“This past [legislative] session, our biggest accomplishments were passing the anti-bulling legislation and preventing any cuts to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program,” says Jeff Graham, Georgia Equality executive director. “Our biggest accomplishment of the past year was the election of Simone Bell.”
Bell now represents State House District 58 and is the first openly lesbian African-American state lawmaker in the country.
Georgia Equality’s projects also include the Georgia HIV Advocacy Network and helping lobby local governments to pass LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination statements and domestic partner benefits, among other efforts.
“Heading into an important campaign year, we’re looking for folks who will help support our endorsed candidates by registering people to vote, making phone calls and canvassing,” Graham says. “We also need people to help with the numerous outreach opportunities presented by the various pride festivals and picnics in June and other major events throughout the summer.”
Georgia Equality is also gearing up for its largest annual fundraiser, Evening for Equality, which is set for June 24.