You are invited to the Georgia Equality Meet and Greet!
It’s been a monumental decade for the LGBT movement. Ten years ago, Massachusetts became the first state to begin offering marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Four years ago, the Matthew Shepard Act expanded hate-crime laws to include crimes motivated by a victim’s gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Two years ago, Congress voted to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that barred openly gay and lesbian soldiers from serving in the armed forces. This summer’s Supreme Court ruling on DOMA paved the way for the IRS and military to recognize all marriages. It is truly amazing that we now have marriage equality in thirteen states plus Washington, D.C.
Here at home, Georgia Equality’s been hard at work, building a base for statewide gains in LGBT equality. One of Georgia Equality’s primary concerns, at this time, is to pass the Fair Employment Practices Act, which would make it illegal for state employers to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Your help is needed to advance the momentum in Georgia. That’s why, Athens PRIDE is hosting a Meet and Greet in honor of Georgia Equality’s “Building a Movement” campaign. We’ll be bringing together both the LGBT and Straight Ally community to celebrate our successes and chart a strategic path to progress on LGBT issues here in Georgia.
The event will be held at 6pm on Wednesday, October 2, 2013 at the office of Kitchens New Cleghorn, LLC of Athens: 264 North Jackson Street, Athens, GA 30601. Following a presentation from Georgia Equality, we will brainstorm LGBT issues that we have noticed here in our community of Athens.
Free food and drinks will be served. All ages are welcome to attend. The evening will be one of several fundraisers for Georgia Equality’s efforts to ensure no LGBT Georgians feel unsafe coming out in their hometown
For too many years, people have written off Georgia as unwinnable for LGBT rights. The tide is now beginning to turn in our direction. Please join us as we continue to build the movement for LGBT rights here at home.
All the best,
Athens PRIDE
For more information please email rickyrob@uga.edu
