great idea. Are you interested?”, intently asked Emily Brown, my fellowship supervisor. In that moment, I was uncertain, afraid, yet intrigued by the opportunity I shook my head and replied, “yes, I think I can do it.” This was huge for me. This would be the first time I had every had an opportunity to speak to legislators about issues that are important to me and my community. The other reason, and most frightening one, was something not even my family knew.  Continue reading →

With one week to go before Crossover Day, the legislative session has
moved into high gear.  Crossover Day will be on Friday, March 3, and is the final day for legislation to move from one chamber to the next and still be considered viable legislation for this year.  It’s important to note that because 2017 is the start of a two-year legislative session, bills that have not passed one chamber by March 3 can still be considered for passage in 2018.  For the first time, there are a number of bills that address LGBT rights.  Continue reading →

Georgia Equality’s staff stayed busy traveling our great state in February, with trips to Middle Georgia and Blue Ridge among others. Check out the pictures a brief summaries below for all the work we’re doing around the state. Georgia Equality continues to place an emphasis on reaching all corners of our state, so stay tuned for when we’re in a community near you! Continue reading →

Over 100 HIV advocates from across Georgia gathered under the Gold Dome last Thursday to educate state lawmakers about HIV at AIDSWatch in Georgia 2017.

“The goal of AIDSWatch in Georgia is to educate state elected officials about issues important to people living with and communities most affected by HIV.” says event organizer Emily Brown. “It is so powerful for legislators to hear the phrase, ‘I live in your district and I’m a person living with HIV.”  Continue reading →

ATLANTA – State Senator Lester Jackson (D-2) introduced a comprehensive non-discrimination bill today that updates Georgia’s laws to ensure lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are protected from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. The concept enjoys popular support in Georgia: A 2016 PRRI survey found that two-thirds of all Georgians back non-discrimination protections for LGBT people, including 59 percent of Republicans, 73 percent of Catholics, and nearly 80 percent of those under the age of 30. Continue reading →