LGBT activists, including Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, Paulina Herandez from Southerners on New Ground and Georgia state Representative Simone Bell, took part in the “Rally for Truth,” held at the Georgia state capitol building on March 24, 2011 for immigration reform.
Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell apologies for anti-gay comments
Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell was accused of hurling anti-gay slurs toward a group of hecklers in San Francisco over Easter weekend. He was later suspended, fined and made to attend sensitivity training over the incident.
McDowell is seen here apologizing to fans and the Atlanta Braves organization on May 13, 2011, the day of his return to the team following his suspension.
Georgia Representative Rashad Taylor comes out
On Friday, May 27, 2011, Georgia Representative Rashad Taylor (D – District 55), came out before media at the Phillip Rush Center. In doing so, Taylor became the first openly gay man to serve in the Georgia General Assembly.
Taylor was joined by State Sen. Vincent Fort, Reese McCranie from the Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Communications, Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham, friends and family.
Jack Strouss, a gay World War II veteran, reflects on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal
The American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) held a Retreat Ceremony on Sept. 19, 2011, the mark the official end of the United States military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. Jack Strouss, a gay veteran who served during World War II, reflects on his life of service and the repeal of the discriminatory law in our most-viewed video of the year.
Lambda Legal press conference with Vandy Beth Glenn
Vandy Beth Glenn and her attorney, Greg Nevins of Lamba Legal, gave a post-hearing press conference on Dec. 1, 2011, following Glenn’s lawsuit being heard before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. The decision, issued five days later, was found in favor of Glenn. She has since returned to work as a legislative editor at the Georgia General Assembly.