“Overturning Roe and Casey and allowing states to ban abortion access – including with no exception as some states are ready to do – will have devastating consequences for women and for anyone who can become pregnant as well as for the children they already have, for their health, and for their abilities to support themselves & their loved ones. Those consequences will fall hardest on people and families of color and those with the fewest financial resources.
Time is Running Out to Ensure Equality and Fairness for All
Members of the LGBTQ community and our allies around the country will take the next few weeks to commemorate those brave souls who resisted police oppression during the Stonewall Riots of 1969. There will be celebrations and parades. Companies will paste rainbows on everything from t-shirts to laundry detergent and city halls around the country will raise Pride flags.
June is also when we commemorate critical US Supreme Court victories including the right to have consensual sex lives, the freedom to marry and the right to be free from employment discrimination. All these rulings have been milestones that add value to the celebrations and mark important milestones in our movement.
Press Release: GEORGIA MAKES STRIDES IN MODERNIZING HIV DISCLOSURE LAW
May 11, 2022 (ATLANTA, GA.) — After more than five years of work by the Georgia HIV Justice Coalition, Georgia Equality, and advocates living with HIV, Georgia’s HIV disclosure law has been modernized with the signing of SB 164 this week. This legislation was introduced by State Senator Chuck Hufsteler and supported in the House by Rep. Sharon Cooper leading to almost unanimous support in both chambers.
Previously, a person living with HIV (PLHIV) could face a felony and up to 10 years in prison for not disclosing their HIV status prior to any type of sexual act. The degree of risk of HIV transmission was not a factor in the statute; including circumstances where there was no HIV transmission, nor even any risk of HIV transmission.
Ending the HIV Epidemic Fellowship Program Proves to be a Success
The end of April concludes Georgia Equality’s Ending the HIV Epidemic Fellowship program, which all culminated in the Fellows’ final event: “Ending Metro Atlanta’s HIV Epidemic” at the Loudermilk Conference Center last Friday. In a crowd of some the most influential elected officials and public health leaders in Metro-Atlanta, the Fellows shared their journeys toward working in ending the HIV epidemic, why it is important to them, what policies our leaders can enact to expedite the epidemic’s end, as well as what lies ahead for the Fellows as individuals.
Guest speakers included Fulton County Commissioner Chair Robb Pitts, and Georgia Representative Jasmine Clark, who concluded the program with a motivational keynote speech. A recording of the event can be found on Georgia Equality’s Facebook, here.
Evening for Equality is Back
We’ve got great news– Evening for Equality is back in person this year!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 18th, 2022 @7:00pm, with a preceding Host Committee and Sponsors reception at 6:00pm. Make plans to join us in celebrating all the progress we’ve made toward LGBTQ equality in Georgia over the past year, and help us resource the fight for the progress we’ve yet to win.
