Advancing Fairness, Safety, and Opportunity for LGBTQ+ Georgians

“I ask for the support of Georgia’s LGBTQ+ and allied voters because I have shown, time and again, that my support is not conditional, convenient, or performative. I have stood with this community in moments of celebration, in moments of crisis, and in the everyday work of governing.

I have always worked to make sure LGBTQ+ Georgians are seen, respected, protected, and included. My record reflects that, but just as importantly, so do my values. I believe every Georgian deserves dignity, safety, freedom, and a government that treats them like they matter.

I am running to build a Georgia where our residents do not have to choose between being safe, being successful, and being fully themselves. That means defending civil rights, protecting access to healthcare, supporting inclusive schools and communities, and ensuring that the state government works for every family.”

“I have taken the ‘tough’ votes and given the ‘tough’ speeches. I put ‘tough’ in scare quotes because I believe strongly that the positions I’ve taken do not actually carry political cost *if* they are taken with skill and conviction, which I have tried to do. I’m unafraid of cheap political attacksand will fight for the rights, safety, and overall well being of vulnerable people as if they are my own family.

“I am a lifelong supporter of equal rights, and I have consistently stood against harmful, hateful, and discriminatory legislation targeting the LGBTQ community. As Attorney General, I will make sure that every Georgian is equal under the law and will stop the constant barrage of far-right motivated unconstitutional attacks through the courts.”

“Georgia families are paying some of the highest insurance rates in the country—for their homes, their cars, and their healthcare. As a homeowner, driver, and taxpayer myself, I know exactly how painful and frustrating this system has become. Georgians deserve relief, accountability, and leadership that understands their struggle firsthand. I’m running for Insurance Commissioner to deliver that change.”

“Members of Georgia’s LGBTQ community and our allies are already part of this campaign—not on the outside looking in, but helping shape it from within. I don’t believe in building policy for people without building it with them. The voices of LGBTQ Georgians are part of how I approach creating safe, fair, and equitable workplaces across this state.

This campaign is about more than traditional conversations around wages. It’s about making sure every worker—no matter who they are—has access to opportunity, protection from discrimination, and the ability to show up fully as themselves without fear.”

“I believe that I should be supported in my candidacy for State Superintendent of Schools because I know firsthand the importance of the work that your organization does to protect students. Districts around the state do not have clear guidance on how to acclimate students from the LGBTQ community into our schools, especially when they transfer from other states, metropolitan areas, or from a homeschool setting.

The registration process, graduation conversations and name changes, managing teachers with biases, and bullying protocols are all real issues that our LGBTQ students and parents face. I have had to manage and work through all of those situations firsthand.

The state needs a leader with firsthand experience navigating these issues to create a safe and inclusive environment for all students. We have to ensure that every group gets what it needs through policy and law to achieve equity.”

“Every resident deserves to be treated with respect, fairness and dignity under the law. My focus is on delivering results that improve people’s lives, including better infrastructure, stronger schools, and access to healthcare. I will listen to all my constituents, stand for fair treatment, and work to ensure that no one is left out of the opportunities our region is creating.”

“Since 2014, I’ve trained and mobilized thousands of volunteers to flip our state and work to change our state politics. And, I’ve served as a State Representative for 4 years now. In that time, I also was deputy whip helping build a defense strategy that resulted in us stopping 90% of bad bills this legislative session and protecting countless Georgians including LGTBQ Georgians. I’m the only candidate in this race with that kind of experience making me ready to protect our communities on day one.”

“Every Georgian deserves to feel seen, heard, and represented. Senator Merritt has always fought for communities that have been underserved and underrepresented, and she will continue to stand up for the LGBTQ community and defend their right to live freely, safely, and with dignity.”

“Over the last three decades, I have demonstrated through my active engagement in the community my deep compassion for those who have been marginalized or who need a helping hand.

During my 2018 congressional campaign, I learned about the political issues and challenges facing the LGBTQ community and made clear my willingness to advocate on its behalf. I was endorsed by former Doraville City Councilwoman Stephe Koonz, who was one of my mentors and advisors on issues affecting the community. If elected to the Georgia Senate, I will continue my advocacy on behalf of the LGBTQ community.”

You should support my candidacy because I wholeheartedly believe in equality. I believe that every citizen should have the same rights. As a double minority, I know what it is to be part of a marginalized group, so in my eyes, we are all the same… HUMAN BEINGS who just want the same opportunities and rights to a happy, healthy life, as anyone else.

“As a licensed mental health therapist, I’ve spent my career serving people from all backgrounds with compassion, dignity, and respect. Those aren’t just professional values—they’re the values I’ll bring to the Georgia Senate. I’ll listen, lead with evidence, and work to ensure every Georgian is treated fairly and with respect, regardless of who they are or who they love.”

“I promise to consistently advocate for LGBTQ fairness and equality without using their community as a political prop. I will consistently work to eliminate discrimination in all aspects of life, be it housing, education, healthcare, or employment.”

“I’m an advocate for all people. I listen, I show up, and I fight to make sure every voice in our community is heard and respected. My commitment is simple: fairness, opportunity, and results for everyone-not just a few.”

“The LGBTQ community can trust that I will continue to be a steadfast advocate for equality, dignity, and justice. Throughout my public service, I have consistently supported policies that protect civil rights, oppose discrimination in all its forms, and ensure that every person is treated with fairness and respect. My legislative record reflects a longstanding commitment to standing with the LGBTQ+ community, and I will continue to work to ensure that all Georgians have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive free from discrimination.”

“I have been a lifelong supporter of LGBTQ rights and am proud to be an ally. In other states I have lived in, I have voted for protections, and I know Georgia can do better. When I wear my Free Mom Hugs shirts, I mean it! As a mom and community servant, I care deeply about the needs and rights of our LGBTQ kids, teens and adults, and I pledge to fight for their rights and needs as any mom would for her own child.”

“I am determined to make sure every Georgian has the freedom to live authentically, love freely, and build a future without fear of discrimination. I don’t just bring my lived experience to this work. I bring a record of standing up, speaking out, and fighting for a Georgia where everyone belongs no matter who they love or how they identify.”

“I will speak up for LGBTQ rights.”

“Voters should support my candidacy because I am committed to building trust through listening, transparency, and consistent engagement. I believe strong communities are built when people feel respected and included, and I will work to ensure that every voice in our district is heard and valued.”

“LGBTQ voters should support my candidacy for the same reasons I hope all voters will: I will be a relentless and passionate advocate for all of the people I represent. Just as I have in my career as a voting rights leader, immigration advocate, and litigator, I will stand up for our rights at the State Capitol, working overtime to extend our paltry legal protections for LGBTQ people and resist efforts to enshrine additional discrimination in our laws… At the same time, I want to be an effective legislator whether I am part of the majority or the minority party. I want to build bridges with reasonable legislators on the other side and help build support for the LGBTQ community in much the same way so much progress has been made over the last two decades: by ensuring my colleagues understand there are individual people – including people they know – that will be impacted by their actions.”

“LGBTQ+ voters in Georgia should support my candidacy because I will fight for the LGBTQ+ community as an ally in and out of office. I support sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression as protected classes; a comprehensive state-level civil rights act; abortion access; and equal rights for all. I will oppose and publicly fight back against anti-trans laws being brought forward in Georgia (whether that’s bills on library censorship, bills removing gender-affirming care from the state health benefit plan, or others).”

“I believe that everyone should have equal rights and that no child or adult should live in fear, feel threatened, or feel singled out simply because they are a part of the LGBTQ community.”

“I loathe bigotry in all forms, and am sickened by the blatant targeting of LGTBQ+ citizens becoming part of the “accepted” political landscape. As repulsive and repugnant as racism, the isolation and exclusion of LGTBQ+ citizens and I will end if I have any ability to do so.”

“I have earned their respect and that right by standing up for them.”

“LGBTQ+ voters deserve a representative who understands their lives and will defend their freedom, safety, healthcare, and equal treatment. As the first transgender woman in Georgia history to win a primary, I will bring both lived experience and determined advocacy to the State Capitol.”

“One of my top priorities is creating more safe and inclusive areas for the LGBTQ folks to easily meet new people and find support. I WILL fight loudly and work tirelessly to be an active advocate for them.”

“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender voters should support my candidacy because I believe every person deserves fairness, equal opportunity, and justice. I will continue to advocate for policies that will protect all Georgians.”

“[LGBTQ voters should support] me because I truly believe in representing every person in my district, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“I support LGBTQIA+ Georgians because I believe every single one of us deserves the same dignity, the same rights, and the same shot at a good life — no exceptions. That’s why I sponsored the Equal Rights Amendment two sessions running, and why I’ll keep pushing until equality is written into our constitution, not just promised in a speech. Everyone’s voices, values, and votes matter — that includes yours.”

“My candidacy should be supported by ALL because I truly believe in equality across all demographics. Every human has a voice, a story to tell, and I believe in authenticity, hearing these stories, building rapport and making a difference for all – black, white, green blue, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, fat, disabled, short, tall, etc.”

“I believe that all people have the full right to bodily autonomy, and that queer and trans people deserve to live their lives safely and comfortably as their full selves. In office, I will prioritize not only preventing harmful anti-LGBTQ bills such as book bans, attacks on trans children in schools and sports, and more, but also standing up proactively to expand LGBTQ rights in the state. I introduced a Georgia Medicare for All bill that includes trans people as well as gender-affirming care. We need leadership who will organize our communities to engage and fight for LGTBQ rights. We need to empower our communities and be there talking to the people all the time, which is what I have down after hosting 6 town halls and nearly a dozen meet and greets since being elected. I intend to be an organizer in office because that is what we need to win this fight – the power of the people.”

“As a clinical social worker, I understand the unfair treatment, lack of support, and stigma that many LGBTQ individuals face. I know how that contributes to increased risk for mental illness, suicidality, and substance misuse. I have helped many LGBTQ clients navigate this reality and I, unlike my opponent, have spent my professional life advocating for them in their families.”

“As a Black man, I’ve experienced what it feels like to be judged before being known and to see how easily fear and misinformation can be used to divide communities. While I would never claim that my experiences are the same as those of LGBTQ+ Georgians, they have given me a deep appreciation for the harm that occurs when any group is singled out, marginalized, or denied equal treatment. History has shown that when we allow the rights of one community to be diminished, it weakens the rights and freedoms of all of us.

If elected, I will be a representative for everyone in House District 46. I will stand against discrimination, oppose efforts to strip away fundamental rights, and work to build a Georgia where every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, is treated with dignity, protected under the law, and given an equal opportunity to succeed.”

“Taking care of people is my life’s work, and the well-being and health of this community will always be my focus. This includes underrepresented members of my community that often don’t feel they have a voice in the legislature. I will continue to be a legislator who listens to the concerns of the LGBTQ community, and advocates tenaciously for the best interests of all those I represent and continue to report back on the progress we’ve made.”

“I always have and always will fight against extremist policies that could harm or exclude the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, I will continue to work towards broader civil rights protections for all Georgians, including the LGBTQ+ community.”

“I have always been a public and loud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community can always count on me to fight against hateful legislation and to continue to push for comprehensive civil rights legislation. I will never back down from a fight against discrimination.”

“Our campaign is proud to be a movement led by queer organizers to challenge the political status quo, one that all too often neglects the rights of our most vulnerable in favor of acquiescing to the establishment. Because our movement is led by queer people, we have the opportunity to elevate queer perspectives on issues that disproportionately affect LGBTQAI+ individuals such as healthcare access, affordable housing, homelessness, and public education.

The LGBTQAI+ community needs progressive representation in the Georgia Statehouse championing issues that matter to our community. At a time in which the rights of Transgender individuals are under attack, we cannot allow lax leadership in the Georgia State House. As a member of the queer community, I will fight against legislation that seeks to target vulnerable members of our ranks.”

“Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama– the heart of the Civil Rights Movement– I learned that equality and opportunity must be protected for everyone. My education at Bennington College, Sarah Lawrence College, and Harvard University straightened that commitment. If re-elected, I will continue fighting for anti-discrimination protections, public education, reproductive rights, economic opportunity, and the dignity and respect of every resident of District 65.”

“I have never wavered in my belief that all people deserve to have their lived experiences validated and their rights as humans preserved and protected. I am not new to being an ally of the LGBTQ community. My work as a maternal health advocate has always been inclusive and respectful of all people. I will not dictate to you what the needs of the LGBTQ community are. My role as a legislator is to listen to you, give you the opportunity to shape policy, have your voices heard in the State House, and stand with you during times of joy and difficulty. I am accessible, transparent, and honest. Having lived and worked as an advocate in Massachusetts for eight years, I understand how to build diverse, progressive coalitions and write policy that will preserve your rights.”

“I would hope that anyone, no matter how they identify, would know that I am a supporter of their freedom. I don’t mind telling the white, male Republicans in the House chamber that they are wrong. If I can be a shield or stepping stone for someone who needs it, I will be. I believe that one of the reasons I am serving is to help protect the rights of the LGBTQ+community.”

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“As the Georgia State Director of HRC, I rebuilt the organizations infrastructure to be a valuable partner in defeating 37 anti-LGBT+ bills, flipping state legislative seats for proequality candidates and working with partners, like Georgia Equality, to completely flip the narrative on attacks upon transgender equality. If elected, I would be the first openly LGBTQ+ person to represent the most LGBTQ+ per capita district and the first nonbinary trans person elected to a State legislature in the South.”

“I support this community. I do not judge individuals and as a Christian, I love all of God’s children. I will advocate for every constituent regardless of the sexual identity.”

“[LGBTQ voters should support] Because for the last 16 years I have consistently supported this community in public as a legislator and in private and will continue to do so. My record and my words support such.”

“I will fight for the rights of all not just the few!”

“I will always stand for the rights of LGBTQIA+ Georgians, and I am prepared to be vocal in demanding that my colleagues do the same. We are starting to see an alarming pattern: Democratic leaders throwing trans kids under the bus and claiming that being pro-equality is a losing position.

I firmly reject this notion and will never compromise my commitment to protecting the rights of all Georgians. I have close friends who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and nonbinary, and one reason I am in this work is to protect their rights and their futures. Ultimately, I believe LGBTQIA+ voters should support my candidacy because I have a strong track record of advocating for equality and because I am the only candidate in this race who will unequivocally stand for the rights of trans and nonbinary Georgians.”

“The foundation of my campaign is ensuring access, opportunity, respect, and representation for all people, regardless of background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics. Diversity strengthens our community and our state, and Georgians deserve leaders who will actively fight for their rights. For our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender friends and neighbors, I am committed to listening, advocating, and advancing policies that protect LGBTQIA+ individuals and ensure they can live safely, openly, and with dignity—both in my district and across Georgia.”

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“I would vote against any measures to restrict access to healthcare for trans people, or laws designed to make it difficult to access public spaces. I would be in favor of a law adding gender and sexuality to any nondiscrimination statutes in GA.”

“I will fight for LGBTQ rights as everyone in our society should be treated with dignity and respect.”

“As the first openly gay man elected to the Georgia State Legislature, I will continue to fight to ensure the LGBTQ community has a seat at the table in the State of Georgia where we have the power to invest in and protect our communities.”

“LGBTQ+ voters should support my candidacy because I will use my elected office to protect them. I will vote against discriminatory bills, I will treat them, like all my constituents, with dignity and respect, and I will make space for LGBTQ+ people on my team at all times. My campaign manager is a lesbian woman who will go on to be my Chief of Staff should I be elected. The LGBTQ+ community will have a voice through my office. Additionally, as a healthcare provider, I know how critical it is for trans people in particular to have access to the healthcare that they need, and I will be an advocate for that in the state legislature.”

“I am committed to representing everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect, always working to protect equal opportunity & fighting against discrimination to make sure that everyone has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.”

“I recognize that the LGBTQ+ community is not a monolith and likely have varying opinions on policies based on their race, sex, religion, social class, etc. As a general rule, I would say to vote for me because I am going to fight any laws that discriminate against any Georgian, including the LGBTQ community. I would never support a bill that prevents access to gender-affirming care or participation in sports. I would support bills that expand resources and protect the individual’s privacy, especially when it comes to our LGBTQ youth. Additionally, as a content creator, I can educate the public on anti-LGBTQ bills and use my platform to loudly oppose them.”

“I’m dedicated to ensuring that rights are guaranteed to everyone. Everyone deserves respect and dignity.”

“I believe in equality for everyone. Sexual preference is not something that I look at when making decisions that affect my constituents. Every person should and will be treated equally on my watch.”

“LGBTQ voters should support my candidacy because I focus on the issues that affect people’s daily lives and I follow through. I have worked to address gaps in healthcare and to improve how our courts and jail system operate. I am also committed to protecting voters, supporting poll workers, and ensuring access to the ballot so every voice is heard. I will continue working to make sure LGBTQ residents are treated fairly and have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.”

“I have supported LGBTQ candidates in the past, supported by LGBTQ organizations, and my opponent likes to use events like me attending Trans Visibility Day against me during the campaign.”

“I am a passionate advocate, ally, and accomplice to the LGBTQ (AI+) community. I worked from February of 1998 – March of 1999 at Jerusalem House as a case manager and thereafter as a manager. I managed residential living for families with HIV positive caregivers and provided case management, intervention plans, therapy, and training. I also served on the Board of Jerusalem House. Further, I am an active supporter of HOPWA (Housing Opportunity for People with AIDS) and will make certain that funding is stewarded and distributed. I am a subject-matter expert on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging and have led over 100 organizations in their journey. It has been critically important to me in my body of work to unpack heterosexism, homophobia, and transphobia and ensure that an LGBTQ (AI+) inclusive agenda was carried forward. Top of mind for me Day 1 will be ensuring that the aspirations, strivings, and priorities of the LGBTQ (AI+) community are actualized.”

“I will support full LGBTQ equality and will turn that commitment into enforceable protections, affirming county services (including healthcare services), safer facilities, accurate hate-crime reporting, and meaningful LGBTQ representation in government.”

“LGBTQ+ residents deserve the same respect, safety, and opportunities as everyone else in Fulton County. I am committed to making sure everyone is treated fairly and has access to the services they need, including quality healthcare and mental health support. I will continue listening to the community, working with local organizations, and making sure everyone has a voice and feels included.”

“I’ve been a long-time supporter of LGBTQ rights, not only in words but in action. When the leadership of Cobb County takes an action to marginalize our students, I have consistently been there standing beside our students and teachers and galvanizing support to resist them. The entirety of my platform as a board member is centered around making sure that our classrooms are welcoming environments where all of our students can thrive. This mission also guides my heavy involvement in PTA in which I can do work locally within our schools to create inclusive classroom environments.”

Quote coming soon.