by Wes Sanders

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.

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by Wes Sanders

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. 

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by Wes Sanders

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.

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by Wes Sanders

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.

 

 

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by Wes Sanders

Early Voting is Happening NOW!

Early voting for the 2022 Georgia Primary and Nonpartisan election is happening now, and we want you to be prepared to cast your vote before or on election day. Things have changed in Georgia since the last election cycle and it is vital that you understand how these changes may affect you.  Below is a checklist to ensure that you are ready to make your voice heard in this upcoming election. 

  1. Check your voter registration information and status at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov
  2. District lines have changed, potentially affecting who and what you vote for. Visit www.mvp.sos.ga.gov to verify your district and polling location. 
  3. If voting using an absentee ballot by mail, we suggest mailing it no later than Wednesday, May 18, 2022. 
  4. Make a plan for when and how you will vote

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