NEWSBRIEFS

Georgia Equality launches series documenting LGBT discrimination

“All Things Being Equal,” a new video series produced by Georgia Equality, will feature stories from hard-working LGBT Georgians who have been fired or denied employment, or were refused housing or access to public services for no other reason than their sexual orientation or gender identity. Georgia is one of 28 states that have no laws protecting people from discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

“Many people across our country and across our state assume that it’s already illegal to fire someone or deny them housing or other services simply because they’re LGBT, but that’s not true,” says Jeff Graham, Executive Director of Georgia Equality, in a statement.

“There’s no federal law protecting LGBT people from discrimination, and there are no state laws on the books here in Georgia.

The first video in the series tells the story of Connie Galloway, from Blue Ridge, Georgia. Galloway identifies as lesbian and was fired by an interim supervisor who made it known openly that she did not approve of her sexual orientation.

“No one should ever have to live in fear for their livelihood just because they’re LGBT. That’s just not right,” says Galloway.

Georgia Equality has also launched an online resource guide that will assist LGBT individuals who have faced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Faith, equality and ‘religious freedom’ legislation addressed at LGBT Atlanta forum

Faith leaders and politicians came together during Black Gay Pride this year for a forum on faith and equality, addressing so-called “religious freedom” legislation, reconciling sexual orientation with religious beliefs, and discussing how to address such issues with others going forward.

The forum, hosted by In The Life Atlanta (ITLA) and Georgia Equality and held Sep. 4 at the Georgian Terrace Hotel, was moderated by state Rep. Keisha Waites (D-Atlanta) and included comments from state Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta) and Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell.

Fort sounded a warning to those in attendance, saying, “The Supreme Court decision [on marriage equality] is so important because it smoked the proponents of the religious freedom act out, because now they’re very clear: [They] want RFRA so [they] can prevent people from getting married. So I hope this weekend we celebrate and have a good time but we need to immediately thereafter get ready for the fight because it’s going to be what I call a throw down beginning the second Monday of January when the legislative session begins and RFRA is proposed.”

Traxx Girls’ founder ‘shocked, saddened’ over Chris Brown snub

Traxx Girls founder and lesbian party promoter Melissa Scott is firing back at R&B singer Chris Brown after he failed to appear at a scheduled nightclub appearance over Atlanta Black Gay Pride weekend. Brown took to Twitter shortly after Georgia Voice broke the story to deny ever being booked for the Traxx Girls event.

“We are extremely disappointed Chris Brown did not show up to our annual Saturday night party during Pure Heat, Atlanta Black Gay Pride weekend,” said Scott in a statement. “We negotiated a contract in good faith and paid the agreed upon deposit via wire transfer. We fully expected Mr. Brown to appear for our ladies and we are shocked and saddened that he would deny that we had an agreement. At this time, Traxx Girls is reviewing its options with legal counsel.”