LGBT Norwood supporters respond to Ryan Lee column
As we celebrate another meaningful Pride weekend, we can now turn our attention to the final stretch of the Atlanta mayoral race. We are fortunate to have candidates that understand our concerns and the issues that affect our community and families. The LGBTQ community has become an influential voice in Atlanta city politics.
As with any voting group, we are not monolithic. Ryan Lee recently expressed his views based on his perspective. When we read opinion pieces, like Ryan Lee’s, we are prompted to think about issues that are important to our lives.
Why should you consider Mary when selecting your next mayor?
Early on, when marriage equality seemed unachievable, Mary Norwood was with us (before President Obama, Hillary Clinton and even Kasim Reed). Mary has consistently voted “Yes” on issues that have advanced the interests and concerns of the LGBTQ community.
Mary cares about us, the safety of our families, our community and our neighborhoods. It is Mary’s ambition to earn the title of Atlanta’s first “Neighborhood Mayor.”
Mary’s legislative record surpasses all of the candidates in the field. Mary’s legislation has successfully impacted zoning ordinances, housing, police, public safety, police raises, parks and recreation and, yes, even your garbage pickup.
The Mary Norwood we know has supported funding for low-income housing for people with HIV/AIDS. Mary was instrumental in encouraging the city to take a stand against discriminatory religious liberty legislation. Contrary to what some might suggest, Mary has always supported Atlanta’s gay nightlife, which is why many bar owners support Mary. She has worked with grassroots community leaders to develop proposals for our homeless and at-risk gay youth. Mary will champion the decriminalization of one’s HIV status. Mary understands and is sensitive to the fact that Atlanta’s HIV/AIDS infection rates rival thirdworld countries. She knows the city can’t sit on the sidelines in the ongoing battle against HIV/AIDS; this is why Mary is calling for the expansion of PrEP program.
Property taxes, public safety and transparency in government are issues that are of great importance to Mary.
Mary’s LGBTQ friends and family know that Mary is passionate about making a difference in our community. She has worked to serve her constituents’ needs and has not hesitated to fight the bureaucracy of City Hall.
Mary Norwood cares about all of our citizens — gay, straight, black, white, northern neighbors, southern neighbors and all of those in between. As proud members of the LGBTQ community, Mary Norwood has our vote!
“Mary’s LGBTQ friends and family know that Mary is passionate about making a difference in our community. She has worked to serve her constituents’ needs and has not hesitated to fight the bureaucracy of City Hall. ”