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
ATLANTA – A new Williams Institute report has found that anti-LGBT discrimination and inequities is costing Georgia’s economy. The report, released today, highlighted Georgia’s weak civil rights protections and the associated stigmas and stresses that vulnerable legal standing creates for LGBT people. The report estimates that reducing those stresses by even just a quarter among Georgia’s LGBT workforce would gain the state’s economy upwards of $147 million in revenue. Another red flag raised in the study: Georgia’s weak – and sometimes hostile – laws, making the state less attractive to young, talented workers. In fact, the report estimates the state loses more than $9,000 for each employee that changes jobs or leaves the state. Continue reading
Each year, Georgia Equality welcomes new members to the Board of Directors and new student interns to our offices. They each bring their own unique sets of skills and talents to our organization and our community, and we are happy to have them. Read more about our newest additions below, and if you see them around, say hello! Continue reading
HIV advocates from across Georgia will gather under the Gold Dome on Thursday, February 16, 2017 to educate state lawmakers about HIV’s impact on our diverse communities. At AIDSWatch in Georgia 2017, advocates will connect one-on-one with elected officials at the Capitol to share personal stories and provide education on key policy areas like HIV criminalization, healthcare access, sex education, housing, LGBT discrimination, reproductive justice and needle exchange. Last year’s event drew hundreds of advocates and Georgia Equality organizers expect even more robust attendance in this year’s challenging political environment. Continue reading