Advancing Fairness, Safety, and Opportunity for LGBTQ+ Georgians

“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.

“Every eligible Georgia voter deserves to have their vote counted and their voice heard regardless of who they love or how they identify. As Secretary of State, my job is to protect that right. The LGBTQ community has too often been on the receiving end of federal and statewide efforts to limit rights, restrict freedoms, and silence voices. It’s unacceptable.”

“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 legisative 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. “

“As a triple minority-my father is Iranian, my mother is Venezuelan, and I am a woman-I understand the pressures and discrimination that individuals and communities face based on their identity. Also, both of my communities of origin have been made targets, as has the LGBTQIA+ community, under this current federal administration. I understand the fear and frustration. As the only attorney in this race, I am uniquely equipped to use the power of the law to protect our communities and to fight against the regressive policies and aggressive tactics that are being deployed against us.”

“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.”

“From my days on the Atlanta City Council, I have been a strong believer in the inherent worth of all people and the value of diversity in making our society better and our communities stronger. I supported efforts to include sexual orientation in non-discrimination policies. I supported domestic partnership benefits for LGBQ couples and have continued to support marriage equality. I have supported efforts to improve the health and well-being of County residents through funding for the Fulton County Board of Health and Grady Health Systems. In my role as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of Fulton County, I serve as the Chief Elected Official responsible for Part A of Atlanta’s Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, which serves Persons Living with HIV in a 20-county area, and I appoint the members of the Metropolitan Atlanta HIV Health Services Planning Council. Throughout my political career, I have always supported the LGBQ community and will work to ensure that the LGBQ community has a place at the table in county policy decisions by continuing to have persons from the LGBQ community serve on boards and commissions that have a direct impact on this community.”

“Georgia Equality is proud to again endorse Commissioner Lee Morris for Fulton County Commission. Four years ago, we supported his candidacy because of his clear commitment to equality and inclusion, and he has delivered on that promise. His leadership in advancing Fulton County’s 2022 non-discrimination ordinances—ensuring protections based on sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression—demonstrates a strong and consistent record of standing with the LGBTQ community. We are confident he will continue to be a champion for fairness and equal protection for all.”

“LGBT voters should support my candidacy because I believe public service is about making. sure every person is seen, respected, and protected. My commitment to LGBTQ equality is long standing, shaped by my family’s work in public health and strengthened through years of partnership with organizations that serve LGBT youth, seniors, and families. As County Commissioner, I will focus on practical solutions that make life safer and more equitable. That means strengthening protections in housing, healthcare, and employment, ensuring culturally competent county services, and standing firmly against discrimination in any form. At its core, this campaign is about building a county where everyone can thrive. LGBTQ residents deserve leaders who show up, listen, and act with integrity. That is the kind of leadership I am committed to offering.”