ATLANTA, Ga., May 18, 2020 –– Georgia Equality and OUT Georgia Business Alliance have entered into a strategic partnership to better serve and represent LGBTQ+ Georgians, business owners, and professionals. The move builds on each organization’s mission and statewide focus to advance a more inclusive and equitable Georgia at home, in public, and in the workplace.
“With more than 420,000 Georgians identifying as LGBTQ+, it’s more important than ever for Georgia Equality and OUT Georgia Business Alliance to leverage each other’s networks and expertise to make our state a better and more welcoming place for all,” said Chris Lugo, Executive Director of OUT Georgia Business Alliance, the state’s only LGBTQ chamber of commerce.
As both nonprofit organizations notch 25 years of service, the new partnership outlines collaborative efforts to improve access to legislative, policy, workplace inclusion, and business development information; spotlight the impact of LGBTQ-owned and ally organizations; and strengthen the connections between advocacy, economic, and community progress.
The agreement comes ahead of the anticipated US Supreme Court ruling regarding LGBTQ+ employment protections in Title VII of the 1964 federal civil rights act and as Georgians call for comprehensive nondiscrimination policies. Surveys of LGBTQ+ Georgians indicate that 45%, including 33% of people who identify as transgender, have experienced discrimination or harassment on the job. Additionally, 48% percent, including 33% of transgender Georgians, have been denied services, intimidated or have been verbally abused while shopping, receiving healthcare or visiting a governmental agency.
“In a time of economic insecurity, it is imperative that people know that the law will protect them against discrimination and that LGBTQ+ business owners know that their businesses will be treated fairly when it comes to governmental assistance, loans, and contracts,” said Jeff Graham, Executive Director of Georgia Equality.
“Joining the voice of the business community to our ongoing efforts to expand nondiscrimination protection on the state and local level will be a powerful partnership that will serve LGBTQ+ Georgians throughout the state.”
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Keep informed about Georgia Equality, OUT Georgia Business Alliance, and the strategic partnership by visiting GeorgiaEquality.org and OUTGeorgia.org.
About Georgia Equality Founded in 1995, Georgia Equality is the state’s largest advocacy organization working to advance fairness, safety and opportunity for Georgia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities, and our allies.
About OUT Georgia Business Alliance OUT Georgia Business Alliance proudly serves as Georgia’s only LGBTQ+ and Allied Chamber of Commerce.
Since 1994, OUT Georgia Business Alliance (formerly the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce) has served the LGBTQ+ and Allied business community by advocating for the most inclusive and equitable business environment; providing support and resources to fuel economic growth; and driving meaningful community connections and impact across the State of Georgia.